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• Intro

Bar Exam

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Bar Exam

To obtain a license to practice law, almost all law school graduates must apply for bar admission through a state board of bar examiners. Each state establishes the criteria for eligibility to take its bar exam or to otherwise qualify for admission to its bar. Licensing involves two areas: competence and character and fitness. Competence is generally established by meeting the proper educational requirements and by passing the bar exam. Character and fitness involves the review of background information on applicants that is relevant to the appropriateness of granting a professional license.

The Bar exam is generally offered in February and July. The exam format, application fees and deadlines vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Generally the exam consists of one day of state essay questions and one day of Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) multiple-choice questions. Many states also include the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Law students should contact the board of bar examiners in the jurisdiction(s) in which they are most likely to practice to obtain specific information about the exam format, fees, deadlines and applications.

MPRE

In addition, almost all jurisdictions require that the applicant present an acceptable score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). This exam is separately administered three times per year, in March, August and November. Most students will sit for this exam upon completing a course in Professional Responsibility. Each jurisdiction establishes their own passing score and requirements for accepting scores from other jurisdictions and therefore students should check with the board of bar examiners in the state in which they intend to practice. Registration packets for the MPRE are available in the Career Services Office and students may also register on-line

Law Student Registration

Most bar application deadlines will occur during your final year of law school. Deadlines vary so students should check with the board of bar examiners in the state in which they intend to practice. Some jurisdictions, including Missouri, offer or require law student registrations at an earlier point in law school. The purpose of early registration is to identify problems that might otherwise delay or adversely affect the ability to obtain a law license. Students should determine the requirements of the jurisdiction(s) in which they intend to practice. Students who fail to timely register are permitted to take the bar exam in most cases but may be assessed additional fees.

Preparation

Students should prepare early in their law school career for the bar exam by taking courses that will be tested. Information on subjects tested can be obtained from the boards of bar examiners and is also available in the BarBri Digest which can be obtained in the Career Services Office. Review courses are offered by BarBri, PMBR, Micromash,and AdaptiBar among others.