How to Take the Bar Exam

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  • You've graduated from law, but have one more hurdle to pass before you can practice as a lawyer. You need to successfully pass the bar exam. This guide to how to take the bar exam will show you what you need to do.

  • Introduction

    • Nationally, about two-thirds of test takers pass the bar exam annually, although individual state pass rates range from a low of 35 percent to a high of 95 percent.National Council of Bar Examiners:Bar Admission 2007 Statistics The exam covers both multi-state and state-specific topics and requires additional test preparation beyond what was taught in law school. The bar exam tests your ability to identify legal issues and apply the law to those issues, rather than just testing your knowledge of legal facts.

  • About the Bar Exam

    • The bar exam asks questions that requires you to apply your knowledge of the law to factual scenarios, highlighting legal issues and possible approaches. Although the exam is given twice a year, in February and July, most aspiring lawyers take the test the July after they graduate from law school.
    1. Each state has a different application deadline to register for the exam.Northwestern Law: Bar Exam FAQ
    2. The bar exam is generally administered over two or three days.Northwestern Law: Bar Exam FAQ
    3. The exam contains a section on the specific laws of the state in which it is administered as well as the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).Northwestern Law: Bar Exam FAQ
    4. Depending on the jurisdiction the bar exam may also include the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and/or the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) as well as the MBE.National Council of Bar Examiners:Multistate tests
    5. You can determine your state's specific requirements by contacting the bar association in your state.National Council of Bar Examiners:Bar Admission Offices

  • Step 1: Take the Bar Exam in the State You'll Practice In

    • In order to practice law in a state, you need to be admitted to practice before that state's bar. To do this, you need to have passed the bar exam in that state. If you already have a job offer, the decision has been made for you. If not, think carefully about where you would like to practice before beginning your preparation.

  • Step 2: Prepare for the Bar Exam

    • The bar exam integrates various topics that you've studied during law school, combining multiple legal issues in one question. The tests will be different than the exams you took during law school, so a formal period of preparation for the exam is essential.
    1. Register for the exam on the state's web site. You may be able to do this as much as six months in advance.
    2. Reserve a hotel near the test site. The exam will last two to three days.
    3. Sign up for and take a bar review prep course. If you have a job lined up, your firm may recommend a specific class, and will probably pay for the course.
    4. Read over your notes and preparation materials frequently. Repetition helps reinforce what you're studying.
    5. Take practice exams under practice conditions, setting aside 3 hours of uninterrupted time for each session.
    6. Plan on at least two months of preparation before sitting for the exam. The Program Director of the Bar None Review recommends five months of preparation, in order to have the time to really learn and develop a successful study plan.Bar Exam Guru’s Weblog: California Bar Exam Tips...
    7. Don't cram the night before the exam; get a good night's rest.
    8. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test.

  • Preparing for the MBE

    The Multistate Bar Examination is used in almost every jurisdiction. It consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering torts, contracts, property, criminal law and procedure, constitutional law and evidence. Before you begin studying, do several practice tests. This will allow you to identify areas in which you are comfortable, and areas that need reinforcement. Focus your study time on areas in which you are weak, by reviewing texts and outlines. You may also want to make flashcards with questions that you got wrong.

  • Step 3: Tips for How to Take the Bar Exam

    • The are some things you can do on exam day to ensure that all the preparation you've put in pays off.
    1. Make sure to follow instructions.
    2. Read the call of the hypothetical before reading the question.
    3. Read and re-read the question before beginning to formulate your answer.
    4. Outline the answer before beginning to write.
    5. Write neatly, using headings and subheadings and underlining key words or phrases.
    6. Use all facts given, but do not assume facts not included in the question.
    7. Include a counter-analysis in your answer.
    8. Budget your time during the test.

  • Conclusion

    • The bar exam is the last major hurdle you need to pass on your way to practicing as an attorney. Taking the time to prepare thoroughly and using effective test taking strategies can help ensure that you pass the test the first time.

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