EXAMS WE PREPARE YOU FOR
CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM
The California Bar Exam is a two-day examination consisting of five essay questions, one 90-minute Performance Test (PT), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).
The written portion is generally administered on Day 1. The morning session consists of three one-hour essay questions, while the afternoon session consists of two one-hour essay questions and one 90-minute Performance Test.
Subjects that may be tested on the California written examination include Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Community Property, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Professional Responsibility, Real Property, Remedies, Torts, Trusts, and Wills and Succession.
California essays require more than simply stating rules. You are expected to identify the relevant issues, distinguish material from immaterial facts, explain the applicable legal principles, and fully analyze how those rules apply to the facts. Unless a question specifically asks you to apply California law, the California Bar instructs applicants to answer according to generally applicable legal principles.
The Performance Test is different from a traditional essay. You are provided with a File containing the relevant facts and task instructions and a Library containing the legal authorities you need. You must use those materials to complete a practical legal assignment within 90 minutes. The PT therefore tests skills such as organization, legal analysis, following directions, time management, and producing a responsive written work product.
On Day 2, you will complete the 200-question MBE, which tests Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
The written portion and MBE are each weighted 50% in determining your overall California Bar Exam score. A total scaled score of 1390 or higher is currently required to pass.
We can help you prepare by focusing on the CALIFORNIA-SPECIFIC rules and distinctions you need to know, while also helping you develop a strong approach to California essays, Performance Tests, and the MBE. We work with you on issue spotting, organization, rule statements, factual analysis, timing, and learning how to write the type of complete, well-organized answer California graders are looking for.
