Bar 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 our 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 invited to meet with either Assistant Dean of Students Lorraine Lalli or Associate Director of Academic Support Alex Ruskell to discuss Bar Exam applications, helpful tips, and successful study strategies. At this meeting, students also receive a 102-page 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 bar exam and the subjects tested by different jurisdictions. The session also covers strategic course scheduling and gets students thinking about early steps for ensuring success on 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 Support Program, the Law Library, and the Writing Specialist. Most students also attend commercial bar courses, such as BAR/BRI and PMBR, at the Law School. Importantly, help is only a phone call or an email away.
Contact
Information
For questions or more information,
contact
Jon
Strauss, Esq.
Associate Director of Academic Support
Roger Williams University
School of Law
Ten Metacom Avenue
Bristol, RI 02809
Tel. (401) 254-4609
Office: 261
jstrauss@rwu.edu
