Oregon

OR

Oregon Bar Exam Guide

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

Overview

Format

The Oregon Bar Exam is not a UBE state and consists of two days of testing. It includes a mix of essay questions and Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) multiple-choice questions along with performance tests.

Test Days

2

Passing Score

270

Pass Rate

Approximately 74% overall pass rate for first-time takers.

Registration Deadlines

Registration typically closes approximately 60 days before the exam date.

Tested Subjects

Contracts

10-20%

Tests students on the fundamental principles of contract law, including formation, enforceability, and breach.

Torts

10-20%

Covers civil wrongs and the principles governing liability for harm caused by negligent or intentional acts.

Constitutional Law

10-20%

Examines the U.S. Constitution's structure, amendments, and judicial interpretation.

Criminal Law and Procedure

10-20%

Focuses on the principles governing criminal offenses, processes, and sentencing.

Property

10-20%

Addresses real and personal property law, including ownership rights and land use.

Business Organizations

5-15%

Involves principles governing partnerships, corporations, and other organizational forms.

Evidence

10-15%

Queries the rules regulating the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings.

Professional Responsibility

5-10%

Tests knowledge of ethical obligations and standards governing legal practice.

Admission Requirements
  • Graduation from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Completion of a character and fitness evaluation
  • Submission of a timely bar exam application and fees
Study Timeline

10-12 weeks

Begin with a comprehensive review of all subjects, focusing on outlines and summarizing key concepts.

8-10 weeks

Focus on practice essays and multiple-choice questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

4-6 weeks

Take full-length timed practice exams to build stamina and identify weaknesses.

1-3 weeks

Intensive review of weak areas and organized study groups for collaborative learning.

Final days before the exam

Relax, review high-yield topics, and focus on mental preparation.

Tips for Success
  1. 1Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve speed and coherence.
  2. 2Familiarize yourself with Oregon-specific laws that may be less covered in typical bar prep materials.
  3. 3Use past exam questions to understand the types of issues the examiners prioritize.
  4. 4Join a study group to share resources and quiz each other on complicated subjects.
  5. 5Prioritize your mental health; take breaks and use stress-relief techniques during preparation.
Score Reciprocity

Oregon allows admission to attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions through a score transfer process, although specific requirements apply, and applicants must typically meet certain character and fitness standards.

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