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Multistate Bar Exam Laboratory

Prepare for the bar exam using the many resources in our Multistate Bar Exam Laboratory (MBE Lab) located in the Law Library. Here, you can also hone your test-taking skills by taking a simulated Multistate Bar Exam. Lab is equipped with a networked desktop computer, available by appointment and is entirely voluntary.

Resources in MBE Lab

Jurisdictions Administering the MBE

  • Prohibited conducts during and after the MBE exam
  • Test preparation resources
  • Instruction for day of the exam
  • Structure of the exam and subjects tested
  • Outlines of subjects to be tested
  • Sample questions and answers

General Print Resources Available

  • “The Bar Exam in a Nutshell,” Darrow-Kleinhaus, Suzanne, KF303 .D37 2003
  • “Essential Rules for Bar Exam Success,” Friedland, Steven I.; Shapiro, Jeffery Scott,  KF303 .F75 2008
  • “Strategies & Tactics for the Finz Multistate Method,” Finz, Steven R., KF303 .F56 2010
  • “Strategies & Tactics for the MBE: Multistate Bar Exam,” Walton, Kimm Alayne, KF303 .W345 2006
  • “Mastering the Multistate Bar Exam (Test-taking Strategies for Scoring High on the Multistate Bar Exam),” Talamo, John KF303 .T35 2007
  • “Strategies & Tactics for the MBE 2,” Emanuel, Steven L. KF303.W345 2010.

Pre-Bar Prep Overview of MBE Subjects

The Law Library has a collection of audio resources that both introduce and give a general review of most subjects covered by the MBE. Be aware that these resources have limitations:

  • They do not and CANNOT replace a bar prep program
  • They are designed to help refresh your memory about subjects previously studied
  • They provide an overview for subjects not studied or understood (e.g., aspects of contracts, evidence, and property law)

Audio Resources available at the Law Library

West Legend Audio Series

  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Constitutional Law,” Jeffries, John Calvin, KF4550 .J44 2005
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Criminal l Law,” Whitebread, Charles H. KF9219.3 .W44 2005
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Criminal Procedure Law,” Whitebread, Charles H. KF9219 .W44 2005
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Evidence Law,” Rossi, Faust F. KF8935 .R67 2005
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Real Property Law,” Franzese, Paula A. KF570 .F61 2005
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Torts Law, Conviser,” Richard James, KF1250 .C55 2006
  • “West’s Legend CD Review of Remedies,” Fletcher, William A, KF9010 .F53 2005

Sum and Substance Audio Series

  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Constitutional Law,” Cheh, Mary M., KF4550 .C42 2002
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Constitutional Law,” Cheh, Mary M. KF4550 .C42 2002
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Constitutional Law,” Cheh, Mary M., KF4550 .C42 2008
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Criminal Law,” Joshua Dressler, KF9218 .D686 2005
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Criminal l Law,” Joshua Dressler KF9218 .D686 2010
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Criminal Procedure Law,” Dressler, Joshua, KF9616.3 .D74 2005
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Evidence Law,” Goode, Steven, KF8935.Z9 G66 2008
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Real Property Law,” Juergensmeyer, Julian Conrad, KF570.Z9 J84 2000
  • “Sum and Substance CD Review of Torts Law,” Finz, Steven R, KF1250 .F46 2010

Bar Preparatory Program Suggestions

  • Auditory learners should not register for a bar prep program that is purely self-study without an accompanying audio / visual lecture
  • Students who need help managing their time should register for a bar prep program with deadlines to complete specific components of the preparatory course of study

State – Specific Bar Information

Written Exam Resources

Sample Questions and Model Answers/Past Virginia Bar Exam Questions

As a matter of policy the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners does not release sample answers. However, there are other resources available that can guide you on essay writing. (These are not based on Virginia law and are only provided as guides to answering essay questions.) Resources are as follows:

  • Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) booklet
  • Multistate Performance Test (MPT) booklet
  • “Scoring High on Bar Exam Essays,” Gallagher, Mary Campbell, KF303 .G35 2006
  • “Writing for the Bar Exam, Connors,” Andrew P., KF303 .C66 2011

Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE)

Available resources include the following:

  • “MPRE Sample Questions, NCRE,” KF303 .M52 2002
  • “Strategies & Tactics for the MPRE: Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam,” Emanuel, Lazar, KF306.Z9 E63 2005
  • “Professional Responsibility,” Robert S. Feinberg, KF306.Z9 P757 2006

National Conference of Bar Examiners Study Guides, Exams and Answer Guides in Library

  • Multistate Essay Examination sample questions and answers (MEE)
  • Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)
  • Multistate Performance Test (MPT)
  • Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE )