Spring 2026 – Week Thirteen

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COMMUNITY REMINDERS

International Law Society (ILS) Executive Board Application – Apply by Sunday, April 12th

Flyer for Temple University's International Law Society E-board signup with a QR code, deadline April 12. Transcribed Text: Help Shape the Future of Global Justice Sign up now for E-Board Positions Deadline: April 12 Questions? Email us: lawils@temple.edu

We encourage you to apply and become a leader of the International Law Society (ILS) Executive Team for the academic year of 2026–2027! Every year, ILS offers substantive programming, career events, and social functions to foster a more connected community at Temple. The roles include: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Communications Officer, and Social Media Outreach. We especially encourage our 1L Ambassadors and students with international backgrounds or multilingual capabilities to apply, although no prior experience is necessary and anyone passionate and interested is welcome! Please apply here by the end of day on Sunday, April 12: https://forms.gle/abnzjqjwHYvUr1yN8

APALSA Executive Board Application – Apply by April 15th

APALSA’s 2026-27 Executive Board applications opened !! Join the team for a great way to build community, relationships and experiences. Deadline is April 15th at 11:59 PM. Link to form: https://forms.gle/9D4gvvC2VmbPSMbo6

Volunteer Witnesses needed for Final Trials – Sunday, April 26th

We are looking for volunteers to serve as witnesses for our LL.M. in Trial Advocacy final trials on Sunday, April 26 at the Stout Center for Criminal Justice.

These trials are the capstone experience for our LL.M. students, and having strong, prepared witnesses is a critical part of making the day run smoothly and realistically.

We’re looking for about 10 more volunteers. If you’re available for any portion of the day, please let me know your window of availability—we can assign you a witness role that aligns with your schedule and on-stand testimony time.

You can sign up here:
2026 LLM in Trial Advocacy Final Trials Volunteer Sign-Up – Fill out form

Temple 10-Q Student Editor Application – Apply by April 27th

Flyer for The Temple 10-Q Business Law Magazine, including content details, a QR code, and a call for applications. Transcribed Text: THE TEMPLE 10-Q BUSINESS LAW MAGAZINE ARE YOU INTERESTED IN: • Bankruptcy • Tax • Compliance • Intellectual Property • Corporate Governance • Much more JOIN THE TEMPLE 10-Q! ABOUT THE 10-Q The Temple 10-Q is the Temple University Beasley School of Law’s business law magazine! We feature regular contributions by alumni, students, and faculty on various aspects of their business law work. Now Accepting Applications!

The Temple 10-Q, Temple University Beasley School of Law’s business law magazine, is looking for Student Editors to join for the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

The 10-Q works with alumni and faculty to publish short-form articles covering developments in the business law world. All interested students should complete this short application. An info session will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Klein 1c.

TLR Intent to Participate Form – submit by May 8, 2026

The Write-On Intent to Participate Form for both TLR and TICLJ has been released and can be found at both this link and under the “Modules” section of the TLR Canvas page. As mentioned during the info sessions, this form is important because it allows law school administration to add you to ExamSoft for Write-On packet submissions. To be clear, completing the form does not require participation in the competition. If you are even considering writing on, we recommend that you fill out the form to be eligible to participate.

If you complete your Intent to Participate Form before May 8 at 5 pm, you will be able to upload your final Write-On submission at any point during the Competition. If you complete your Intent to Participate form between May 8 at 5 pm and May 22 at 5 pm, you will be able to upload your final submission starting on May 25. For ease of access, we recommend filling out the form before May 8. If you have not filled out the form before May 22, you will not be able to participate.

Feel free to reach out to Ben Gaver (writeoncoord@gmail.com or bgaver@temple.edu) with any further questions.

Important Short Summer Employment Survey – All Non-Graduating Students – Please Complete!

What are your summer 2026 plans? Working? Study Abroad? Still Searching? Let CSPD know by logging into the CPM and completing the 5-min Summer Job Survey (see these simple how-to instructions for more guidance). This will help CSPD to better serve you and future students with information like employment rates and will help you and future students to better connect via the CPM with classmates and alumni with similar experiences. As always, feel free to reach out to lcareer@temple.edu with any questions or schedule an appointment with a CSPD career counselor.

Environmental Justice Speaker Series

Flyer for the Temple University Environmental Justice Speaker Series with event details. Transcribed Text: Thanks to our Sponsors GT Greenberg Traurig Ballard Spahr Environmental Justice Temple Law Housing Justice Initiative National Lawyers Guild Temple University Beasley School of Law Environmental Justice Speaker Series Meeting the Moment Building a Resilient Environmental Movement WED. 3/18 KIA at 12pm Centering Justice in the Clean Energy Transition THURS. 4/2 KIC at 12pm Careers in Environmental Law MON. 4/6 KIA at 12pm Movement Lawyering: Where do Lawyers fit into Activism? THURS. 4/9 KIC at 12pm Inside the PFAS Litigation that Inspired “Dark Waters” with Robert Bilott FRI. 4/10 9am-1pm 1555 N 10th St Owls for Philly Rec Center Rejuvenation Sign up under “Owls for Philly” on TUPortal

Environmental Mentoring Program now accepting applications

The American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) is now accepting applications from interested law students for its Mentorship Program. ACOEL is a professional organization of distinguished environmental lawyers dedicated to maintaining and improving the ethical practice and development of environmental law. Membership is by invitation only, and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in the field of environmental law. Members of ACOEL have volunteered to act as mentors to law students interested in pursuing a career in environmental law. More information on the program and how to apply can be found at this link.

Please feel free to reach out to Professor Sinden with questions. Amy.Sinden@temple.edu.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thriving in Law: Career Choices, Culture, and Well-Being – Monday, April 13th

Event poster for Temple Law Spring 2026 Dean's Forum featuring a talk with Jami McKeon. Includes date, time, location, and speaker images. Transcribed Text: Temple University Beasley School of Law Invites You to: Thriving in Law: Career Choices, Culture, and Well-Being — A Conversation with Jami McKeon Spring 2026 Dean’s Forum Monday, April 13, 2026 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Shusterman Hall As Chair of Morgan Lewis, Jami McKeon has led the firm’s transformation into a global legal powerhouse while also transforming its culture to one that is collaborative, inclusive, and human-centered. She joins Interim Kean Family Dean Kristen E. Murray for a conversation about wellness in legal education and in the profession. Scan to Register Jami McKeon Chair Morgan Lewis Kristen E. Murray Interim Kean Family Dean Lunch will be served.

Join us for the Spring 2026 Dean’s Forum, Thriving in Law: Career Choices, Culture, and Well-Being — A Conversation with Jami McKeon on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM in Shusterman Hall.

As Chair of global law firm Morgan Lewis, Jami McKeon has led the firm’s transformation into a global legal powerhouse while also transforming its culture to one that is collaborative, inclusive, and human-centered. She joins Interim Kean Family Dean Kristen Murray for a conversation about wellness in legal education and in the profession.

Lunch will be served. Register here.

The Temple 10-Q Info Session – Tuesday, April 14th

Flyer promoting the Temple 10-Q Business Law Magazine info session on April 14 at 12 PM, with attendance options including in-person at Klein 1C or via Zoom. Transcribed Text: INFO SESSION THE TEMPLE 10-Q BUSINESS LAW MAGAZINE Are you interested in business law? The Temple 10-Q is the Temple University Beasley School of Law's business law magazine! Join our info session and learn more about the 10-Q on: TUESDAY, APRIL 14 @ 12 PM IN PERSON KLEIN 1C VIA ZOOM Lunch will be provided!

Are you interested in business law? Would you like the opportunity to network with alumni and develop important editing skills? Then you should consider joining The Temple 10-Q, Temple University Beasley School of Law’s business law magazine!

To learn more about the magazine and editorial process, join us on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in Klein 1C. Join via Zoom: https://temple.zoom.us/j/94606002788

Lunch will be provided.

TLR Write-On Training Sessions – Wednesday, April 15th and Sunday, April 19th

Flyer for Temple Law Review's Write-On Training Session with event details, a QR code, and a contact email. Transcribed Text: WRITE-ON TRAINING SESSION TEMPLE LAW REVIEW DAY STUDENTS WED. APRIL 15 12-1PM K1E LUNCH PROVIDED EVENING STUDENTS SUN. APRIL 19 6-7PM ZOOM Learn more about Write-On, including what to expect, competition rules, and tips to succeed! Scan for Link TEMPLE LAW REVIEW EST. 1927 QUESTIONS? REACH OUT TO WRITEONCOORD@GMAIL.COM

Please mark your calendars for the Temple Law Review Write-On Training Sessions!

Day Students – Please join Temple Law Review on Wednesday, April 15, at 12pm in K1E! We will be discussing the Write-On Competition, including details on the competition case note and citation worksheet, competition rules, and tips to succeed! Lunch will be provided, and the session will be recorded for those who can’t make it. We look forward to seeing you there!

Evening Students – Please join Temple Law Review on Sunday, April 19, at 6pm on Zoom! We will be discussing the Write-On Competition, including details on the competition case note and citation worksheet, competition rules, and tips to succeed! The session will be recorded for those who can’t make it. We look forward to seeing you there! Here is the Zoom link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/98602469400

Please contact Ben Gaver at writeoncoord@gmail.com with any questions.

APALSA Spring Potluck – Saturday, April 18th

Invitation for a spring potluck with illustrated food on a picnic table. Transcribed Text: YOU ARE INVITED apalasa Spring Potluck RSVP Link in bio DATE: Saturday, April 18 TIME: 6 PM ~ LOCATION: Shared with RSVP respondents

Happy Spring! APALSA is hosting our Spring Potluck on Saturday, April 18 at 6:00pm. Similar to our Friendsgiving, come for the food, the friends and the fun as the semester comes to an end before finals! Sign-up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NQw8oA6TtE8DIGX6ejpAx_CwmD7pq8Pf6v8qFwJTXuc/edit?usp=sharing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAMMING

Spring Semester Study Materials – Slides

Did you miss our session on Spring Semester Study Materials? You can find the slides here. Please email Sr. Director Walden at walden@temple.edu to access any session recordings.

Exam Strategies Refresher – Slides

Did you miss our session on Exam Strategies Refresher? Please email Sr. Director Walden at walden@temple.edu to access the slides and any session recordings.

Exam Prep: Structuring Your Answer with IRAC Help Desk – Rescheduled to April 14th & 15th

Have questions about organizing exam answers? Stop by the Help Desk on Tuesday, April 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for IRAC resources and guidance on what goes where (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion), how to draft strong rule statements, and how to integrate facts effectively. Get templates, tips, and clarity before exam season ramps up.

WRITING COMPETITIONS, CONTESTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND TOURNAMENTS

Scholarship Opportunities and Databank

Information on available scholarships, writing competitions, contests, and tournaments is posted here: Student Post Scholarship Page.  Students seeking additional financial support during law school can also access the AccessLex Scholarship Databank.

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines –  New opportunities; next deadline May 1st

If you haven’t checked out our Student Post Scholarship Page recently, below are some scholarships newly posted or with upcoming deadlines:

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND TA POSITIONS

iLIT Summer 2026 Research Assistant – Rolling Deadline; application closes May 8th

iLIT is now accepting applications from Temple students interested in serving as a Summer Research Assistant. ILIT is a collaborative research, policy, and advocacy hub dedicated to identifying and addressing the root causes of inequity in law, technology, and society.

Positions are available on both a full-time and part-time basis, depending on your availability. Federal Work Study applicants are preferred, though all interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will close on May 8, 2026. To apply, complete this Google Form

If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Xin (michellexin@temple.edu) and Victoria Alexis (victoria.alexis@temple.edu). We are also more than happy to speak with you about this opportunity – feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about iLIT or to schedule a quick chat.

Summer 2026 Research Assistant – Professor Margaret deGuzman

Professor Margaret deGuzman is seeking one or more research assistants for Summer 2026. The research will involve issues related to international criminal law and transitional justice. Current projects include an article analyzing the transitional justice process in Colombia, a book on the trial of former Chadian President Hissène Habré in the Extraordinary African Chambers in the Courts in Senegal, and a book chapter on the Future of International Criminal Law in a multi-polar world.

The hourly pay is $15/hour through work study, and the estimated work expectation is 10-15 hours/week during the semester and 40 hours/week during the summer. Hours, however, are flexible according to student and professor needs. Students can generally work remotely and on their own schedules. French and/or Spanish language skills are a bonus but not required.

Interested applicants should email the following to deguzman@temple.edu: resume, unofficial transcript, and writing sample. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting on March 1, 2026.

New CSPD Resource: Environmental Law Opportunities

The EECJ Fellowship has compiled a list of opportunities related to environmental law that may be helpful during the class registration process. This resource brings together information regarding practicums, summer internships, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and more. It is also located in the CPM Resource Library, filed under Areas of Practice > Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice Law. Be sure to check back periodically for new additions.

Please contact eecj@temple.edu or lcareer@temple.edu with any questions.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS REMINDERS AND EVENTS

TUSafe App – download today!

Temple University’s Department of Public Safety has a one-stop personal safety app that is available on your mobile device. Please visit the university’s Public Safety website for the new application.

Bike Temple: Register your Bicycle; Free U-locks

Students can register bicycles online using Campus Safety’s Bike Registration Form. Just complete and submit the online form, and then visit one of the Campus Safety locations.

Temple Campus Walking Escort Program

To request an escort, call: 8-WALK (8-9255) from a campus phone, or call: 215-777-9255 from a cell phone. Escort service is available daily from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. 

Temple Flight Program

Flight is Temple University’s nighttime fixed-route shuttle loop service. Flight-branded shuttles circulate throughout the areas within and surrounding the main campus patrol zone, and pick up and drop off students at each of its over 40 stops. Flight shuttles can be tracked in real time.

BAR EXAM & MPRE

Bar Exam Application Virtual Help Desks – Sunday Evenings through April 12th

As the application deadlines for the July 2026 bar exam approach, we will host a series of virtual helpdesks on Sunday evenings through mid-April. We encourage you to drop in should you have any questions or concerns as you prepare to complete and submit your bar application.

Students will be admitted into the Zoom room one at a time in the order they are logged in, and any student logged in at the end of the scheduled time will be seen. The Zoom link for these help desks can be found here: https://temple.zoom.us/j/98934142210

Mark your calendars for the following virtual help desks:

  • Sunday, February 15th from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, February 22nd from 8-9 PM (please note time change)
  • Sunday, March 1st from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, March 8th from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, March 15th from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, March 22nd from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, March 29th from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, April 5th from 7-9 PM
  • Sunday, April 12th from 7-9 PM

Webinar on Testing Accommodations for the MPRE and Bar Exam

If you were unable to attend our webinar and would like the recording, please contact Associate Director Urmson at nurmson@temple.edu.

Navigating the MPRE: What It Is and What You Need to Do

If you were unable to attend our event and would like the recording, please contact Associate Director Urmson at nurmson@temple.edu.

PA Disciplinary Board Resource Guide for Law Students

The Disciplinary Board has created a new resource guide which includes Rules Books, well-being, an introduction to the Disciplinary Board’s mission and functions, and more – tailored to the unique experiences and needs of law students. A PDF of the resource guide can be accessed online here.

Introducing “Esquire Bound” – Your Guide for Admission to Practice and Bar Success

We’re excited to share our Esquire Bound Series, a collection of short, on-demand videos designed to help you navigate the process of admission to practice and bar exam success.

You can explore all available videos here: Esquire Bound Series Playlist

The first three videos are now available:

You can access the slides via the link in the description below each video.

We will continue to add videos to the playlist in the coming days and weeks. Upcoming topics include:

  • Nonstandard Testing Accommodations
  • The Bar Application: Introduction to Character & Fitness
  • Bar Prep Timeline
  • Choosing a Bar Prep Course and Other Resources
  • Creating Your Bar Study Schedule (Full Time and Part Time)
  • Staying Well During Bar Prep

If you have questions about any of the topics covered—or suggestions for future videos—please share them through our Esquire Bound Series: Question Submission Form. We’ll also be creating an FAQ document to answer common questions submitted by students.

2026 MPRE Test Dates and Registration Deadlines

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination administered three times per year. It is required for admission to the bars in almost every jurisdiction in the United States. The 2026 test dates for the MPRE can be found below. Registration for all 2026 MPRE test dates are now open. The Test Fee is $185.

Test Administration Recommended Submission Date to Apply for Accommodations Registration Deadline
Fee: $185
March 24 or 25, 2026 November 20, 2025 January 22, 2026
August 11 or 12, 2026 April 23, 2026 June 11, 2026
November 12 or 13, 2026 July 30, 2026 September 17, 2026

For more information, or to register, please go to the MPRE Registration Information page of the NCBE website here: https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpre/registration/

Information on Free MPRE Review Courses

MPRE review courses are a great opportunity to get a sense of which commercial bar prep course might be best for you. Information on the MPRE prep courses for some of the most popular bar prep companies are linked below: BARBRI, Helix, Kaplan, Quimbee, Themis.

Bar Application Fees and Deadlines

The requirements, deadlines, and fees to apply to the bar can vary widely by state. You should check your jurisdiction’s requirements early and often. For basic information and links to each jurisdiction’s bar examiner website, go to https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions.

The bar application deadlines and fees for some local jurisdictions can be found below.

Pennsylvania

Application for Permission to Sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Examination and for
Character and Fitness Determination under Pa.B.A.R. 203/205
Application deadlines and filing fees for the bar exam. The following deadlines are POSTMARK deadlines.
Filing Deadline February Exam July Exam Applicant Fee
Timely October 30 March 31 $750.00
Late November 30 April 30 $1075.00
Final December 15 May 15 $1,400.00

If you wish to type the essay portion of your exam, you must enroll in Computer Based Testing (CBT), which has an additional fee. For more information, go to Pennsylvania Bar Exam Fees and Deadlines and Pennsylvania Bar Exam Computer Based Testing (CBT),

New Jersey

Bar Exam Application Deadlines
Filing Deadline February Exam Fees July Exam Fees
Timely October 1 – October 31 $675 March 1 – March 31 $675
First Late November 1 – November 15 $950 April 1 – April 15 $950
Final Deadline – No Exceptions November 16 – November 30 $1,200 April 16 – April 30 $1,200

For more information, go to New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners: Fees, Deadlines & More

New York

New York has two separate exams: the UBE – taken after earning your JD, and the New York Law Exam (NYLE), which students may take in their last year of law school.

Upcoming UBE Exam Dates & New York Application Deadlines

The UBE administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday every February and July. Applications to sit for the exam in New York must be filed during the month of October for a February examination and during the month of March for a July examination. There is no late application period.

The application fee for the UBE for individuals seeking admission under Section 520.3 (JD received from an ABA approved law school) is $250.

Below are the exam dates and application filing periods for upcoming UBE administrations:

Dates of Bar Exam Application Filing Dates
February 24-25, 2026 October 1 – 31, 2025
July 28-29, 2026 March 1 – 31, 2026
February 23-24, 2027 October 1 – 31, 2026
July 27-28, 2027 March 1 – 31, 2027

If you wish to type your essay answers (rather than handwrite), you must register for the Laptop Program when they complete the online UBE application. There is an additional $100 technology fee to enroll in the program, paid directly to ExamSoft once you register.

Upcoming NYLE Dates & Registration Deadlines

The New York Law Exam (NYLE) is a 50-item, two-hour, open-book, multiple-choice test administered online that tests important New York rules covered in the New York Law Course (NYLC). You must complete the NYLC before registering for the NYLE, and you must register for the NYLE at least 30 days before the scheduled exam. There is no fee to take the NYLC. However, there is a $29 fee payable to ExamSoft to take the NYLE.

Below are the exam dates and registration deadlines for upcoming NYLE administrations:

Dates of NYLE Registration Deadline
Thursday, April 16, 2026 12:00PM ET Tuesday, March 17, 2026 11:59PM ET
Thursday, September 24, 2026 12:00PM ET Tuesday, August 25, 2026 11:59PM ET
Thursday, December 17, 2026 12:00PM ET Tuesday, November 17, 2026 11:59PM ET

For more information, go to:

Delaware

The Delaware Board of Bar Examiners establishes Early and Final Filing Deadlines for each exam administration. The Early Deadlines are usually the beginning of November (February exam) and the beginning of April (July exam). The Final Deadlines are usually the beginning of December (February exam) and the beginning of May (July exam).

Below are the deadlines and fees for the upcoming administrations:

Delaware Bar Exam Application Deadlines for Law School Graduates
Filing Deadline February 2026 Exam July 2026 Exam Fees
Early November 4, 2025 April 1, 2026 $700
Final December 2, 2025 May 5, 2026 $900

For more information, go to: Delaware Board of Bar Examiners Website.

The Bar Exam & MPRE: Key Information and Upcoming Changes

Over the next several years, the bar exam will change for most US jurisdictions. The current bar exam in most jurisdictions is the Uniform Bar Examination, or the Legacy UBE. The new bar exam is called the NextGen UBE. Additionally, almost every US jurisdiction requires its applications to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).

Below you will find information about the MPRE and the Legacy-NextGen transition for those intending to sit for the bar exam between July 2026 and February 2028. Regardless of which exam you will take, we encourage you to meet with Noeleen Urmson, Associate Director of Academic and Professional Success, for additional information and guidance.

About the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination

The MPRE is a two-hour, 60-question multiple-choice examination that is administered three times per year. Developed by the NCBE, the MPRE is required for admission to practice in all but two US jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). Note: Connecticut and New Jersey accept successful completion of a law school course on professional responsibility in lieu of a passing score on the MPRE. Many examinees take the MPRE while they are still in law school, but there is no requirement that you do so.

The purpose of the MPRE is to measure examinees’ knowledge and understanding of established standards related to the professional conduct of lawyers. The MPRE is not a test to determine an individual’s personal ethical values.

MPRE requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, so examinees are advised to check with the governing body for bar admission in the jurisdiction to which they seek admission before registering for the MPRE. Passing scores and timelines to take the exam are established by each jurisdiction.

The MPRE is administered at dedicated testing centers in all US jurisdictions. Students studying abroad in their last year who wish to take the MPRE before they graduate should plan accordingly.

Testing accommodations requests are made directly to NCBE. Examinees seeking testing accommodations for the MPRE must apply for, and receive their determination, before registering for the exam and scheduling a test appointment. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the desired MPRE testing administration, and no later than the Recommended Submission Date for that administration.

Universal Bar Exam Transition: Legacy to NextGen

Between July 2026 and February 2028, the Legacy UBE will gradually be replaced by the NextGen UBE. The Legacy UBE will sunset after the February 2028 administration; beginning in July 2028, only the NextGen UBE will be offered. Both exams will be offered during this transition period, and each jurisdiction adopting the NextGen UBE determines when they will first administer the exam.

During the UBE transition period, examinees will have a choice: whether to sit for the Legacy UBE or the NextGen UBE. This is determined by where and when the examinee sits for the exam. The transition timeline for local jurisdictions can be found below:

PENNSYLVANIA
Last administration of the Legacy UBE: February 2028
Frist administration of the NextGen UBE: July 2028

NEW JERSEY
Last administration of the Legacy UBE: February 2028
Frist administration of the NextGen UBE: July 2028

DELAWARE*
Last administration of the Delaware Bar Exam: July 2027
Frist administration of the NextGen UBE: February 2028

*Note: Delaware is not a Legacy UBE Jurisdiction, but will adopt the NextGen UBE with a jurisdiction-specific law component

NEW YORK
Last administration of the Legacy UBE: February 2028
Frist administration of the NextGen UBE: July 2028

Both exams provide portable bar exam scores; this means that a qualifying UBE score earned in one UBE jurisdiction may be used to apply for admission to other UBE jurisdictions. To find out if the jurisdiction(s) in which you wish to be licensed administers and/or accepts scores earned through the UBE, visit https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions.

As jurisdictions across the country transition from the Legacy UBE to the NextGen UBE, understanding the differences – and the similarities – between the two exams is crucial.

Key Similarities:

  • Purpose: Assess examinees’ readiness for legal practice, focusing on the legal knowledge and skills most necessary within the first three years after licensure
  • Subject Matter: Test the same general subject areas: business associations, civil procedure, constitutional law, contract law, criminal law, evidence, real property, and torts (see About the Legacy UBE below for information on additional MEE subject areas). Family law will be added to the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
  • Source: Developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and administered by individual jurisdictions. You’ll apply to take the exam in your preferred jurisdiction, and the jurisdiction will determine your eligibility to take the exam.
  • Testing Accommodations: Examinees seeking testing accommodations apply through their jurisdictions, which makes all accommodations decisions.
  • Dates: Administered twice yearly, on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July.
  • Portability: Produce portable scores for transfer to participating jurisdictions.

Key Differences:

  • Duration: Legacy UBE is 12 hours over two days; NextGen UBE is 9 hours over 1.5 days.
  • Delivery: Legacy UBE uses printed materials, Scantrons, and examinees’ laptops; NextGen UBE is administered entirely on examinees’ laptops.
  • Content Focus: Both cover core legal knowledge, but the NextGen UBE expands on the legal skills tested on the legacy UBE, emphasizing issue spotting, research, writing, client counseling, and negotiation.
  • Question Structure: Legacy UBE includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests; NextGen UBE includes multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets, and performance tasks.

About the Legacy Uniform Bar Exam

Exam Details:

  • Administration: Twice annually (February and July). Final administration is February 2028.
  • Format: 12 hours over two days. Administered in person at jurisdiction-managed sites.
  • Question Types:
    • Multistate Essay Examination (MEE)
    • Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
    • Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
  • Delivery: Exam is administered using printed exam booklets. Examinees may choose to use their laptops to answer the MEE and MPT. For the MBE, answers are submitted on Scantron forms.
  • Subjects Tested: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. Through February 2026 only, the Legacy UBE will also test Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, and Secured Transactions.
  • Skills Tested: issue spotting, legal analysis and reasoning, factual analysis, communication, organization and management of a legal task, and recognizing and resolving legal dilemmas.
  • Scoring: NCBE grades multiple-choice questions; jurisdictions grade written components.
  • Portability: Scores earned on the Legacy UBE are portable to other Legacy UBE jurisdictions.

About the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam

Exam Details:

  • Administration: Twice annually (February and July). First administration is July 2026 (in select jurisdictions).
  • Format: 9 hours over 1.5 days.
  • Delivery: computer-based, using NCBE’s secure testing browser on examinee laptops of jurisdiction-managed sites.
  • Subjects Tested: Business Associations, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts.
  • Skills Assessed: Legal research, legal writing, issue spotting and analysis, investigation and evaluation, client counseling and advising, negotiation and dispute resolution, and client relationship management.
  • Question Formats: Multiple-choice questions, integrated question sets (simulating real-world legal tasks), and performance tasks.
  • Scoring: NCBE scores multiple-choice, jurisdictions score written portions.
  • Portability: NextGen UBE scores earned in any jurisdiction may be transferred for admission to any other jurisdiction that accepts portable scores.

For guidance as to which exam applies to your jurisdiction (or the jurisdiction in which you’re looking to practice), or for help with bar preparation resources, please contact Noeleen Urmson, Associate Director of Academic and Professional Success, for additional information and guidance.