If you are like most soon-to-be attorneys in the state of New Mexico, you are probably at least a little bit anxious about tackling the New Mexico bar exam. Few who take this comprehensive test will tell you that it was easy, and for good reason--the bar exam will challenge your knowledge of both state and federal law, as well as test your abilities to think logically, analyze information, problem-solve, and express yourself in written words.

If you are nervous about taking this notorious test, however, you need not worry too much. The vast majority of those who take the bar exam in New Mexico pass it their first time around. It takes some advance planning and an effective study strategy to succeed, but if you made it through law school, chances are that you can get through this, too. This page is dedicated to teaching you how to pass the New Mexico Bar Exam, so that you can go on to enjoy a fulfilling career in law.

Below you will find basic info about the exam (including dates and test content), as well as studying strategies designed to help you do your best. You will also find information about New Mexico's MPRE requirement.

You can take the bar exam in New Mexico during one of two testing sessions each year. The first session is in February, while the second testing session takes place in July. The bar exam is always offered during the final Tuesday and Wednesday of the month. In order to file on time for the February exam, you must submit your application on or before the date of September 10. You may file by October 10 if you are wiling to pay a $100 late fee, by November 9 for an additional $100, or by December 9 if you pay an added $150 late fee. For the July bar exam, your application must be submitted by January 11 to be considered timely. Applications submitted by February 10 are subject to a $100 late fee, with an added $100 fee for applications received by March 12 and another $150 for applications filed by April 12.http://www.nmexam.org/exam_date.html

The bar exam in New Mexico consists of several parts. Test-takers will be asked a series of 6 essay questions, two questions from the Multistate Performance Test (also known as the MPT), and complete Multistate Bar Exam (MBE). The MBE is a multiple choice test.http://www.newmexicobarexam.com/

Four months or so before your scheduled bar exam is when it is time to get all of your logistical matters taken care of, so that you may begin to devote your time to studying without having to worry about planning. This is when you should confirm your transportation and lodging reservations, request time off of work, enroll in a study course if necessary and write out your study schedule for the months ahead. Keep in mind that it is a good idea to request the entire month before your bar exam off from work, or at least a couple of weeks if a month is not a possibility. You will want to study full time during this period, for 8 hours per day, 6 days per week.http://academic.udayton.edu/legaled/barpass/General/advice01.htm

Study a single bar exam subject at a time, until you have a full grasp of the concepts. Begin with your shakiest areas. Make an outline of each subject, asking questions (your law professors may be of help here) and jotting down plenty of notes as you go. Work on your grammar, spelling and overall writing skills for the essay questions. Get hold of practice exams (which are available at the National Conference of Bar Examiners website, www.ncbex.org), and take them every day.http://academic.udayton.edu/legaled/barpass/General/advice03.htm

In order to join the State Bar of New Mexico (and thus be permitted to practice law in the state), you will need to take and pass your Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (called the MPRE) with a scaled score of 75 or higher. The MPRE is administered separately from the state bar exam, so you will need to make your own arrangements to take it. The exam is administered 3 times per year, on March 6, August 6 and November 6. If you subscribe to a religion that does not allow these types of activities on a Saturday, tests that fall on this day may also be taken on the following Sunday. You may request an application packet by calling (319) 337-1287, or check with your law school to see if any are available.http://www.nmexam.org/mpre.html

The MPRE is specifically designed to evaluate your knowledge of proper conduct befitting of all practicing attorneys in the United States. You will be tested on moral and ethical issues, as well as on disciplinary actions that may be taken against attorneys who do not follow protocol.http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mpre/mpre-faqs/general/