Should I Be Preparing for the NextGen Bar Exam?
More and more jurisdictions are committing to the NextGen bar exam, reflecting a shift in legal education. By 2028, every state must decide whether to adopt this new exam or continue with its own approach. Regardless of your jurisdiction’s decision, the skills you develop in preparation will improve your outcomes in law school, your career, and any bar exam you take.
| First Administration | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | Connecticut, Guam, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Washington |
| July 2027 | Arizona, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming |
| July 2028 | Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Utah |
| TBA | Illinois |
What is the Difference Between the Bar Exam and the NextGen Bar Exam?
The NextGen bar exam is a comprehensive redesign aimed at better evaluating the practical skills required for modern legal practice. Unlike the current Uniform Bar Exam (UBE®), which focuses heavily on memorization, the new exam emphasizes practical skills through a more integrated, computer-based format.
| Aspect | Current UBE | NextGen Bar Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | In use | July 2026 |
| Focus | Memorization of doctrinal law | Practical skills and real-world lawyering |
| Format | Separate sections for multiple-choice questions, essays, and performance tests | Integrated, computer-based format |
| Subjects | 14 subjects | 8 foundational subjects (Family Law added in 2028) |
| Skills Tested | Limited focus on practical skills | 7 key practical skills |
| Scoring | Mix of raw and scaled scores | Compensatory scoring model |
| Administration | Paper-based, administered twice a year | Fully computer-based, administered twice a year |
For more information, visit our full guide on the NextGen bar exam.
How to Prepare for the NextGen Bar Exam
Preparing for the NextGen bar exam requires a strategic approach that combines course selection, skill development, and the effective use of bar prep resources. Below are key areas to focus on as you begin your preparation.
Choose Relevant Law School Classes
Here's how to align your studies with the foundational concepts and skills tested:
- First-Year Core Classes: Courses such as Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts, and Property are foundational to the NextGen bar exam.
- Upper-Level Courses: Take Evidence, Business Associations, and Criminal Procedure. If you’re taking the NextGen bar exam after July 2028, add Family Law to your schedule.
- Skill-Building Courses: Develop essential lawyering skills with courses such as Legal Writing and Research, Advanced Legal Writing, and Trial Advocacy.
Develop Practical Skills Early
With the NextGen bar exam placing a stronger emphasis on practical skills, gaining hands-on experience is more important than ever. Here’s how to start building the skills you’ll need:
- Internships: Seek opportunities at law firms, especially in litigation or corporate law.
- Externships: Find judicial externships where you can conduct legal research and observe courtroom procedures.
- Clinics: Participate in law school clinics focusing on Family Law, Criminal Defense, or Civil Litigation to develop client counseling and dispute resolution skills.
- Moot Court and Mock Trial: Participate in these to practice making courtroom arguments and refining your legal reasoning.
Leverage Bar Prep Resources
While these resources aren’t specifically designed for the NextGen bar exam yet, they are crafted to build the critical thinking and practical skills you need to start thinking like a lawyer. By integrating them into your study routine now, you can supplement your classes, excel in law school, and lay a strong foundation for the NextGen bar exam.
- Practice Exams: Regularly take practice tests to familiarize yourself with exam formats, build endurance, and identify areas for improvement.
- Active Learning: Engage in exam-like practice with multiple-choice questions and scenario-based exercises.
- Spaced-Repetition Flashcards: Make custom flashcards to reinforce key legal concepts over time.
- Video Lectures: Watch concise video lectures that break down complex legal topics into manageable segments.
- Themis Law School Essentials: Get ahead in law school by supplementing your classes with free resources tailored to each year.
Stay Informed
Keep up with the latest developments regarding the NextGen bar exam:
- Regular Updates: Stay up-to-date by following reputable sources, including the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®).
- Networking: Connect with professors, mentors, and peers who are also preparing. Share insights and strategies to refine your plan as new details emerge.
Looking Ahead: NextGen Bar Prep Courses
Looking ahead, UWorld and Themis are developing a pioneering NextGen bar exam course, set to be released in 2025. This course will be specifically tailored to the new exam format, with a strong focus on the practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge areas that the NextGen bar exam will assess. By staying ahead of these changes, you’ll be prepared to meet the demands of the NextGen bar exam and excel in your legal career.
