Prepare for the Rhode Island Bar Exam
Master every MBE subject and MEE/MPT component with AI-powered case briefs, flashcards, practice exams, and attack sheets. Briefly gives you the tools to pass the Rhode Island bar on your first attempt.
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67%
Overall Pass Rate
76%
First-Time Pass Rate
270
Passing Score
UBE
Exam Type
declining
Rhode Island Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the Rhode Island bar exam to help you plan your study schedule.
Exam Format
UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July, with approximately 6 hours of testing each day.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
276 (UBE scale)
Bar Admissions
Rhode Island Supreme Court Board of Bar ExaminersRecommended Study Time
10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended
Reciprocity
Rhode Island accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Rhode Island also allows admission on motion for attorneys who have been admitted and actively practicing in another jurisdiction for at least 5 years.
UBE Advantage: Rhode Island uses the Uniform Bar Examination, which means your score is portable to other UBE jurisdictions. The exam consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT).
Character & Fitness
Rhode Island requires a character and fitness evaluation overseen by the Supreme Court Board of Bar Examiners, including background checks, personal references, and disclosure of any criminal or disciplinary history.
Key Facts
- Roger Williams University School of Law is the only ABA-accredited law school in Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island's July 2024 overall pass rate of 67% was down from 73% in July 2023, reflecting a declining trend.
- Rhode Island requires a UBE score of 270, matching most other New England states.
- RWU Law is ranked #11 nationally for the percentage of graduates entering public interest law careers.
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the Rhode Island Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
Rhode Island's 270 passing score is on the higher end — plan your study schedule to target a score of 280+ on practice exams to build in a safety margin.
- 2
Given the relatively small applicant pool, pass rates can fluctuate significantly — do not rely on historical averages alone.
- 3
Focus on building strong MBE fundamentals, as this section accounts for 50% of your total score.
- 4
Practice MEE essays and MPT tasks under timed conditions to build speed and confidence.
- 5
Roger Williams University School of Law is the only law school in Rhode Island — leverage its bar prep resources and alumni network.
- 6
Consider taking the exam in a neighboring UBE state if timing is more convenient, and transferring your score to Rhode Island.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island bar.
Top Law Schools in Rhode Island Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in Rhode Island.