Checklist for Admission to the California Bar
Please note: This checklist is intended as a summary and is accurate for most students -- but in some cases, exceptions or special circumstances apply. Your definitive source is the California Bar Exam & Admissions Web Site.
- I have registered with the State Bar of California. This is done at the beginning of your first year of law school (Registration forms and other information: California Bar Exam & Admissions - Registration)
- I have taken the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The MPRE is given three times a year, in March, August, and November. Students are encouraged to take the MPRE examination after completion of Ethical Lawyering. (MPRE dates, deadlines, fees and registration forms are available at the National Council of Bar Examiners)
- I have completed the Application for Determination of Moral Character. You must submit this to the State Bar of California, Office of Admissions at least eight months prior to the date you wish to be admitted to practice law. Once the determination is made, it is valid for two years. (Application forms and other information: California Bar Exam & Admissions - Moral Character)
- I have graduated from Loyola Law School with a Juris Doctor. Once you submit the Application to take the California State Bar Examination, the California Bar will send a certification form to the Loyola Law School Office of the Registrar. The OTR verifies your graduation date and degree and submits an official transcript to the California Bar.
- I have taken the Bar Exam. The bar exam is administered twice: February and July. In order to secure a seat you must submit an Application to Take the California Bar Examination. (You should apply for the February Bar around November 1; the final deadline is January 15. For the July Bar, you should apply around April 1; the final deadline is June 15*. Application forms and other information: California Bar Exam & Admissions)
* June deadline is subject to change; offical deadline has not been released
Results and Swearing-In Ceremonies
The results for the July bar usually are released in late November and the Swearing-In ceremony usually takes place on the Loyola Law School campus the first week of December. The results for the February bar are usually released at the end of May and the Swearing-In ceremony usually takes place the first week of June on the Loyola Law School campus.
All Loyola Law School students who pass the bar will be sent an invitation to participate in the Swearing-In ceremony.