COMMUNITY REMINDERS
All May 2026 Graduates – Graduation Application Now Open!
The Graduation Application is now open for the May 2026 graduating class.
Students who plan to graduate in May 2026 must apply to graduate through the University TUPortal/Self Service Banner system. This application must be completed by Friday, March 6, 2026 for all law May 2026 graduates. Students enrolled in dual degree programs 0r certificate programs will have to submit a separate graduation application for each program. The graduation application is an easy and fast application to complete, but failing to complete it by the deadline can cause a delay in receiving your diploma.
Please follow the instructions below to apply for graduation.
- Sign in to TUPortal.
- Click on the Student Tools tab at the top of the page.
- Go to the Records section which is located on the right side of the page.
- Select Apply to Graduate.
- Confirm that the program listed is correct (should be: Current Program – Juris Doctor)
- Select a Graduation term – Spring 2026 should be the only option.
- Review and submit.
You should receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of submitting your application. The email will include information on how your name will appear on the diploma. If you would like to make changes to your legal name, you can follow the instructions outlined in the email or follow the instructions on the Apply to Graduate page of the Temple University Registrar.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Frisby-Selby at lfrisby@temple.edu or Senior Director Walden at walden@temple.edu.
Scholarship to attend Environmental Law Forum in Harrisburg, April 22-23 – Apply by February 11th
The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Environmental and Energy Law Section is offering two scholarships for Temple Law students to attend this year’s Environmental Law Forum at the Harrisburg Hilton on April 22-23. Information here and here. While it’s late in the semester, this is a great learning and networking opportunity for students interested in a career in environmental law. Interested students should email a resume and a paragraph of interest to Professor Amy Sinden at Amy.Sinden@temple.edu by Wednesday, February 11th.
John S. Bradway High School Mock Trial – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Philadelphia high school students from across the city are excited to begin competing on Friday, January 30th.
Please consider signing up for one (or more) rounds at this link: https://philadelphiabar.org/?pg=YLDMockTrial
Rounds will take place at City Hall, the Federal Courthouse, and Temple Law School.
Reach out to leap@temple.edu with any questions or concerns.
Montgomery County DA’s Office Trial Ad Academy – register by February 1st
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is excited to invite law students to their Second Annual Trial Advocacy Academy—a hands-on learning experience led by prosecutors, using a real case problem to teach practical and high-level courtroom advocacy.
Over February and March, seasoned prosecutors will guide law students through the process of presenting a compelling criminal prosecution, using a real case as the foundation. On February 7th, students will review and learn the case problem, focusing on trial components including opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments. The following week, students will return with their questions and materials to receive live feedback and coaching during practice sessions with these attorneys as they workshop their trial. Students will then compete in a preliminary round and, if selected, a final round before District Attorney Steele, First Assistant Ed McCann, and many other high-level prosecutors.
Key Information:
- Location: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Norristown, PA
- Dates:
- 2/7/26, 9 am – 4 pm: Classroom teaching and case analysis.
- 2/14/26, 9 am – 4pm: Continued classroom teaching, breakout sessions to practice and collaborate with coaches.
- 3/14/26, 3/21/26: Preliminary competition round dates (students will only compete once in the preliminary round on a selected date).
- 3/28/26: Final competition (top four 2L/3L teams and top four 1L opening statement finalists).
- Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Remote Students: Students who attend school a substantial distance from Norristown may inquire for zoom participation for the classroom components.
Who Can Participate & How It Works:
- 2Ls and above: Full trial competition—students (in pairs) present a complete trial using a real case before senior level prosecutors, with prosecutors serving as defense counsel.
- 1Ls: Opening Statement Competition—1L’s will individually deliver opening statements using the same case before a jury of prosecutors.
- Lecture Only Option: Students may attend the training sessions and competitions without competing.
To register, please complete the 2026 Trial Advocacy Academy Registration form by February 1, 2026.
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.
The Women’s Law Caucus Outline Bank is now OPEN for new registrations!
Membership to the WLC Outline Bank gains you access to hundreds of outlines, previously prepared by upperclassmen at Temple Law, organized by course and professor—this is an invaluable resource, especially for new students.
Your payment goes to supporting WLC events and programs, as well as “member-only” perks, such as WLC-funded happy hours and discounted WLC merch. Your payment will also last for your entire time at Temple Law!
To gain access to the WLC Outline Bank, fill out the form linked below and follow the instructions to submit your $25.00 payment! The cutoff to pay your dues is April 1st, 2026 at 12:00pm.
Form Link: https://forms.gle/HvCp12Cb6ZeRVgSp7
UPCOMING EVENTS
AILS General Body Meeting – Tuesday, February 3rd
Join the Artificial Intelligence Law Society (AILS) for a General Body Meeting on Tuesday, February 3 at 12:00 PM in K1C! This is a great opportunity to learn about our upcoming events and overarching projects. Food will be served!
Temple Night Owls Summer Job Info Session – Wednesday, February 4th
Join the Night Owls on Wednesday, February 4th at 5PM in K1D for an information session with Dean Walsh all about how to land a summer job as an evening student, the resources available to find positions and some part-time or remote opportunities. Upper-level evening students will also be there to speak about their experiences and answer any questions. Pizza will be provided!
Injustice Town: Meet the Author Rick Tulsky, JD ’84 – Tuesday, February 10th
Please join Professor Jules Epstein as he introduces Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Temple Law graduate Rick Tulsky ‘84. Professor Epstein and Mr. Tulsky will discuss the author’s new book, Injustice Town, after which he will take questions about the book and his career as a lawyer and journalist. Lunch will be served.
Tuesday, February 10, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
K1A
Temple APALSA Lunar New Year Banquet 2026 – Friday, February 20th
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Temple APALSA at our Annual Lunar New Year Banquet on Friday, February 20, 2026, hosted for the first time at the Asian Arts Initiative. Enjoy an evening of networking, a buffet-style dinner, cultural performances, and community remarks alongside students, faculty, and members of the Philadelphia legal community.
Purchase tickets here. Early bird pricing is available for the first 25 tickets (save $5 per ticket).
Student: $30 | Faculty/Staff: $45 | General Admission: $55
Ticket sales close February 18.
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.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND TA POSITIONS
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.
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
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:
- Admission to Practice: Overview and Intro to Bar Exam
- The MPRE: What You Need to Know
- Course Planning for Bar Success
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:
- New York Board of Law Examiners Informational Guide for New York Applicants
- NYSBOLE FAQs and General Information for taking the UBE in New York State
- New York Bar Dates of Exams and Deadlines.
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
- Universal Bar Exam Transition: Legacy to NextGen
- About the Legacy Uniform Bar Exam
- About the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam
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.