The Massachusetts Bar Exam
Administered in Springfield and Boston (Hynes or BCEC)
Last Wed. & Thurs. in Feb. & July
Application due May 13, 2016
Springfield seat request limited (must sit both days in MA)
If you plan to sit for the MA exam concurrently
with a jurisdiction that administers the UBE,
you must sit for the MBE (Wed.) in the UBE
jurisdiction.
Nonstandard Testing Accommodations (NTA)
Application forms available on the BBE web site
Taking two exams?
u  Can
only take concurrently with states
administering state portion on Tues.
u  TIP: Stay in one place for Tues. & Wed.
(MBE)
u  Must sit for MBE in jurisdiction indicated on
MA application
u  Precludes Springfield seating if UBE
MA BBE: (617) 482-4466
MPRE
u Prerequisite
to applying to sit for the
exam
u Offered three times per year (March,
Aug., Nov.)
u Need 85 or higher
u Seats in Boston fill quickly!
MA Bar Exam: $$$$
u $815
u $75
Technology Fee
u $100 Software License & Svc Fee
Non-refundable. Can apply for exemption based
on indigency (must complete affidavit).
Character & Fitness
u  Two
Letters of Recommendation
u Not from Grandma
u  Petition for Admission with signature of
recommending attorney
u Attorney can also write one of your letters
u  List all employment since 18
u TIP: LexisNexis Public Records search
u Fired? Attach explicative rider
Disclose!
Subjects Tested
Access to Justice
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Agency
Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure
Business Organizations
Professional Responsibility
Constitutional Law
Real Property (including Mortgates)
Contracts
Torts
Criminal Law
Trusts
Descent and Distribution of Estates
Unfair or Deceptive Practices (c. 93A)
Domestic Relations
Uniform Commercial Code (Aa. 1-9)
Evidence (including Federal Rules)
Wills
Federal Jurisdiction
New Topic: Access to Justice SCORING
Ø MBE = 200 points (scaled)
Ø Essays = 200 points (scaled)
Ø Passing score = 270 / 400
This is a test of minimum competence.
MA Essays
u  Each
essay is graded by a different examiner, and
each examiner is spending 2-3 minutes per essay.
Organization is therefore key!
u  Typical
calls of the question
u  What
are the rights of the parties?
u  What
crimes have been committed and what are
the defenses that can be raised?
u  Some
short answer (Evidence, Civ Pro, Con Law)
Your Goals:
Not to write a perfect answer.
Not to write an answer you can be proud of; and
Not to write an answer a law professor will appreciate. Write an answer that will please overworked bar graders!
Be organized
Use headings & strong topic sentences
Keep sections structured
Spot the big issues, provide the gist of the law, and make good
use of the facts…don’t sweat the small stuff! Thank you!
u  [email protected]
u  (617)
458-0041
u  Any Themis Directors (other states) at
[state]@themisbar.com
WCC 3007