Law students prepare for the multi-state professional responsibility exam (MPRE) by studying past exams, purchasing review books, and enrolling in review courses. Understanding professional responsibility and ethical conduct is essential for any lawyer, and practicing with sample exams and business study guides can be helpful. Preparatory courses are also available, often online and concurrent with state bar exams. The MPRE is a nationally ranked exam that is independent of state exams, and failing it only requires retaking the MPRE, not the full bar exam.
Students who want to pass the multi-state professional responsibility exam, or MPRE, often practice studying past exams, purchasing MPRE review books, and enrolling in review courses, either in person or online. There are many different ways to practice MPRE. More often than not, students employ a combination of different study techniques to improve their chances of passing.
A firm understanding of professional responsibility and ethical conduct is essential for any lawyer. Every US jurisdiction has laws and regulations requiring attorneys to act ethically. Most potential candidates have taken a course in ethics or professional responsibility in law school, but courses are often not enough to prepare one for success in the MPRE.
Training for lawyers is often a little different than training for law students. To succeed on the MPRE, a student must know not only the underlying laws and ethics issues, but also the skills and tips needed to succeed on the test itself. Much of the MPRE practice is devoted to understanding the test format and common question patterns.
The most common practice method of MPRE is working with sample exams. Practice exams and previous years exams are usually sold through the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). The NCBE is a private organization that administers the MPRE and other related standardized tests, such as the multi-state bar exam. Additionally, the NCBE typically publishes an annual MPRE study guide, which many students find helpful.
Business study guides are also popular MPRE practice options. Books, flashcards, and mock exams are widely available and can be helpful for the self-disciplined student. Most of the time, these types of study guides provide a combination of tips and advice about the exam and actual practice problems.
Preparatory courses can also be a valuable means of practicing MPRE. More often than not, these courses are condensed into one afternoon or weekend, which allows students to study for a state bar exam concurrently. They are also often offered online, often for free or at minimal cost. Online courses generally offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling than face-to-face courses, but they may not be as comprehensive.
The MPRE is normally administered in conjunction with each state’s bar exams, but its substance is generally not covered in the curriculum of bar review courses. This is primarily because the MPRE is a nationally ranked exam that is completely independent of state exams. A student who fails the MPRE only needs to retake the MPRE only – not the full bar exam. The reverse is also true. Bar prep courses may offer additional practical MPRE courses, but these are usually priced and held separately.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN