Prepare for the Vermont 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 Vermont bar on your first attempt.
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53%
Overall Pass Rate
68%
First-Time Pass Rate
270
Passing Score
UBE
Exam Type
declining
Vermont Bar Exam Overview
Key facts about the Vermont 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. Vermont will transition to the NextGen UBE beginning July 2027.
Exam Dates
February and July
Passing Score
270 (UBE scale)
Bar Admissions
Vermont Board of Bar ExaminersRecommended Study Time
12-14 weeks full-time preparation strongly recommended given the low pass rate
Reciprocity
Vermont accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Vermont also allows admission on motion for attorneys who have been admitted and actively practicing in another jurisdiction for at least 5 of the last 7 years.
UBE Advantage: Vermont 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
Vermont requires a character and fitness evaluation including background checks, personal references, and disclosure of criminal, financial, or disciplinary history. The process is administered by the Vermont Board of Bar Examiners under the Vermont Supreme Court.
Key Facts
- Vermont's July 2024 overall pass rate of 53% was one of the lowest in the Northeast, though this partly reflects the very small applicant pool of approximately 49 test-takers.
- Vermont requires a UBE score of 270, matching other New England states, but its pass rate is significantly lower.
- Vermont Law and Graduate School is the only law school in the state and is nationally known for its environmental law program.
- Vermont has approved transitioning to the NextGen bar exam beginning July 2027.
Common Essay Topics
Study Tips for the Vermont Bar Exam
Expert-recommended strategies to maximize your chances of passing.
- 1
Vermont's 53% overall pass rate is one of the lowest in the Northeast — do not underestimate the difficulty despite the small applicant pool.
- 2
The low pass rate is partly attributable to the small number of test-takers, which amplifies statistical variation, but rigorous preparation is still essential.
- 3
Aim for a UBE score well above 270 on practice exams, targeting at least 280 to build a comfortable margin.
- 4
Complete a full commercial bar prep course and supplement with additional MBE practice questions.
- 5
Practice all three exam components (MBE, MEE, MPT) under timed conditions to simulate exam-day pressure.
- 6
If you are a Vermont Law and Graduate School student, take advantage of the school's bar prep resources and faculty guidance.
MBE Subject Prep
The MBE tests seven subjects. Browse case briefs for each to build a strong foundation for the Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont bar.
Top Law Schools in Vermont Law Schools
These law schools produce the most bar exam takers in Vermont.