Bar Fairs, Bar Exam Deadlines, & More

Themis, BarBri, and Helix bar review companies will be on campus for you to stop by on the esplanade and talk with representatives.

Taking the Bar Exam in 2026: This is a good time to learn about discount offers and make your final decision. Be sure to go by the bar fairs.

Everyone Else:  You can ask your preliminary questions, but you should not enter into a contract this year. Lots of changes are taking place in California, and nationwide, so you should wait to select a bar review company until the year you are graduating. 

3E/2E/2D Students: MPRE materials are available from the companies, so stop by and ask about those resources.

Make a better decision when selecting your bar review company by doing your homework first and making an informed decision.

Graduating Students:  Get your moral character application submitted soon. The approval process takes 9 to 10 months -- sometimes longer. If your application is not complete and submitted before the end of the year, you risk delays. You cannot be sworn in, even after passing the bar exam, if your moral character application is not yet approved.

Bar Exam Sign Up Dates:  You may sign up for the bar exam regardless of your moral character status. The February exam signup typically opens October 1st.  The July exam signup typically opens March 1st. Only one exam is open at a time. You cannot sign up earlier. Details here.

First Year Students:  Be sure to register as a law student with the California Bar Exam within 90 days of starting law school. The fee is $150. You will miss out on official notices from the State Bar if you are not registered as a law student. 

The Bar Exam Resources on Brightspace cover every step of the licensing process, including where to start if you plan to take the bar in another jurisdiction. Links and resources cover registering as a law student, moral character, and more. And use this checklist to see what you need to do each year to get ready to take the California Bar Exam.

The State Bar is considering changes to the California Bar Exam. Significant changes require two years notice to law schools so you will know in advance of any change to subject matter coverage. The format of the exam -- whether it is given in person or remotely -- is announced for each exam and may change. 

SEPT.

15 & 16

Bar Fair Days on the Esplanade 

OCT.

13 & 14

Bar Fair Days on the Esplanade 

Spring 2026

TBD

Bar Fair Days on the Esplanade 

Looking for more?
Go to Bar Exam Resources on Brightspace