The bar exam is typically offered twice each year (February and July). The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) creates and administers the Uniform Bar Exam offered by most jurisdictions. From their site, you can find information about the bar exam, including subjects tested and question types, as well as information about each jurisdiction’s rules surrounding bar admissions.
Qualifications for Admission to the Bar
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
To apply to take a bar exam, you will need to visit your desired jurisdiction’s bar admissions page. Here are links to a few jurisdictions frequently sought by SIU law students:
At the end of the 3L year, ASP facilitates the Advanced Legal Analysis and Strategies (ALAS) course, taken in the final semester before graduation. This course helps prepare upcoming graduates for the rigors of bar study. The ALAS class focuses on one or more bar-tested topics to refresh the students’ skills in summarizing materials, retaining rule statements, and applying rules to fact patterns by way of MBE (multiple choice) and MEE (essay) questions. The class also provides MPT question guidance and practice.
Post-graduation Bar Exam Prep
While it is expected that graduates will use a commercial bar prep course to guide them in subject-matter review, the ASP Supplemental Bar Prep Program offers additional tutorials, workshops, writing practices with individualized feedback, and simulations. The ASP team also facilitates mentorships with faculty and alumni for additional support. The goal is to pass the exam on the FIRST TAKE!
Faculty Advisor
Name
Kelly Collinsworth
Title
Director of Bar Support and Associate Professor of Practice
