Bar Examination

Bar Exam

A bar examination is an examination, which determines whether a candidate is eligible to practice law in a given jurisdiction. In the United States, bar examinations are administered by agencies of individual states. This examination in most U.S. states is two days long. It is a standardized test consisting of several questions, which test Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code that is valid all over the United States and six subjects based upon principles of common law.

The examination covers numerous essay questions or multiple-choice questions and many legal topics, or a combination. A bar examination is a written examination, which an individual should pass in order to be qualified to practice law as an attorney. This examination intends to assess the actual lawyering skills. A fictional case is presented to the candidate and is asked to draft an opinion document, a motion or memorandum. This examination aims to protect its citizens by ensuring the competency and quality of lawyers passing and acquiring license to practice. Apart from passing a comprehensive and difficult test of legal knowledge, a bar candidate is also required to illustrate proof of graduation from an accredited law school. After satisfying these stringent requirements, candidates are allowed to practice law.

In the United States, bar examination occurs twice a year, usually in the last Wednesday in February and the last Wednesday in July. A bar examination is an examination with a prime interest of improving the standards of legal education.