Prepare for the Bar

General Information

• Become familiar with the dates, policies, and application procedure of the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you wish to practice. Jurisdictions differ on what they require and when. The information below is a helpful resource regarding dates for application, preparatory courses, and general tips and tactics.
• Click here for a  good source of general information regarding the Bar Exam/Application process.  This link includes links to State Bar Examination and Admissions Boards. 
• Click here for an online version of the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements. This book, published by the American Bar Association, provides general information on each Bar. Much of the book is in table form -- an easy comparison of rules, regulations, fees and general information.

Bar Exam Preparatory Resources

• PDF scans of past Virginia bar exams are available.

Virginia Bar Exam Information

• Virginia Board of Bar Examiners provides information on the bar admission process in Virginia.
  • The Virginia Bar Exam Application and Character and Fitness Form is available here.
  • The Bar Application requires an Education Certificate. You may obtain this from Chris Creech, preferrably when you seek application notarization.
  • The Law School will automatically send the Graduation Certificate to the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners, immediately following the commencement exercises.
• Summer Bar Exam: The summer bar exam in Virginia is held in Roanoke.
  • Maps to Roanoke
  • Hotels and Lodging in Roanoke
• Winter Bar Exam: The winter bar exam in Virginia is held in Norfolk.
  • Maps to Norfolk (loads best in Internet Explorer)
  • Hotels and Lodging in Norfolk (loads best in Internet Explorer)

Application Process - Helpful Tips and Information

• General information concerning the Character and Fitness requirements and the Law Student Registration process maintained by Vanderbilt University Law School
• Information published by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. This site provides information on bar exam statistics, has the address and phone number of each state Bar Admission Office, and contains MPRE registration information.
• Most bar applications require notarization. Remember the Notary Public is certifying your signature. You MUST sign the document in the presence of the Notary.
  • Notaries Public within the Law School include: Gloria Todd, Chris Creech, Kay Hibbard, and Felicia Burton.
  • Notaries Public at the College of William and Mary are found in the Campus Directory.
  • You may use any Notary Public to notarize your bar application.
• A copy of your law school application may be requested by the Bar. If you do not have a copy, you may obtain one through Dean Jackson.
• Certificates of legal education, good standing and/or graduation may be required as attachments to your application. Dean Jackson can complete the form or supply a letter if requested by the Bar. (Virginia bar applicants see further information below.)
• Some Bars require submission of fingerprints. Chris Creech can provide a Virginia Board of Bar Examinar Fingerprint Card and also arrange an appointment with the Campus Police for you to be fingerprinted. You also may have your fingerprints made at a location of your arranging.
• Transcripts showing degree conferral are required by some Bars (e.g., California). You must request an official transcript and can do so during your final semester of legal education. Information on ordering an official transcript

Bar Loan Information

• William & Mary Financial Aid Office: Graduate Student Financial Aid