Prepare for the California Bar Exam
Master every MBE subject and California-specific topic with AI-powered case briefs, flashcards, practice exams, and attack sheets. Briefly gives you the tools to pass the California bar on your first attempt.
3-day free trial, then $9.99/month. Cancel anytime.
55%
Overall Pass Rate
70%
First-Time Pass Rate
1390
Passing Score
Non-UBE
Exam Type
stable
California Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the California bar exam to help you plan your study schedule.
Exam Format
2-day state-specific exam (General Bar Examination). Day 1: Five essay questions and one performance test. Day 2: 200-question MBE. A minimum scaled score of 1390 is required to pass.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
1390
Bar Admissions
The State Bar of California, Committee of Bar ExaminersRecommended Study Time
12-14 weeks full-time recommended due to the difficulty and state-specific content
Reciprocity
California does not participate in the UBE and does not accept UBE score transfers. Attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions may take the shorter Attorneys' Examination (one-day exam) instead of the full General Bar Examination.
California-Specific Subjects
Character & Fitness
Applicants must file a separate Application for Determination of Moral Character. The review process typically takes up to 180 days and examines criminal history, academic discipline, financial responsibility, and candor.
Key Facts
- California consistently has one of the lowest overall bar pass rates in the nation, hovering around 55% overall.
- California does not use the UBE and administers its own state-specific essay and performance test.
- The Attorneys' Examination offers a shorter path for lawyers already admitted in other states.
- California tests unique subjects such as Community Property and Remedies that are not on the standard UBE.
California-Specific Subjects
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the California Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
California has one of the lowest bar pass rates in the nation -- plan for intensive, disciplined study over 10-14 weeks.
- 2
Master California-specific subjects like Community Property, Remedies, and Professional Responsibility, which are heavily tested on essays.
- 3
Practice writing essays under strict time constraints -- you get one hour per essay.
- 4
The performance test is worth significant points; do not neglect it in your preparation.
- 5
Use past California bar exam essays and selected answers published by the State Bar for targeted practice.
- 6
Consider supplementing a national bar prep course with California-specific materials.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the California bar exam.
Constitutional Law
Due process, equal protection, First Amendment, and federalism
Contracts
Offer & acceptance, consideration, breach, remedies, and UCC
Criminal Law & Procedure
Mens rea, actus reus, homicide, defenses, and Fourth Amendment
Evidence
Relevance, hearsay, privileges, and expert testimony
Real Property
Estates, future interests, easements, and takings
Torts
Negligence, strict liability, intentional torts, and defenses
Civil Procedure
Jurisdiction, pleading, discovery, and summary judgment
Study Tools for Bar Prep
Everything you need to study smarter for the California bar exam.
AI Case Brief Generator
Generate a complete brief for any bar-tested case in under 30 seconds.
Smart Flashcard Generator
Create flashcards from any rule, element, or black-letter law concept.
Practice Exam Generator
Generate MBE-style multiple choice and essay hypos to test your knowledge.
Attack Sheet Builder
Build condensed attack sheets organized by issue for each MBE subject.
Study Guides
Free guides on case briefing, the IRAC method, and study strategies to help you prepare for the California bar.
Top Law Schools in California Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in California.