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)