Our comprehensive bar exam support includes focused courses, one-on-one and in-class skills development, and study planning support as well as one-on-one mentorship between graduation and when students sit for the bar exam
Applying to Sit for the New York State Bar Exam
Applications to take the Uniform Bar Exam in New York State must be filed from October 1 to October 31 for the February examination and from March 1 to March 31 for the July examination.
New York Bar Exam Certification: As part of your application to sit for the bar, the New York Board of Law Examiners requires that a Certificate of Attendance form be completed by the Law School. This form is completed by the Office of Registration and Student Records Management.
The certification deadline is February 1st for the February exam and June 15th for the July exam.
Specimen of Applicant’s Handwriting: The New York Board of Law Examiners requires that applicants supply a handwriting specimen in order to sit for the bar exam. The “Specimen of Applicant’s Handwriting” form must be completed in the presence of a staff member of the Office of Registration and Student Records Management. The last day to submit the handwriting specimen is the last day of classes.
Completion of the handwriting specimen will be your authorization to the Law School to certify you for the bar exam. After you have been certified for graduation, your Certificate of Attendance form and your handwriting specimen will be forwarded to the New York State Board of Law Examiners.
Qualifications for Admission to the Bar
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction and reviewing the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions website. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the NCBE.
In New York State, character and fitness requirements and screening are the jurisdiction of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Department of your residence at the time you apply for admission after you pass the UBE, NYLE and MPRE. For more information about New York State’s character & fitness requirements and process, view the NYS Board of Law Examiners Admission Information.
Admission to the New York Bar
Prior to July 2016 (old New York Bar examination):
- Passing score of 665 (out of 1000) or better on the New York Bar Examination
- Completion of 50 hour pro bono requirement
- Character and Fitness evaluation
Beginning July 2016 (NYLC, NYLE & UBE):
- Completion of the New York Law online course
- Passing Score of 30 (out of 50) or better on the New York Law Examination
- Passing score of 266 (out of 400) or better on the Uniform Bar Examination
- Completion of 50 hour pro bono requirement
- Character and Fitness evaluation
BAR Admission Requirements for States Other than New York
It is your responsibility to submit the necessary certification forms to the Registrar’s Office. Students applying to take a bar examination in a jurisdiction other than New York can obtain information on the National Conference of Bar Examiners website: https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions
