Bar Exam Support & Resources

__ Research Bar Exam Information from State Bar Website

__ Review application & fees

__ Calendar important deadlines

__ Take and pass the MPRE

__ Gather required application documentation

__ Fill out a petition to graduate form with the Registrar’s Office

__ Submit your application to the state bar

The MPRE tests your knowledge of the ethics rules regarding the practice of law. According to the NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examainers), the purpose of the MPRE is to “measure examinees’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers.”

• When should I take the MPRE?
  • Most students take the MPRE during their 2L summer or 3L year, ideally after they have completed an Ethics course. While the MPRE can be taken after graduation/the bar exam, swearing-in to the bar may be delayed.
• What if I don’t pass the first time?
  • You can retake the MPRE exam an unlimited number of times.
• What if I want to be CLS but can’t take ethics, does the MRPE qualify?
  • In Oregon, to be eligible to work as a CLS, students are required to have completed 2/3 of the credits required to graduate, to have passed Evidence, and to have passed either an Ethics class or the MPRE. However, as stated above, taking the MPRE after passing an Ethics class is recommended.

• MPRE registration information
• MPRE Key Words and Phrases
• MPRE Subject Matter Outline
• MPRE Sample Test Questions

Review Courses:

• Barbri
• Kaplan
• Mometrix
• Themis

According to the NCBE (National Conference of Bar Examainers “The UBE is designed to test knowledge and skills that every lawyer should be able to demonstrate prior to becoming licensed to practice law. It results in a portable score that can be used to apply for admission in other UBE jurisdictions.”

• Understanding the Uniform Bar Examination The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) offers a helpful overview of the UBE that outlines its three component parts, along with information about the transfer of UBE scores to different jurisdictions

• Ameribar
• Barbri
  • Along with the formal bar preparation program, Barbri offers webinars that cover a variety of bar exam topics, including exam format and admissions. Students can access it online here, https://www.barbri.com/events-webinars/.
• Bar Prep Hero
• Crushendo
• Helix
• Kaplan
• Reed
• Themis

Many successful attorneys do not pass the bar examination on their first attempt. While no one wants to receive the news that they did not pass, some of our most successful graduates have faced and overcome this challenge, as have other brilliant lawyers like Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Justice Benjamin Cardozo, Pete Wilson (former Governor of California and U.S. Senator), and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

We are here to support you as you process the results and evaluate your options. Here are some key steps to take if you learn that you did not pass the bar exam:

1. While needing to retake the exam is a common experience, many graduates experience feelings of shame and isolation when they receive this news. A key to success for retaking the exam is to process the feelings of disappointment from your last attempt and learn to refocus on the next steps to licensure. The Oregon Attorney Assistance program, staffed entirely by attorney-counselors who are familiar with the exam, is experienced in working with graduates in this circumstance. We encourage you to reach out to them at 503-226-1057. Remember, the current bar exam is an imperfect measure of a narrow range of skills across a wide range of subjects; it does not measure intellect nor can it define the kind of lawyer you will be.
2. Reach out to your law school advisors, faculty, and staff. We want to support you in any way possible and can help you develop a plan of action. We routinely meet one-on-one with repeat test-takers to review scores, plan for the next exam, and identify resources. If you are unsure who to connect with, email Associate Dean of Student Affairs Libby Davis or Professor Sandy Patrick.
3. Write to your state’s Board of Bar Examiners and ask for your answers on the written portion. Reviewing your answers can help us craft strategies both for studying and retaking the exam. The window for requesting your answers is often short, so take this step as soon as possible.
4. If you used a commercial bar preparation program, you may be eligible for a free or reduced price repeat program. Contact your bar preparation program as soon as possible to see if this option is available.
5. If you are taking the Oregon Bar Exam, you may be eligible to participate in the Oregon State Bar ReBar program, which provides resources to repeat test takers. We encourage you to learn more about this program.
6. The Oregon State Bar is currently in the process of implementing an alternative pathway to licensure for graduates. You may wish to explore the Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination program when it becomes available.