What subjects does the bar test that I can study for outside of law school? Conversely, what courses were essential to taking the bar?

Answer 1

The subject depend upon which state you will be taking the bar. if you''re taking the UBE the MBE of course tests Property, Torts, Criminal, Contracts, Civil Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law.

The essay (UBE states) potential subjects are Agency, Partnerships, Corporations and LLCs, Civil Procedure, Conflict of Laws, Constitutional Law,, Contracts (including UCC Art 2, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Secured Transactions (UCC Art. 9), Torts, Trusts, and Wills and Estates.

If you are taking in a non-UBE state, you'll still take the MBE but the essay subjects might be different. Consult your state's bar examiner site for such information. Some states are very different (e.g., Florida, California).

Louisiana has completely different laws from the other states. If you are taking the Louisiana bar, I suggest a Louisiana specialized bar review - probably one actually based in Louisiana.

Hope this helps.