COMMUNITY REMINDERS
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
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.
1L Academic Advising Panel Recordings
Did you miss one of our practice area academic advising panels? Below are the recordings for the panels that we’ve held so far:
Civil Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Intellectual Property and Law & Technology
Business & Tax Law (Including ITP)
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
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
EJ Conference 2026: Movement Lawyering for Climate Justice – Monday, April 6th
Join TELS, NLG, and this year’s EECJ Fellows for the third event of the 2026 Environmental Justice Conference! This panel, Movement Lawyering for Climate Justice, will highlight the different ways lawyers can support environmental activism, ranging from partnering with community coalitions to representing individuals who engage in civil disobedience exercising their First Amendment rights. By showcasing the wide variety of ways to get involved, we hope to leave attendees motivated to do more tomorrow than they did today. This event will be held on Monday, April 6 in K2A and on Zoom (meeting ID 974 4835 4178). Lunch will be provided.
Please contact eecj@temple.edu with any questions.
Why Antitrust? What’s Next for Consumer Protection and Antitrust – Monday, April 6th
![Flyer for "Why Antitrust?" event at Temple University detailing speakers and registration information. Transcribed Text: WHY ANTITRUST? WHAT’S NEXT FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION AND ANTITRUST Temple University Beasley School of Law at 1719 North Broad St, Philadelphia PA 19122. April 6th, 2026 4:00pm (EST) Register: AmBar.Org/WhyAntitrustTemple Jessica Taticchi Counsel at Merck Professor Herbert Hovenkamp James G. Dinan University Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Join us live at Temple University with antitrust legend Professor Herbert Hovenkamp (University of Pennsylvania) and rising star Jessica Taticchi (Merck) on “Why Antitrust?” This series, brought to you by the American Bar Association (ABA) Antitrust Law Section, explores the exciting world of antitrust practice and study. Find out more about state, federal, private practice and in-house career pathways in antitrust law. Hear from esteemed experts on the latest developments in antitrust law, as enforcers litigate the biggest cases in a generation. If you are interested in finding out more about antitrust law, fighting corporate abuses, protecting consumers and making markets work for everyday people, this program is for you. Sponsored by the ABA Antitrust Law Section [ABA logo] AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Antitrust Law Section](https://www2.law.temple.edu/studentpost/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Updated-Why-Antitrust-April-2026-Poster-789x1024.png)
Join Professor Douglas and the ABA Antitrust Law Section on Monday, April 6th at 4pm in the Moot Court Room to welcome antitrust legend Professor Herbert Hovenkamp (University of Penn) and rising star Jessica Taticchi (Merck) for a discussion on “Why Antitrust?” Register here.
JD/MBA Dual Degree Program Information Session with Fox School of Business – Wednesday, April 8th
Join us on Wednesday, April 8th at 1PM for a virtual information session to explore the Fox MBA/JD dual degree program. Learn how our flexible in person and online formats can be tailored to fit your schedule whether you’re pursuing an accelerated path or a part-time option. We’ll guide you through the application process, discuss available scholarships, and provide an opportunity for you to connect directly with an admissions representative for personalized answers. As an added bonus, all attendees will receive an application fee waiver. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step toward your MBA/JD dual degree! Please register here.
EJ Conference 2026: Keynote Address by Robert Bilott – Thursday, April 9th
Join TELS and this year’s EECJ Fellows for the FINAL event of the 2026 Environmental Justice Conference! We will be joined by Robert Bilott, an internationally recognized lawyer who litigated multiple cases against chemical companies like DuPont. His leadership exposed the effects of PFAS contamination, secured hundreds of millions in damages and settlements, and led the Biden administration to announce the first PFAS regulations for drinking water. His story has been retold in his memoir, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle Against DuPont, as well as the 2019 feature film Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo as Bilott! This event will be held on Thursday, April 9 in K1C and on Zoom (meeting ID 922 8988 0345). Lunch will be provided.
Please contact eecj@temple.edu with any questions.
APALSA x Tea Club: Cherry Blossom Festival – Thursday, April 9th
Tea Club and APALSA invite you to celebrate spring together at our Cherry Blossom Festival. Join us for an afternoon of tea, mochi and light snacks, and relaxed arts and crafts inspired by the season. Stop by to unwind, get creative, and enjoy community as we welcome spring in bloom.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
4:00pm – 6:00pm EDT
Temple Law School – Barrack Hall – Room: 3rd Floor Student Lounge
Thriving in Law: Career Choices, Culture, and Well-Being – Monday, April 13th
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.
TLR Write-On Training Sessions – Wednesday, April 15th and Sunday, April 19th
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.
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 – Rescheduled to Thursday, April 9th
As exams approach, join us on Thursday, April 9th 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
WWCDA Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Outstanding Law Student Award – deadline Monday, April 6th
May or December 2027 graduates are invited to express interest in being considered for the 2026 WWCDA Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Outstanding Law Student Award, presented by the Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA). The selected student will be honored at the WWCDA Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 2026, with travel expenses covered, and will have access to mentoring opportunities with leading practitioners. This award recognizes a law student who exemplifies the qualities of Justice Ginsburg. If you are interested in being considered for this award, please contact Dean Bretschneider at jennifer.bretschneider@temple.edu by Monday, April 6, 2026 at 12PM to learn about the submission (students will need to prepare a personal statement).
2026 Horn-Tucker Scholarship Award – Apply by Monday, April 6th
We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Horn-Tucker Scholarship Award. The primary considerations for the granting of the scholarships are:
- BLSA membership
- Financial need, and
- The submission of a 500–1000-word essay.
The essay must be submitted no later than April 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The essay must be original writing, and students submitting an essay must execute an attestation that they have not used any artificial intelligence in writing the essay. Even if you have received a scholarship in a prior year, you are still eligible to receive another scholarship. This scholarship is open to all students regardless of race, religion, or gender identity. The topic of the essay is: “Have Equality and Justice Been Enough? If Not, How Should Black Lawyers Help Close the Economic Gap?”. You can submit your essay here.
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 – next deadline April 8th
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:
- 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.