College of Law > Current Students > Center for Academics, Resources and Engagement >
Bar Success & Exam Preparation
At Michigan State University College of Law, bar success is not a single summer activity. It is a developmental process that begins during law school and continues through graduation and bar examination preparation. The College of Law provides academic, professional, and wellness support designed to help students build the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for licensure and successful entry into the legal profession.
MSU Law’s bar success program is grounded in four core principles:
Students are encouraged to engage with bar-focused programming throughout law school, not only after graduation.
Academic Success Programming
The Academic Success and Bar Success teams provide:
Students are encouraged to utilize these resources proactively throughout their legal education.
Bar Success Course
MSU Law offers curricular opportunities designed to strengthen the legal analysis, writing, and exam skills commonly tested on bar examinations. This course emphasizes:
The course is offered in the spring semester for 3L students.
Know Your Jurisdiction
Every jurisdiction establishes its own admission requirements. Students are responsible for reviewing the requirements of the jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission.
Important topics to review include:
For jurisdiction-specific information, visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) website and the website of your state bar admission authority.
Support for Graduating Students and Bar Takers
MSU Law provides post-graduation support that may include:
Programming may vary from administration to administration based on student needs and examination changes.
Wellness and Professional Well-Being
Preparing for the bar examination can be challenging. MSU Law encourages graduates to approach bar preparation as a professional endeavor that requires attention to:
Students who encounter challenges during bar preparation are encouraged to seek assistance early and remain connected with College of Law support resources.
The NextGen Bar Exam Transition
The legal licensing landscape is evolving. Students should remain informed about developments related to the NextGen UBE and any changes adopted by their intended jurisdiction. Students will receive guidance and updates from the College of Law as jurisdictions implement new examination models.
Stay Connected
Current students and graduates should regularly monitor:
Questions regarding bar preparation resources or bar success programming may be directed to Ieisha Humphrey, Assistant Dean for Professionalism, Leadership & Bar Success.