Obsessed

I can't explain it but I am starting to get obsessed with the bar. Maybe I feel like I will be in greater control of my destiny if I know all the deadlines and important information. In any event I have come across some great resources. Below is some very helpful information for 3Ls to keep in mind. Don't be scared. Knowledge is power. (At least that is what I am going to tell myself)

GUIDANCE ON DATES, APPLICATIONS & FEES REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION TO THE CALIFORNIA BAR°

Registration with the Committee of Bar Examiners: Students must register with the California Committee of Bar Examiners as a law student. You likely did this during the first 90 days of our first year of law school. If you did not, you can still register, but you will be charged a late registration fee. Students can register on-line through the California Bar web site, www.calbar.ca.gov.

When: First year/NOW
Cost: $92 + late registration fee

Website: http://calbar.xap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Registration/default.asp
Application for the Determination of Moral Character: A positive moral character determination is a prerequisite to being admitted to the bar and practicing law in California. The filing of the moral character application begins the process of character investigation which generally takes four to six months to complete, but could possibly take longer.

When: Now (at least 8 months prior to date you expect to be admitted to practice law in CA)
Cost: $431
Website: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115&id=3084

The California Bar also requires that all applicants to the practice of law be fingerprinted. Applicants are required to submit fingerprints through the Live Scan system with the application for Moral Character Determination. A list of agencies providing the Live Scan fingerprinting service can be found at the California Attorney General - Department of Justice website: http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm.

Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE): This examination is administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and is one of the requirements for admission to practice law in California (and in all but 3 of the other U.S. jurisdictions). The next test date is March 8, 2008. The regular registration deadline for the March MPRE will probably be in January. Note: It is necessary that you request that NCBE report your score to the California Committee of Bar Examiners.

When: Register in January; take exam in March (if not already completed and passed)
Cost: $55 ($110 for late applications)
Website: http://www.ncbex.org/multistate-tests/mpre/guidelines/dates/ and https://secureweb01.act.org/mpre/goFaq.do

Bar Examination Application: Students graduating from law school must file an application to sit for the bar examination in California.
When: Application available March 3, 2008; timely filing April 1, 2008
Cost: $529
Website: http://calbar.xap.com/Applications/CalBar/California_Bar_Exam/default.asp (this website is for the February Exam, but should be updated after the new year for the July Exam)

Laptop Certification: If you plan to use a computer for the essay portion of the exam you must apply for laptop certification. There are a number of steps that you’ll have to follow in order to register with the exam software. The link below is to the Feb. 2008 bulletin. There will be an updated bulletin for laptop users that will post for the July 2008 exam. Keep your eyes out when you complete your bar examination application in the spring.

When: March? (I think this application is available when you register to take the bar)
Cost: $119 ($15 late fee)
Website: http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/GBX_laptopbull.pdf

Testing Accommodations for the Bar Examination: Students who have received examination accommodations while attending law school must petition the Committee of Bar Examiners to receive accommodations for the Bar Examination. Students may petition the Bar any time after having registered with the Bar, and the Committee of Bar Examiners strongly encourages students to file their petitions no later than the beginning of the last year of study.

When: NOW, if applicable.
Website: http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115&id=1015

Comply with California court-ordered child or family support obligations (if applicable): Applicants who have met all other requirements but who have been certified by the State Department of Social Services as being in non-compliance with court ordered child or family support will not be certified to the Supreme Court as qualified to practice law in California unless the appropriate release has been obtained.

When: NOW, if applicable.
Website: www.calbar.ca.gov

VERY HELPFUL WEBSITES:
State Bar Admissions General Information: http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115
Summary of Requirements for Admission to Practice Law in California: http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115&id=3922
Applications/Forms:
http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115&id=1006
Bar Examination Information (for Feb. 2008 bar – to be updated):
http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/GBX/CBX_INFO.pdf
Additional information and the application form can be found under Bar Exam Admissions at www.calbar.ca.gov.
Scholarship from ABA: http://www.abanet.org/lsd/bar-bri.pdf

° THIS IS SEPARATE FROM ANY REGISTRATION DATES FOR EXAM PREP COURSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR OWN RESEARCH. GUIDELINES ARE BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED AS OF OCT. 29, 2008 AND MAY NOT BE COMPLETE.