California Bar & the MPRE Forum

[lsnoob]

Already admitted in another state several years ago, but taking the Cal exam in February. The CalBar exam requirements for the MPRE state that:

Applicants may take the MPRE at any time after completing their first year of law school and after registering with the Committee of Bar Examiners . . . .

I took the MPRE in 2013, but didn't register with California's Committee of Bar Examiners until a couple months ago. As I read this, that means that I need to retake the MPRE. But that seems crazy, given that their website also include instructions for submitting to the Cal Bar MPRE scores that are over 15 years old.

The other thing is that the official bar rules say this, which seems to conflict with the blurb above:

Rule 4.59 Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
Every applicant must take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and receive a passing score as determined by the Committee. The examination may be taken following completion of the first year of law study or later. The Committee must receive official notice of an MPRE passing score before an applicant is deemed to have passed the examination.

Anyone know how this actually works? Do I need to retake or just send my score via the NCBE? Thanks.

[ArtistOfManliness]

Seems pretty easy to just call them and ask, no?

[AspiringCALawyer]

Already admitted in another state several years ago, but taking the Cal exam in February. The CalBar exam requirements for the MPRE state that:

Applicants may take the MPRE at any time after completing their first year of law school and after registering with the Committee of Bar Examiners . . . .

I took the MPRE in 2013, but didn't register with California's Committee of Bar Examiners until a couple months ago. As I read this, that means that I need to retake the MPRE. But that seems crazy, given that their website also include instructions for submitting to the Cal Bar MPRE scores that are over 15 years old.

The other thing is that the official bar rules say this, which seems to conflict with the blurb above:

Rule 4.59 Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
Every applicant must take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and receive a passing score as determined by the Committee. The examination may be taken following completion of the first year of law study or later. The Committee must receive official notice of an MPRE passing score before an applicant is deemed to have passed the examination.

Anyone know how this actually works? Do I need to retake or just send my score via the NCBE? Thanks.

I took MPRE around the time that I graduated from law school (1998). Since I'm licensed in two other jurisdictions, I still had my score report. So, when I registered for the Feb. 2016 bar exam, I had to send in a copy of my score report and write a statement/affidavit that it was accurate, made under perjury (don't recall the exact required language) and signed. No retake was necessary. My online profile shows that I have met that requirement.

[lsnoob]

Seems pretty easy to just call them and ask, no?

Yeah, almost as easy as it would have been for you to not post this, no?

[lsnoob]

Already admitted in another state several years ago, but taking the Cal exam in February. The CalBar exam requirements for the MPRE state that:

Applicants may take the MPRE at any time after completing their first year of law school and after registering with the Committee of Bar Examiners . . . .

I took the MPRE in 2013, but didn't register with California's Committee of Bar Examiners until a couple months ago. As I read this, that means that I need to retake the MPRE. But that seems crazy, given that their website also include instructions for submitting to the Cal Bar MPRE scores that are over 15 years old.

The other thing is that the official bar rules say this, which seems to conflict with the blurb above:

Rule 4.59 Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination
Every applicant must take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and receive a passing score as determined by the Committee. The examination may be taken following completion of the first year of law study or later. The Committee must receive official notice of an MPRE passing score before an applicant is deemed to have passed the examination.

Anyone know how this actually works? Do I need to retake or just send my score via the NCBE? Thanks.

I took MPRE around the time that I graduated from law school (1998). Since I'm licensed in two other jurisdictions, I still had my score report. So, when I registered for the Feb. 2016 bar exam, I had to send in a copy of my score report and write a statement/affidavit that it was accurate, made under perjury (don't recall the exact required language) and signed. No retake was necessary. My online profile shows that I have met that requirement.

Thanks, this answers my question.

[ArtistOfManliness]

Seems pretty easy to just call them and ask, no?

Yeah, almost as easy as it would have been for you to not post this, no?

Perhaps, but then my suggestion of getting an answer based on the CA bar's interpretation of the rules rather than anecdotes from people on the Internet would not have been heard, and I cringe at the thought

[storge]

I believe MPRE scores are good for 5 years (or they were when I applied). I was also a practicing attorney coming into CA. Had my 2012 scores sent to CA for the Feb. 2016 bar and the requirement was satisfied. No affidavits or anything else needed. Just go on the NCBE website and order a score report to be sent to the jx of your choice. Pay the fee ($20-30?) and you should be all set. Good luck!

EDIT: I should add that this assumes your original score is sufficient for a pass in CA. Every state has different requirements - CA being one of the higher ones (naturally). If your original score doesn't meet CA required minimum score, you'll likely have to retake. Maybe call NCBE and find out what your score was if you don't know it before having the report sent. I knew my score was sufficient before I had the report sent so I didn't need to contact them in advance.

[BlenderBtl90]

I believe MPRE scores are good for 5 years (or they were when I applied). I was also a practicing attorney coming into CA. Had my 2012 scores sent to CA for the Feb. 2016 bar and the requirement was satisfied. No affidavits or anything else needed. Just go on the NCBE website and order a score report to be sent to the jx of your choice. Pay the fee ($20-30?) and you should be all set. Good luck!

EDIT: I should add that this assumes your original score is sufficient for a pass in CA. Every state has different requirements - CA being one of the higher ones (naturally). If your original score doesn't meet CA required minimum score, you'll likely have to retake. Maybe call NCBE and find out what your score was if you don't know it before having the report sent. I knew my score was sufficient before I had the report sent so I didn't need to contact them in advance.

I'm stealing the spotlight of this thread by daring to ask my own questions, but curious if anyone has an answer:

Does anyone know how long it takes for the Supreme Court to approve your name from the date it goes "on motion" (i.e., right after your C&F gets cleared?)

Thanks!