The Oregon bar exam consists of 3 components: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), and the Oregon essays.  There are nine (9) essay questions.  The essay topics are selected from the areas of law listed in rule 5.15(2) of the Rules for Admission. The Oregon Supreme Court promulgates the Rules for Admission.

Bar exam applicants must obtain a scaled score of 85 or higher on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) in addition to passing the Oregon bar exam. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they possess good moral character and are fit to practice law. ORS 9.220. The burden is on the applicant to establish good moral character. Exam dates for the MPRE are: Saturday, November 3, 2007; Saturday, March 8, 2008; and Friday, August 8, 2008. Applicants must pass the MPRE within two years of passing the Oregon bar exam. The Oregon Board of Bar Examiners does not administer the MPRE, more information is available here.

Some lawyers may be admitted without taking the bar examination. These alternate routes to admission include: (a) Reciprocity, (b) House Counsel, (c) Law teacher and (d) Foreign law consultant. Each of these alternate routes has specific requirements which must be satisfied. Applicants are encouraged to review these rules carefully. Applicants for admission via an alternate route must still demonstrate good moral character pursuant to ORS 9.220.

Additional Requirements for Reciprocity Admission

Alternative Admittance Application Information and Instructions

Obtain a Reciprocity Application Kit Request

Jon Benson
Executive Director
Oregon State Board of Bar Examiners
jbenson@osbar.org, (503) 620-0222 ext. 419

Charles Schulz
Admissions Coordinator
cschulz@osbar.org, (503) 620-0222 ext. 310

Jane Brown
Admissions Assistant
jbrown@osbar.org, (503) 620-0222 ext. 311

Lisa Oreskovich
Admissions Assistant
loreskovich@osbar.org, (503) 620-0222 ext. 316