Bar Exam Preparation

Most lawyers will tell you that the Bar Exam was one of the most difficult challenges that they have ever faced. The Law School is committed to preparing its graduates for first time success on the Bar Exam, and provides support beginning in the First Year.

Bar Training Course: Applied Legal Reasoning
This year-long, for-credit bar training course focuses on developing the skills and test-taking strategies necessary for success on what many consider to be the most difficult portion of the Bar Exam, the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). The MBE is a 200-question, multiple-choice examination with questions from six different areas of the law. The bar training course covers Torts and Criminal Law and Procedure in the Fall Semester, and then Evidence, Contracts, Property, and Constitutional Law in the Spring.

Bar Awareness Meetings
Every 3L is encouraged to meet individually with the Associate Director of Bar to discuss Bar Exam applications, helpful tips, and successful study strategies. At this meeting, students also receive a comprehensive Bar Examination Information Packet detailing important information regarding Bar Exam success.

500 Days to the Bar: First and Second Year Session
This session introduces students to the format of the Bar Exam and the subjects tested by different jurisdictions. The session also covers strategic course scheduling to encourage early preparation for the Bar Exam.

Understanding the Multistate Performance Test
Over half of US jurisdictions use the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) as part of the Bar Exam. During the MPT, students are asked to examine a “File” of sample documents and a “Library” of case law, and then use that information and write an argumentative brief, an explanatory memorandum, a discovery plan, or some other type of legal document. This session provides students with tactics and practice on how to approach this portion of the Exam.

Q & A with Local Bar Examiners
During this session, local bar examiners answer student questions about the Bar Exam. Topics include the application process, test logistics, the character and fitness review process, and the content of the Bar Exam itself.

Graduate Support

Our graduates continue to receive important support for the Bar Exam after graduation. This includes support from the entire staff of the Dean of Students Office, the Academic Success Program, the Law Library, and the Writing Specialist. Most graduates choose to attend commercial bar courses, including BAR/BRI and KAPLAN/PMBR, but are encouraged to also take advantage of the the following resources:

Individual Consultations:  Meet privately with the Associate Director of Bar Support to discuss your study plan.  These meetings can be held in-person, by phone or over the web.  These sessions are designed to help you develop a study strategy and schedule, and to provide guidance on selecting a bar review course and study materials.  To schedule a meeting please contact Jill Ratteree at (401) 254-4647 or jratteree@rwu.edu.    

Book Lending Program:  If you need study materials to supplement your existing resources, please stop-by our office to browse through our library of study aids.    We have numerous bar outlines and practice questions for a variety of states, all of which are available for you to borrow on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Weekly Review Sessions: Weekly bar review sessions are offered prior to the July and February exams.  These sessions provide attendees with an opportunity to ask questions and do practice problems relating to the six multistate bar exam (MBE) subjects.  These sessions are held on campus and streamed over the internet.  For additional information please email jralston@rwu.edu.

Contact Information
For questions or more information, contact:

John Ralston, Esq.
Associate Director of Bar Support
Roger Williams University
School of Law
Ten Metacom Avenue
Bristol, RI 02809
Tel. (401) 254-4637
Office: 204
jralston@rwu.edu