This page is for those who want to learn how to pass the Bar Exam in Michigan. This exam is the gateway to a career as an attorney in Michigan, and it can be tough for many people. However, if you begin your studying early and prepare a solid study strategy, you can maximize your odds of passing.

If you wish to practice law in the state of Michigan, you will most likely need to pass the Michigan Bar Exam. The only exception to this is for those who are already practicing law in other states. This people may be admitted to the State Bar of Michigan without taking an examination, so long as certain requirements are met. Those who are just finishing law school and have never practiced as lawyers, however, will need to take the bar exam before admittance will be permitted. http://www.michbar.org/professional/barexam.cfm

The Michigan Bar Exam is offered on the last consecutive Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July in East Lansing, Michigan. The essay portion of the bar exam is worth 150 points, while the Multistate Bar is worth 200. In order to successfully pass the bar exam, you must earn a combined score of 135 points. However, you cannot pass based only on your MBE score.http://www.michbar.org/professional/step5.cfm

Before you may begin thinking about taking the Michigan State Bar Exam, you must fulfill certain eligibility requirements. Here is what you need in order to be admitted to take the exam:http://www.michbar.org/professional/step1.cfm

1. You must be over the age of 18 years.
2. You must demonstrate that you have good moral character.
3. You must have taken and passed 60 undergraduate semester credits or 90 quarter credits from an accredited university, college or community college.
4. You must have earned a JD degree from a law school that has been approved by the American Bar Association. If your law school has not been approved, you may still seek approval from the Board of Law Examiners.
5. You must take the Multistate Processional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and pass with a score of 85 or higher. This test is a product of the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and is given three times each year at select locations across the United States.
6. You must submit your application for the bar exam before the deadline, and all information provided on your application form must be accurate and current.

The Michigan Bar Exam is administered over the course of two days, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, 15 essay questions are administered. The morning testing session lasts for 3 hours, and the afternoon session lasts for 2 hours. There is a lunch break in between the morning and afternoon sessions. On the first day of testing, you can expect to answer questions in these subjects: Real and Personal Property, Constitutional Law, Torts, Domestic Relations, Wills and Trusts, Evidence, Contracts, Worker’s Compensation, Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, Corporations, [[Equity], Criminal Law and Procedure and more.http://www.michbar.org/professional/step5.cfm

On Wednesday, the Multistate Bar Exam is given. If you have previously taken this test (and passed with an acceptable score) in another jurisdiction, you may be able to transfer your score and opt out of this day. If you have never taken it before, however, it is a requirement. This exam was developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and is made up of 200 multiple choice questions. It is administered over the course of 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, after lunch. Both the essay exam and the Multistate Bar Exam are taken into consideration for final bar exam scoring. http://www.michbar.org/professional/step5.cfm

Studying for the bar exam is a time-intensive process, but it is necessary if you want to pass. Generally, it is advised that you take a month to a month and a half off of work and other activities before your exam date. This is because you will need to study full time, for at least 8 hours per day, 6 days per week in order to properly prepare yourself for this rigorous examination. Plan a study schedule a few months before your exam, and be sure to stick with it. Here are some tips to help maximize your chances of success:http://academic.udayton.edu/legaled/barpass/General/advice03.htm

1. Review all subjects covered on the bar exam, and highlight any that you have not yet studied at all or feel a bit shaky with.
2. Set up a study area that is comfortable enough to spend long hours in, and that is well-lit with ample space for all of your study materials. Your space should be as free from noises and outside distractions as possible.
3. Work on your grammar and spelling skills to boost your performance on the essay portion of the bar exam.
4. Take practice tests every day during the final weeks of your studying, to become familiar with the format.