3L Bar Exam Tip: Know Your State Bar Admission Requirements

It is a good idea to decide as early as possible where you think you are going to take the bar exam.

If you are still job hunting in different states, this may not be possible for you, but many students at this point will know where they plan to sit for the bar exam (especially in huge states like California).

If you know where you are going to sit for the bar exam, look up your state’s admission requirements.

The National Conference of Bar Examiners has compiled a PDF with admission information for all jurisdictions available for download. Typically, states include multiple administrative requirements, such as filling out an application or moral character determination, as well as exam requirements, such as the bar exam and likely the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). You don’t want to be surprised by anything. Do your research and make sure you get everything done in a timely manner.

Also, you want to make sure you stick registration deadlines on your calendar.

You don’t want a silly timing mistake to hinder your bar admission! This includes registration dates for the bar exam as well as any other filing deadlines for applications. And track when the MPRE is offered so you can get that out of the way in plenty of time. (Note: There are exams on November 3, 2012, and April 6, 2013.)

Some students may be planning on taking the bar exam in more than one state.

If that is you, then it is even more important that you review the requirements, as you are going to have to manage the admissions process for multiple jurisdictions.

Your law school may or may not have workshops throughout the year to help you get your ducks in a row for your bar application. You should go to these talks! But regardless, it is your responsibility to get everything together. So take some time early in the semester (before things get too busy) to research your state’s admissions requirements. You will be glad you did when your bar admission process goes off without a hitch!

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Check out these other posts to help you get bar-ready!

• 3L Bar Exam Tip: Graduation Requirements and Bar Electives.
• Studying for the MPRE? Check out our review of BarMax MPRE.
• Check out our Bar Exam Tips all in one helpful place!

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