Students are responsible for investigating the curriculum requirements and all deadlines for any U.S. bar exam they wish to take.
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. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners .
Bar examination registration procedures and dates vary across jurisdictions. In some states, applicants complete fitness approval prior to taking the exam; in others, they sit for the exam before fitness investigations are completed. There is one consistency: all deadlines are firm, so you will want to educate yourself, track schedules diligently, and submit materials early.
Discounts may be given to students registering early, including 1L and 2L registrants, so check these sites for requirements on fitness and examination registration:
- National Conference of Bar Examiners: http://ncbex.org
- Georgia Office of Bar Admissions: http://www.gabaradmissions.org/
- Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
- American Bar Association Bar Admissions Information
- Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements
- National Conference of Bar Examiners Character and Fitness page
- Bar Admissions Section of Legal Education and Admissions
Attorneys and LL.M. students with law degrees from outside the U.S. are advised to consult Section 507 of The Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions Requirements for information on their eligibility for individual states' bar admissions.
Especially for the benefit of students in each graduating class, the Career Development Office annually hosts representatives from the Georgia Office of Bar Admissions in two key programs, as follows:
- Bar Exam Character & Fitness: What You Need to Know
- How to Pass the Bar Exam (YouTube) (Spring 2019)
These programs are geared towards 3Ls, but all law students are welcome to attend. Students taking the bar exam in states other than Georgia will find the advice from Bar Admissions and the Bar Examiners helpful as well. These information sessions are announced via e-mail and LawDawgDash and are posted on the law school events calendar.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in law can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal.