Prepare for the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania bar on your first attempt.
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77%
Overall Pass Rate
83%
First-Time Pass Rate
270
Passing Score
UBE
Exam Type
rising
Pennsylvania Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the Pennsylvania bar exam to help you plan your study schedule.
Exam Format
UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam with approximately 6 hours of testing each day, administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
272 (UBE scale)
Bar Admissions
Pennsylvania Board of Law ExaminersRecommended Study Time
10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended
Reciprocity
Pennsylvania accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Pennsylvania also allows admission on motion for attorneys with qualifying practice experience in other jurisdictions, subject to character and fitness review.
UBE Advantage: Pennsylvania 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
Pennsylvania requires a comprehensive character and fitness investigation conducted by the Board of Law Examiners, including background checks, financial review, and disclosure of criminal, academic, or professional misconduct.
Key Facts
- Pennsylvania requires a UBE score of 270, tying it with Massachusetts and several other states for the highest minimum passing score.
- The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is ranked #4 nationally, making it one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
- Pennsylvania's July 2024 overall pass rate of 77% and first-time pass rate of 83% represent strong outcomes despite the high passing score.
- Pennsylvania has 9 ABA-accredited law schools spread across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offering diverse options for legal education.
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the Pennsylvania Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
Pennsylvania's 270 passing score is the highest tier among UBE states — build in a buffer and aim for 280+ on practice exams.
- 2
With a July 2024 first-time pass rate of 83%, strong preparation should yield a passing result for most ABA graduates.
- 3
Dedicate significant time to MBE practice — at least 1,500-2,000 questions with thorough review of incorrect answers.
- 4
Practice writing concise, organized MEE responses — aim to identify the key issues quickly and allocate time accordingly.
- 5
If you plan to practice in the Philadelphia area, consider the portability of your UBE score to New Jersey (266) and New York (266).
- 6
Take at least 2-3 full-length simulated exams under realistic timed conditions before test day.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania bar.
Top Law Schools in Pennsylvania Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in Pennsylvania.