Concord’s Juris Doctor program is designed to meet the legal education requirements of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. Graduates of the JD program, who meet the other regulatory requirements, are eligible to apply for admission to the State Bar of California. The State Bar requires applicants to pass three examinations in order to be eligible for admission.
First-Year Law Examination
Fulfilling the requirements of the State Bar begins upon admission to the Law School. All first-year students in the JD program must register with the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California.
Upon completion of the first year of study, students must take the First-Year Law Students Examination (FYLSE) administered by the State Bar of California. The examination is usually given each year in June and October in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Students may continue taking classes pending the results of the test. To continue at the Law School in the JD program, students must pass the FYLSE within the first three consecutive administrations after they become eligible. Passing within that period allows students to receive credit for all Concord classes completed up to that time.
Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
Passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is another step toward becoming a member of the California Bar. The test is administered throughout the country three times per year in March, August, and November. Unlike the bar examination, the MPRE may be taken during law school or after graduation. It is recommended that students take it upon completion of their third-year Professional Responsibility course.
California Bar Examination
Upon graduation, students must take and pass the California Bar Examination. It is a three-day test that includes essay exams, performance test problems, and the Multistate Bar Exam. Concord's curriculum and test-taking skills program are designed to provide its students with a solid foundation for this all-important examination.
Upon admission to the State Bar of California, Concord graduates may practice law in California. In addition, Concord alumni who pass the California Bar Examination and are admitted to practice may become eligible to sit for the Bar Examination in other states. Please contact the appropriate bar admissions office for questions regarding specific state bar admissions requirements (www.ncbex.org).