
Ask any lawyer what one exam gave them nightmares years after graduating law school, you will almost always hear: “the bar examination.” It is generally viewed as the most difficult exam a law graduate will ever take. Pass it, and you are sworn in as a member of the bar. But not all graduates are successful.
A typical explanation for why the bar exam exists: To evaluate an individual's mastery of legal knowledge, reasoning and ethical principles. Passing these requirements demonstrates that a prospective lawyer has the minimum competencies required to represent clients effectively and uphold the integrity of the legal system.