South Dakota Bar Exam: A Basic Gudie
The South Dakota Bar Exam is a two day event that will test your knowledge and understanding of the legal profession and the laws and procedures that are used in this profession. Preparation for this exam will need to include studying specific topics outlined by the South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners, practicing state and federal legal procedures, becoming familiar with professional responsibilities and ethics, as well as meeting any state required prerequisites for taking the exam. This article covers these topics, and can help you to design an effective preparation plan.
QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for the South Dakota Bar Exam you only need to meet a few requirements. The first qualification is that the candidate has a law degree from an ABA approved law school. The second qualification is that the candidate be of good moral character. To meet this requirement you will need to undergo a criminal and financial background check. Candidates will also need to be at least 18 years of age to sit for the South Dakota Bar Exam. The final requirement is that the candidate must take the Multistate Professional Responsibilities Exam and pass it with a score of at least 75 points. The state of South Dakota will accept MPRE scores that are no older than 25 months old.
REGISTERING FOR THE EXAM
To register to sit for the South Dakota Bar Exam you will need to download, print out, complete, and submit an application package. These can be found on the South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners’ website.
Board of Bar Examiners
State Capitol
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
(605) 773-4898 local phone number
http://www.state.sd.us/state/judicial
THE EXAM’S FORMAT
The South Dakota Bar Exam is a two day event that is given in the city of Pierre during the last week of February and during the last week of July each year. On the first day of the exam you will be given two Multistate Performance Test questions and six Multistate Essay Examination Questions. On the second day of the south Dakota Bar Exam you will take the Multistate Bar Exam. This exam is made up of 200 multiple choice questions that deal with general legal topics that are applicable in all, or most, U.S. jurisdictions.
WHAT TO STUDY
To prepare for the South Dakota Essay Exam study the following topics:
1. Constitutional Law
2. Evidence
3. Contracts
4. Criminal Law and Procedure
5. Real Property
6. Torts
7. Civil Procedures
8. Uniform Commercial Code
To prepare for the Multistate Performance Test practice the following skills:
1. Problem Solving
2. Legal Analysis and Reasoning
3. Factual Analysis
4. Communication
5. Organization and Management of a Legal Task
6. Recognizing and Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
For a study materials please check out the following links:
1. South Dakota Legal Code located at http://www.romingerlegal.com/state/southdakota.html
2. Uniform Commercial Code located at http://www.law.cornell.edu/ucc/ucc.table.html
3. You can request sample MEE essay questions by writing to: National Conference of Bar Examiners, 402 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703-3614
To prepare for the South Dakota Bar Exam you will also need to study for the Multistate Bar Exam. This exam will be made up of 200 multiple choice questions that cover the following topics as they are generally applied throughout the United States of America:
1. Constitutional Law
2. Contracts and Sales
3. Criminal Law and Procedures
4. Evidence
5. Real Property
6. Torts
If you would like a study guide for this section you can visit the NCBE website at http://www.ncbex.org/.
