Missouri

MOUBE State

Missouri Bar Exam Guide

Everything you need to know about the Missouri bar exam — format, subjects, pass rate, study timeline, and tips.

Overview

Format

The Missouri Bar Exam is part of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). It is administered over two days and includes the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), two essays, and a performance test.

Test Days

2

Passing Score

260 out of 400

Pass Rate

Approximately 67% overall pass rate in recent exams.

Registration Deadlines

Typically, registration deadlines occur in early April for the July exam and early September for the February exam.

Tested Subjects

Contracts

10-15%

Tests understanding of contract formation, enforceability, and remedies.

Torts

10-15%

Covers intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability.

Constitutional Law

10-15%

Focuses on judicial review, separation of powers, and civil rights.

Criminal Law and Procedure

10-15%

Includes criminal liability, defenses, and courtroom procedures.

Evidence

10-15%

Examines the rules of admissibility and types of evidence.

Real Property

10-15%

Involves ownership interests, transfers, and zoning regulations.

Civil Procedure

10-15%

Focuses on the rules governing civil lawsuits.

Business Associations

5-10%

Covers agency, partnerships, and corporations.

Family Law

5-10%

Includes marriage, divorce, and child custody matters.

Professional Responsibility

5-10%

Focuses on the ethical obligations of lawyers.

Admission Requirements
  • Obtain a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Pass the Missouri bar exam.
  • Complete a character and fitness evaluation.
Study Timeline

10-12 weeks

Start a comprehensive review of all subjects; focus on understanding the major concepts.

8-10 weeks

Practice multiple-choice questions from the MBE and review model answers to essay questions.

4-6 weeks

Increase practice exams under timed conditions; focus on performance tests and refine writing skills.

2-3 weeks

Review weak areas; take full-length practice exams to build endurance.

1 week

Final review; ensure familiarity with the exam structure and logistics.

Tips for Success
  1. 1Practice writing essays and performance tests to improve analytical skills.
  2. 2Join a bar prep course for structured study and resources.
  3. 3Utilize past bar exam questions for practice.
  4. 4Focus on understanding the law rather than rote memorization.
  5. 5Stay organized and develop a study schedule to cover all materials.
Score Reciprocity

Missouri allows admission on motion for lawyers who are active members of another state bar for at least 10 years, although the UBE score is not transferable to Missouri.

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