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I am really struggling for time on the MPT. Does anyone have any tips or tricks that might help? I've tried Barbri's suggestions but they don't help.

Thanks!

First 45 minutes: Research and outline
Second 45 minutes: WRITE

You must force yourself to write once 45 minutes have passed. Just go.

In the first 45 minutes, start with the task memo to know what you're writing. Then go to the cases. Make notes of each one. Then read the statutes (only the ones cited in the cases). THEN go to the case file. Outline what you're going to write. Then write.

Do a few practice ones and you'll get better at it.

texasbar wrote:I am really struggling for time on the MPT. Does anyone have any tips or tricks that might help? I've tried Barbri's suggestions but they don't help.

Thanks!

Write the beginning and then write your conclusion. After that fill in with your analysis. Even if your analysis doesn't reach every point you want to reach, it will appear to be complete.

And don't waste any time rewriting the issues... just copy them verbatim from the partner memo. If you actually have time at the end you can rewrite them.

ETA: And what is said above about division of time.

I'd like to put some of these great tips to the test, especially regarding timing. Any advice on finding a good practice MPT questions? I'm self-studying, so I don't have access to MPT questions through a bar prep company. Thanks!

squiggle wrote:I'd like to put some of these great tips to the test, especially regarding timing. Any advice on finding a good practice MPT questions? I'm self-studying, so I don't have access to MPT questions through a bar prep company. Thanks!

Quite a few are available for free here:

http://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpt/preparing/

And then there are also some more recent tests available for purchase on that site.

--Sean

Like someone said : write the conclusion first because your MPT will look finished.

I had trouble too and still have it . But this book helped me a bit. Gallagher basically gives an approach how to read and outline mpt within the limited time. http://www.barwrite.com/about_mary.html

Basically her approach is:

Step-1: Read instructions very carefully:
- list the issues (outline them - don't find new issues just stick to the issues asked. Most of us think too much but just stick the issues asked. As someone said just copy the issues verbatim), - understand format they want you to draft (memo, letter, brief etc..).

Step-2: Read law and then facts - mark or outline important portions.

Step-3: Read caselaw and you mark/outline important portions for analysis.

Step-4: read instructions again quickly just so you understand the format they are asking you to draft.

Step-5: hope you have done mini outline by now. All within 45 mins. Stick to the time because it will hurt your writing portion.

Step-6: Follow IRAC or CIRAC. CIRAC is better for MPT. Have an introduction and do write the final conclusion in the beginning para and address each issue separately.

She also suggests a tabular formulae but it's hard to keep up with. But you always can have simple tables like list no of issues, list corresponding law, relevant case laws and facts. Basically an outline in different format. Stick to an outline format that works for you.

Don't worry that you need to write all information. Just address the issue one at a time and write the relevant law, case law, facts and conclude.

Don't worry to write like model mpt answers. That will take us 3 -4 hours n not 90mins .

Practice atleast 3-4 MPTs b4 exam. 1st one don't worry about time but read and follow CIRAC. Now read model answer see what you missed. 2nd mpt start timing yourself. If you have time, do all past MPTs but guess it's a lot of work. I am sure when you do 3rd mpt ypu will only have energy to outline and check the answer .

So don't panic you didn't get a grasp of all information. The test is whether you are able to follow their instructions as listed in the memo.