Spring 2026 – Week Seven – Temple Law School Student Post

COMMUNITY REMINDERS

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.

Information Regarding Tax Documents

Federal 1098-T Tax Form

Temple University has issued a Federal 1098-T form to all eligible students, reporting tuition, fees, and any scholarships or grants applied to their accounts during the 2025 calendar year. The reported information is used to determine eligibility for educational tax credits. Details on how to access your 1098-T are available here.

Specific tax questions should be directed to your tax preparer or adviser. For general questions about the 1098-T, you can review the 1098-T Tax Reporting information on the university’s website or contact the Bursar’s Office at 215.204.7269 or bursar@temple.edu.

Federal W-2 Form

Students who were paid by Temple University in 2025 were issued a W-2 by Temple’s Human Resources Department in January. The W-2 forms are maintained by Tax Management Services and are available on TUPortal. Please email hrpaynra@temple.edu if you cannot access your W-2.

2026-2027 Federal Judicial Clerkship Honors Clinic: Apply by Monday, March 2nd

For 2L Day, 3L Part-Time Day, and 3L Evening Students:

We are excited to announce that the application for the 2026-2027 Federal Judicial Honors Clinic is now open!

The FJC Honors Program is a 6-credit year-long experiential program (3-credits each semester) in which students work with federal judges and their law clerks to draft orders, research issues, prepare bench memoranda, and observe judicial proceedings. Students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week in chambers and attend a bi-weekly classroom seminar on Wednesday mornings at the Federal Courthouse.

To apply, please send the application (linked above and here) and your resume to Dean Bretschneider at jennifer.bretschneider@temple.edu by 12pm on Monday, March 2, 2026.

All May 2026 Graduates – The Graduation Application is Now Open – Complete by Friday, March 6th

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 here on the Personal Information Change webpage.

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.

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 – register by April 1st

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

ILS Special Speaker Event – Honorary Consul Iryna Mazur on War in Ukraine – Monday, February 23

The International Law Society (ILS) welcomes you to join Iryna Mazur, the Honorary Consul for Ukraine in Philadelphia, on Monday, February 23, at 12:00 PM, for a conversation about “Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, Peace, & Justice Against Russia’s War of Aggression.” As the full-scale invasion approaches its fourth year, learn more about recent developments, social movements, and what diplomats, lawyers, and civil society can do to help. Food will be served!

Global Legal Opportunities Week (GLOW) Events – February 23rd – 26th

From Monday, February 23, to Thursday, February 26, Temple Law will host the Global Legal Opportunity Week (GLOW), during which students can meet our partners from around the world and learn about our international programs and study abroad opportunities. This is a great chance to network and make friends! Please refer to the poster above for specific dates, times, and events.

Civil Tort Defense Litigation Careers Panel – Wednesday, February 25th

The Pennsylvania Defense Institute and the Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel is sponsoring a Civil Tort Defense Litigation Career panel discussion on Wednesday, February 25th at 12PM in K2B.

Trial lawyers who practice in civil litigation will introduce students to possible careers in defending tort claims and litigating insurance coverage disputes. These Philadelphia-based attorneys will share their professional paths and what is expected of attorneys who practice in the defense of civil claims. Students will be invited to submit their resumes. Pizza will be provided for attendees who register in advance on the CPM.

For more information, see PDI PADC Temple Law Panel Flyer

Temple Law SDAS Two-Part Symposium on School-to-Prison Pipeline – Wednesdays, March 11th and 18th; Register by March 6th

Join School Discipline Advocacy Service at Temple Law for a two-part symposium on the school-to-prison pipeline!

On Wednesday, March 11th in Barrack 207, we will hold a panel on the inequities that exist in Philadelphia’s school discipline practices and how those inequities contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline.

On Wednesday, March 18th in Barrack 102, we will hold a panel on the difficulties that children face in the criminal justice system and how those difficulties contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline.

Both panels will be 11am-12pm and will be followed by a reception from 12-1pm in the Barrack 3rd Floor Student Lounge.

These events are open to anyone, in and outside the Temple Law community, and admission is free. Registration is required. You may register for either or both events. Registration will close on March 6.

See the following linked flyers for more details about each session, including the list of panelists and moderators:

SDAS SYMPOSIUM – Session 1: School Discipline in Philadelphia

SDAS SYMPOSIUM – Session 2: Children in the Criminal Justice System

Register here.

Temple Law Review Write-On Information Sessions – Wednesday, March 11th and Sunday, March 22nd

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

Day Students – Please join Temple Law Review on Wednesday, March 11, at 12pm in K1E! We will be discussing what it means to be on TLR, the write-on process, and any questions you may have. Lunch will be provided, and the session will be recorded for those who can’t make it. We look forward to meeting you all!

Evening Students – Please join Temple Law Review on Sunday, March 22, at 6pm on Zoom! We will be discussing what it means to be on TLR, the write-on process, and any questions you may have. The session will be recorded for those who can’t make it. We look forward to meeting you all! Here is the Zoom link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/99010067303

Let us know you’re coming! Click here to RSVP.

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

Annual Díaz Lectureship: Slavery and Freedom in Puerto Rico – Friday, March 27th

Scan QR code above or click here to register.

Advancing Health Justice Symposium – Thursday, April 23rd; Register by March 1st

The Center for Health Justice and Bioethics at Temple University is excited to announce their inaugural Advancing Health Justice Symposium on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5:00–8:30 p.m. in the Lobby of Temple University’s Medical Education and Research Building (3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia).

The evening includes:

5:30–7:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion
7:00–8:30 p.m. – Tabletop conversations to advance our collective work (dinner provided)

Temple Law Professor Ruqaiijah Yearby will be one of the featured panelists.

RSVP by March 1, 2026: https://sites.temple.edu/mahjb/symposium-rsvp/

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.

Study Skills: Time Management Help Desk – February 24th & 25th

Stop by the help desk on Tuesday, February 24th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday, February 25th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. to pick up practical time management tools and talk through your questions. Resources include a 168-hour weekly “balance sheet,” the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritizing, time-blocking strategies, and tips for breaking down large tasks. Come build a plan that works for you!

Outlining for Exams: Incorporating the Facts Help Desk – March 16th & 19th

Come by the Help Desk on Monday, March 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 19th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for resources to help you structure your outline—and attack outline—around how exams are written: by the facts. Learn how facts trigger issues, strengthen issue spotting, and help you connect course concepts. Bring questions or just grab the tools.

Exam Strategies Refresher – Thursday, April 2nd

As exams approach, join us on Thursday, April 2nd at 12PM in K2A to review exam strategies.

Exam Prep: Structuring Your Answer with IRAC Help Desk – April 7th & 8th

Have questions about organizing exam answers? Stop by the Help Desk on Tuesday, April 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 8th 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 opportunity; next deadline March 16th

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

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

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers Confidential Office Hours – Monday, February 23rd

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers is holding confidential office hours over Zoom on February 23. We encourage you to schedule a time to meet with Laurie Besden, Executive Director. Laurie is a wonderful resource for law students, an experienced and trusted partner, and a terrific person. She will be available to meet virtually with any student who wants to prioritize their well-being or who could use some assistance managing stress or other personal concerns.

By clicking the link below, you can schedule a confidential 30-minute session with Laurie. The law school is NOT involved and LCL is completely confidential. Please take advantage of this resource if needed.

Monday, February 23rd | https://scheduler.zoom.us/laurie-besden/temple-law-lcl-student-hours-2-23-26

We encourage you to schedule sooner rather than later, as appointment slots fill up quickly. As always, LCL also remains available 24/7/365 to you.

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

Webinar on Testing Accommodations for the MPRE and Bar Exam – Sunday, February 22nd at 6PM

Are you considering requesting accommodations for the MPRE or the bar exam? In this webinar, we will walk you through what you need to know. Topics will include timelines, documentation, common challenges, how to prepare a thorough application, and what to do if your request is denied. The goal is to demystify the process and help you take proactive steps well in advance of application deadlines.

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 6PM via Zoom

Zoom Webinar link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/99987689438

If you have specific questions, concerns, or topics you would like addressed, you can let us know anonymously by completing the following form by Friday, February 20th at 5PM: Questions for Webinar on Testing Accommodations for MPRE and Bar Exam – Fill out form

Navigating the MPRE: What It Is and What You Need to Do – Sunday, March 15th at 6PM

Confused about the MPRE? This session breaks it down. Learn what the MPRE is, what it tests, how scoring works, when you should take it, how to register, how to prepare, and how to ensure your score is properly reported to your jurisdiction. We’ll focus on the practical steps and timelines so you can confidently plan ahead and avoid common pitfalls.

Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 6PM via Zoom

Zoom link: https://temple.zoom.us/j/98621568039

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
New Jersey
New York
Delaware

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
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.