If you are currently a law student in Utah, or have just graduated from law school recently, you probably have your sights set on the bar exam that is looming ahead in your future. All those who wish to practice law in the state of Utah must first pass the Utah bar exam, and it is considered by many to be the last major hurdle on the road to becoming an attorney. The bar exam certainly has a reputation, and not a very nice one. Many have found the test (or more accurately, the string of tests) to be nothing less than grueling. However, the Utah bar exam does not need to be that hard, and if you approach it in the right way you can almost guarantee a passing score. This guide on how to pass the bar exam in Utah is intended to show you exactly how to do that, so that you may go on to enjoy your career in law.

First, we will go over the various requirements for admission to the Utah State Bar, and take a look at what you can expect on the bar exam. Next, we will discuss review strategies that are designed to maximize your chances of success. Finally, an overview of the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination will be given.

Those seeking admission to the Utah State Bar by examination (meaning anyone taking the Utah Bar exam in order to practice as an attorney in the state must meet several requirements. First of all, you must be at least 21 years of age. Also, you must file your application on time (October 1 for the February exam and March 1 for the July Exam), along with the filing fee of 450 dollars for student applicants and 625 dollars for attorneys. Late applications will be accepted until November 1 for the February exam and April 1 for the July exam, but a late fee of 100 to 300 dollars will apply.

In addition, applicants must have graduated from an approved law school with a juris doctor degree. They must also be able to demonstrate acceptable moral character and fitness to practice law, and must earn a passing score on both the bar exam and the Multistate Responsibility Exam (more on the MPRE in step 3).http://www.utahbar.org/admissions/admissions_faq.html#FAQ3b

The bar exam itself is given over two days. On the first day, essay questions are given (these may be taken from the Multistate Essay Exam and/or be prepared in Utah). On this day, the Multistate Performance Test (MPE) will also be given. The MPE consists of 2, 90-minute written problems. On the second day of the bar exam, the Multistate Bar Exam will be given. This exam contains 200 multiple choice questions.http://www.utahbar.org/admissions/admissions_faq.html#FAQ7b

Because there is a good deal of information that will be covered on the Utah bar exam and you will need to be able to prove that you are able to function as an attorney (particularly on the essay questions), bar exam preparation should begin 3 to 4 months before your test date. At this point, you should enroll in a bar review course if you plan to take one, and write or type out a study schedule that you will need to adhere to in the coming months.http://academic.udayton.edu/legaled/barpass/General/advice01.htm

When you study, you should only take on a single subject at a time. Read over your materials, and write out an outline along with notes that highlight key points. Test yourself on the subject, and once you feel proficient then you may move on the the next one. You may wish to use a voice recorder so that you may record your thoughts as you go and then play them back.

It is advisable to take the month before the bar exam off from work, and devote this time to full time studying. At this point, you should be hitting the books for 8 hours a day most days of the week, and take practice tests or answer sample questions each day.http://academic.udayton.edu/legaled/barpass/General/advice03.htmYou can find questions and answers from past exams on the National Conference of Bar Examiners website, www.ncbex.org.

As mentioned earlier, the Utah State Bar requires all potential attorneys to take and successfully pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (commonly called the MPRE for short) in addition to passing the Utah bar exam. This requirement must be met within two years of taking the bar exam, and you are responsible for making sure that your score is reported.http://www.utcourts.gov/resources/rules/ucja/ch14/07%20Admissions/USB14-713.html

The MPRE is a 2 hour and 5 minute test that consists of 60 multiple choice questions. The test is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of moral conduct and ethics that are expected of practicing attorneys, and covers behaviors that may result in possible disciplinary action.

You may register online to take the MPRE by visiting the website of Act., inc. Act, Inc. is a test proctoring organization that administers the MPRE on behalf of the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The MPRE is offered three times each year, during March, August and November. For complete details on the MPRE, visit the NCBE website at www.ncbex.org/.http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mpre/guidelines/dates/