How often is New York bar exam given?
Asked by: Gail Schimmel | Last update: March 25, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)
The New York Bar Exam is given twice a year, typically on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July, as part of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) administered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE). The Tuesday focuses on New York-specific law (essays/MPT), while Wednesday is the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) multiple-choice portion.
How often is the bar exam offered in New York?
The bar examination is administered twice per year, in February and July of each year. Candidates who successfully pass the exam components are then certified for admission by the BOLE to one of the four Appellate Divisions of New York Supreme Court.
How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar?
Michelle Obama took the Illinois Bar Exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a common experience even for successful lawyers. She initially failed the bar, which was devastating, but she persevered and passed, later working as a lawyer before becoming the First Lady.
How many times did JFK Jr. take the bar?
Kennedy, Jr. failed the New York bar exam twice before passing it on his third try.
How hard is the NYC bar exam?
The NY Bar Exam is demanding. It requires dedicated study and a comprehensive understanding of a vast amount of law. The overall pass rate in 2024 for first-time takers was 77%. It's an encouraging number but your success isn't determined by how “hard” the exam is.
New York Bar Exam | 27 Things You Should Know
Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?
The top 3 toughest exams globally consistently include China's Gaokao, India's JEE Advanced, and India's UPSC Civil Services Exam, renowned for immense competition, vast syllabi, and life-altering consequences for a small number of successful candidates, often competing with tests like the All Souls Prize, Master Sommelier Diploma, and CFA for top spots.
Which is harder, California or New York bar?
- 1. California. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 68% ...
- New York. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 79% ...
- Washington. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 82% ...
- Louisiana. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 75% ...
- Nevada. First-Time Bar Exam Pass Rate: 73% ...
- Other States With Difficult Bar Exams. ...
- Easiest Bar Exams.
Did Joe Biden pass a bar exam?
Yes, Joe Biden earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968 and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969, indicating he passed the bar exam required for practice, despite graduating in the lower half of his class.
Did Hillary Clinton pass the bar?
Yes, Hillary Clinton passed the Arkansas bar exam and became a lawyer, but she famously failed the District of Columbia bar exam on her first attempt, though she passed it later, allowing her to practice law in D.C. and build a successful career.
Who is the youngest person to ever pass the bar exam?
A California girl who entered law school at 13 has just passed the state's bar exam at the age of 17, one year after her brother achieved the same goal. Sophia Park was 17 years and 8 months old when she passed the California bar exam on Nov.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?
No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score.
What happens if you fail the bar exam 5 times?
Each time a candidate takes the bar exam, the result becomes a part of the public record. Though failing the exam multiple times doesn't prohibit someone from practicing law once they pass, it might be something prospective employers consider during the hiring process.
Can ChatGPT pass the bar exam?
Yes, the advanced version, GPT-4, passed the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) with a strong score (around the 90th percentile), demonstrating impressive legal knowledge, but it's considered a powerful tool for lawyers, not a replacement, as it lacks the crucial human elements of judgment, ethical reasoning, and real-world application needed to practice law independently, according to research and legal experts.
Can you work as a lawyer without passing the bar?
Yes! There are many legal careers besides being a lawyer. Some of the highest-paying jobs for J.D.s who do not practice law are compliance officer, corporate counsel, intellectual property manager, risk manager, legal consultant, mediator, or arbitrator.
Is a 269 on the bar exam good?
A 269 on the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is a strong score that passes in most states but might be just shy of the highest-scoring jurisdictions (which often require 270+), making it a very solid, passing score that opens many doors, though some states like New York (270) or Massachusetts (270) are just out of reach without a few more points, but it's still a great result that qualifies you to practice law in a majority of U.S. jurisdictions.
Did RFK Jr pass the bar?
Yes, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. passed the New York State bar exam in 1983 and was admitted to the bar after a character and fitness review, which noted he overcame a past addiction problem and showed significant integrity and intellect. He has practiced environmental law for decades, though he resigned from the California bar with disciplinary charges pending (which refers to a different Robert Kennedy Jr. according to this California Bar search result).
What to say to someone who didn't pass the bar?
How To Support A Friend That Failed The Bar Exam
- It's OK to let them be upset! ...
- Let them know you know how tough the bar exam is. ...
- Remind them they are not starting from scratch. ...
- Try to assist them in moving forward.
Did Obama pass the bar exam the first time?
After graduating from Harvard Law School, Michelle Obama failed the bar exam the first time she sat for it.
Did Barack Obama get a law degree?
Obama graduated from Harvard Law in 1991 with a Juris Doctor magna cum laude. In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year position as Visiting Law and Government Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School to work on his first book.
What degree does Kamala Harris have?
She graduated in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. Harris then attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, where she served as president of its chapter of the Black Law Students Association. She graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1989.
Has anyone passed the bar without going to law school?
Yes, people have passed the bar without going to law school, but it's only possible in a few states (like California, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington) through rigorous law office study/apprenticeship programs. While it's an affordable, hands-on alternative, apprentices face lower pass rates, significant self-discipline requirements, and potential limitations in practicing in other states, with historical figures like Abraham Lincoln famously using this path.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the California bar exam?
No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, but she vowed to retake it, stating she was close to passing and using the setback as motivation for more studying, as shown on The Kardashians and her Instagram. She had previously passed the "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) in 2021 on her fourth attempt and is pursuing a career in law, inspired by her late father.
How many times can you retake the bar?
You can take the bar exam a different number of times depending on the state, with most jurisdictions allowing unlimited attempts, while some have limits (e.g., 3 to 6 attempts) requiring special permission for more, and a few have hard caps. Always check the specific rules for the state where you plan to take the exam, as limits vary widely and even states using the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) set their own attempt policies.
Can you work while studying for the bar?
It is completely possible to have a full-time job and study for the bar exam. But you have to know when to turn it off for the night. Studying for the bar exam is about being honest with yourself on what works for you and what doesn't, what areas you really know, and which ones you need to spend more time on.