Prepare for the New York Bar Exam
Master every MBE subject and MEE/MPT component with AI-powered case briefs, flashcards, practice exams, and attack sheets. Briefly gives you the tools to pass the New York bar on your first attempt.
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63%
Overall Pass Rate
78%
First-Time Pass Rate
266
Passing Score
UBE
Exam Type
rising
New York Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the New York bar exam to help you plan your study schedule.
Exam Format
UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam. Day 1: written portion with MPT and MEE. Day 2: 200-question MBE in two 3-hour sessions. Additionally, New York requires completion of the NYLC and passage of the NYLE, plus 50 hours of pro bono service.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
266 (UBE scale)
Bar Admissions
New York State Board of Law ExaminersRecommended Study Time
10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion
Reciprocity
New York accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher earned within three years. Applicants transferring a UBE score must still complete the NYLC, pass the NYLE, satisfy the MPRE requirement, and complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service.
UBE Advantage: New York uses the Uniform Bar Examination, which means your score is portable to other UBE jurisdictions. The exam consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
Character & Fitness
New York requires a rigorous character and fitness evaluation conducted by one of the four Appellate Division departments, including extensive background checks, financial disclosure, and review of employment and academic history.
Key Facts
- New York's 63% overall pass rate is misleading — it reflects the very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated test-takers. First-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- New York requires additional state-specific components beyond the UBE: the New York Law Course (NYLC), the New York Law Exam (NYLE), and 50 hours of pro bono service.
- New York is one of the largest bar exam jurisdictions in the country, with over 10,000 test-takers annually across both administrations.
- Columbia Law School and NYU School of Law are both ranked in the top 10 nationally and have first-time bar passage rates above 95%.
New York-Specific Subjects
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the New York Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
New York has a lower overall pass rate (63%) partly because it attracts a very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated lawyers — first-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- 2
Do not neglect the NYLC and NYLE requirements — you cannot be admitted without completing both, even if you pass the UBE with a high score.
- 3
Complete your 50 hours of pro bono service early, ideally during law school, to avoid delays in your admission timeline.
- 4
Spend the majority of your study time on MBE preparation — it accounts for half your score and is the most predictable component.
- 5
Practice at least 3 full MPT tasks under timed conditions before exam day, as many test-takers underperform on this section.
- 6
If you plan to transfer a UBE score from another state, remember that New York's additional requirements (NYLC, NYLE, pro bono) still apply.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the New York bar exam.
Constitutional Law
Due process, equal protection, First Amendment, and federalism
Contracts
Offer & acceptance, consideration, breach, remedies, and UCC
Criminal Law & Procedure
Mens rea, actus reus, homicide, defenses, and Fourth Amendment
Evidence
Relevance, hearsay, privileges, and expert testimony
Real Property
Estates, future interests, easements, and takings
Torts
Negligence, strict liability, intentional torts, and defenses
Civil Procedure
Jurisdiction, pleading, discovery, and summary judgment
Study Tools for Bar Prep
Everything you need to study smarter for the New York bar exam.
AI Case Brief Generator
Generate a complete brief for any bar-tested case in under 30 seconds.
Smart Flashcard Generator
Create flashcards from any rule, element, or black-letter law concept.
Practice Exam Generator
Generate MBE-style multiple choice and essay hypos to test your knowledge.
Attack Sheet Builder
Build condensed attack sheets organized by issue for each MBE subject.
Study Guides
Free guides on case briefing, the IRAC method, and study strategies to help you prepare for the New York bar.
Top Law Schools in New York Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in New York.