"After 30 years spent in courtrooms in Texas, ... I am comfortable that SMU's emphasis on how to think as opposed to what to think has been instrumental in procuring justice for a number of deserving clients."
- Frank Branson '69, '74
Partner, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, PC
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Bar Exam Information

Bar Exam Information

The Supreme Court of Texas is the agency that sets the qualifications for applicants to be licensed to practice in Texas. The administration of this process is the responsibility of the Texas Board of Bar Examiners.

Students who intend to practice law in the State of Texas must file with the Board of Law Examiners a Declaration of Intention to Study Law. The timely filing deadline for Fall 2007 entrants to file their Declarations of Intent to Study Law is Monday, October 1, 2007. Failure to file by this deadline will result in the imposition of a $150.00 late fee.

The timely postmark deadline for filing applications to take the Texas Bar Examination for July, 2008 is January 30, 2008. The Absolute Postmark Deadline is March 30, 2008. There is a late filing fee of $150 for applications filed after January 30, 2008, for the July, 2008 Bar Examination.

Students intending to practice in states other than Texas should consult with the applicable agency in that state to determine what actions they need to take. Useful information regarding these requirements can be found in the ABA Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements and at other links below.

Students interested in courses tested on the Texas Bar Exam can review the SMU Course Recommendations. materials as they plan their academic schedule each semester.

Students who intend to practice law in Texas must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). This test is administered three times a year. For information about this test you may consult the relevant page from the website of the National Conference of Bar Examiners

Other relevant information that students need regarding Bar Review Courses and Bar Examination Loans, together with applicable forms can be found in the links below.

General Bar Exam Information

ABA Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements
[ http://www.ncbex.org/comprehensive-guide-to-bar-admissions/ ]

Bar Review Courses

Bar Exam Loans

  • The Access Group: [ http://www.accessgrp.org ]
  • LawLoans: [ http://www.salliemae.com/get_student_loan/find_student_loan/grad/law_school_loans/ ]