Over the years, UC Davis School of Law has developed a series of programs and activities designed to help students prepare for US bar exams. All of these activities are included in the program and provided at no additional cost. These activities do not replace traditional commercial/private bar review courses, but are designed to reinforce and complement the preparation offered by private providers.
Academic advising
All LL.M. students meet with the academic advisor of the program multiple times a year. During their individualized advising sessions, they receive guidance on bar exam eligibility and class selection.[1] Students can tailor their curriculum to their goals, take the classes required to establish their eligibility for the bar exams most commonly taken by international students (NY, California, etc.), and ensure the best preparation for the exam. Our 1 ½ or 2-year LL.M. options are also a great opportunity for students looking to meet the eligibility requirements for the DC Bar exam.
Access to bar classes along with JD students
Our bar subject classes (Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, Property, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Trusts, Wills and Estates, Professional Responsibility, Business Associations, Community Property, etc.) are open to LL.M. and JD students alike. By taking their classes with JD students, LL.M. students receive the same high-quality content as JD students. In addition, LL.M. students have the opportunity to take classes specifically designed to help them succeed in law school and on the exam, such as U.S. Legal Methods or LL.M. Essay Writing.
“Bar +” program and workshops
“Bar+” is a series of bar preparation workshops, taught during the year, designed specifically for LL.M. students. These workshops are taught by experienced instructors and cover the fundamental skills required to pass the bar: essay formats, performance tests, and multiple-choice. In addition to these workshops, students have the opportunity to write practice answers and receive individual feedback.
Individualized support
Weeks before the July bar exam, our LL.M. students have the opportunity to attend the “Pass the Bar” webinar series presented by a recognized bar exam preparation expert. In addition, LL.M. students taking the bar in July or February have the option to submit practice questions (essay and performance test) and receive individual feedback on assignments.
[1] Bar eligibility is determined by the bar exam authorities of each state. While we provide guidance and information to help the students determine and establish their eligibility, final determinations on eligibility are made by these authorities. All students should consult the website of each bar to check eligibility requirements.