Crack the California Bar Examination

Introduction

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Ever found yourself dreaming big with that quintessential American Dream, only to hit a roadblock because of the hefty price tag attached to an American degree?

We’ve got you covered!

You can now do so by attempting the California Bar Exam.

Wondering how is this possible and how will you ever navigate all through this???

Stick with us to find out how!!

Whether you're an experienced attorney or just starting your legal journey, our course is designed for everyone. We cater to your unique background, ensuring a seamless transition into U.S. legal practice.

As India’s only course dedicated to the California Bar Exam, we bring a touch of home to your preparation. Benefit from our expertise in navigating the nuances of the exam.

The best part? Say goodbye to the overwhelm of figuring it all out on your own. Our course is approachable, with clear guidance and support every step of the way.

You focus on studying, and we take care of all the planning for you. From study schedules to exam prep material to finding you the right visa consultancy, we’ve got the details covered so you can concentrate on mastering the Test prep.

Who can take the exam?

If you are a law graduate registered to practice in your country and have a good standing with your Bar Association, you are eligible for the California Bar Exam. California's open policy warmly welcomes foreign law graduates and lawyers, without imposing restrictions based on nationality or residence.

Why Should You Take the Exam?

The California Bar Exam is designed for individuals with legal analytical skills and a practical legal approach. You don't need a J.D. from the United States; the exam focuses on testing the practical approaches of a lawyer rather than rote memorization of case laws or legal provisions.

Who Else Should Consider the Exam?

Lawyers planning to migrate to the USA.
Law graduates aspiring to pursue an LLM in the USA.
Lawyers whose law firms or companies are sponsoring their work visa in the USA.

California Bar Exam Pattern

The exam is given twice every year: the February exam and the July Exam.

Here is a simplified breakdown of the California Bar Exam format:

Written Portion:
- Three Essay Questions (Morning session)
- Two Essay Questions and One Performance Test (Afternoon session)

The essay questions require test takers to analyze legal issues and provide well-reasoned written responses. The Performance Test evaluates practical lawyering skills by presenting a simulated legal task that requires organization, analysis, and writing.

Multistate Bar Examination (MBE):
- 200 Multiple Choice Questions
- Split into two three-hour sessions (100 questions per session)
- Covers various areas of national law, including criminal law, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, and more.

The MBE tests the examinee's understanding of fundamental legal principles and their ability to apply them to hypothetical scenarios.

The California Bar Exam spans two days, with the first day focusing on the written portion (essays and performance tests) and the second day dedicated to the MBE.

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Minimum passing marks:

It is important to note the minimum passing score is required to pass the exam.

The California bar exam has 2000 possible points. You need 1390 or above points to pass the California bar exam.

However, If you score between 1340 and 1390, you get a second reading and may get a second chance.

Points divided based on Essays, MBE, and PT:

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The written portion (essays & PT) and MBEs are equally divided at 50% each and it is important to attempt both with the same level of dedication.

Testing subjects:

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Application fees:

The application fees for foreign attorney applicants (updated as of 2024): $1,500 + Taxes These fee amounts do not include the laptop fee or any late fees.

To start the application process click here.

What are Laptop registration fees?

Laptop registration fees (recently updated 2024): $153 (+$50 for late registration)

The California Bar Exam can be taken as a written exam or on a laptop. The applicant needs to register for the Laptop Examination software before the due dates on the CalBar site.

The applicant will take their own laptops that must meet the CalBar laptop registration requirements.

To know more about the requirements and process please click here.

Career after clearing the Bar Exam:

If you are a foreign applicant attorney recently qualified for the bar you can work in different roles in the private sector:

Launching Your Solo Legal Venture: Establish your practice post-licensure, offering independence and flexibility.
Specializing in Big Law Practice Areas: Secure coveted roles with top-tier salaries, specializing in specific practice areas.
Medium-Sized Firm Experiences: Gain diverse insights into law with balanced workloads and a manageable pace.
Thriving in Small Firms: Join a close-knit team focusing on specialization or general practice for rapid skill development.
Thriving in Boutique Legal Practices: Explore niche areas like intellectual property, tax, or campaign finance, collaborating on unique transactions.
Arbitration and Mediation: After clearing the bar, practice as an arbitrator or mediator in most states if not all.

Key Considerations Before Taking The Exam:

Ensuring you meet all requirements/eligibility for the exam before diving into preparation.
Creating a smart study schedule that balances practice and focused exam prep.
Understanding how to apply legal principles across jurisdictions to broaden your perspective.
Seeking practical wisdom to navigate legal scenarios effectively.
Analyzing past papers for trends and patterns to tailor your study approach.
Practicing clear and concise writing to effectively convey legal concepts in your answers.
Learning effective time management skills in answering the questions.

How will we help you?

Navigate the application process effortlessly with our step-by-step assistance.
Connect confidently with experienced Visa Consultants for a smooth journey.
Plan effectively with insights from trend analyses on past and new questions.
Focus your study with strategic sessions on Essays, MBE, and PT.
Craft articulate and concise responses with sharpened writing skills.
Elevate your application of legal principles for exam success.
Deepen your context understanding through immersive U.S. case studies.
Stay informed on the latest U.S. regulations and developments.
Optimize performance with essential time management skills.
Augment preparation with U.S. practice and freelance assistance

What is Unique about this course?

*Service*	*Ours*	*Others*
Live Classes	144 live classes (1.5 to 2 hours) + Mentoring/Doubt Clearing Sessions	No or few live classes
Duration	18 months (15 months regular classes + 3 months prep classes)	Usually 6 months crash course
Cost	₹2,90,000	Typically more than ₹5,00,000
Assignment Assistance	50+ assignments, including a variety, not just past year questions	Often limited to past year questions only
Evaluations	Detailed feedback based on CBE grading system	Paid evaluations on $90 or more
Faculty	Qualified and licensed to practice in California	Trained professionals without specific licensing
Application & Registration Guidance	Step-by-step guidance through the application process	No procedural help
Newsletter/Updates	Regular updates on CalBar process and relevant information	No updates
Prep Sessions	3 months prep course before exams for additional support	No Prep phase
Money Back Guarantee	45-day money-back guarantee with details in the refund policy	No Money Back Guarantee

Faculty Members

Aarohi Kashyap

LL.M, UC Berkeley- School of Law | Dual Qualified Attorney (India and California)

Raghav Mendiratta

Oversight Board - Meta | Dual Qualified Attorney (California, USA and India) | London School of Economics

Anirudh Ramakrishnan

Dual Qualified Attorney & Advocate (Admitted to Practice Law in California & India); LLM at UC Berkeley, 2023-24

Note: This is an indicative list of our guest faculty members and not an exhaustive list. We may change the faculty members at any point based on availability.

Syllabus

Contracts

Formation of contract:

Mutual Assent
Indefiniteness And Absence of Terms
Consideration
Modification of Contracts

Defenses to Enforceability

Incapacity to Contract
Duress and Undue Influence
Mistake and Misunderstanding
Misrepresentation, Non- Disclosure and Fraud
Illegality
Unconscionability
Public Policy
Statute of Frauds

Parol Evidence Rule Interpretation of Contracts, Implied and Omitted Terms Conditions Breach Obligations of Good Faith and Fair Dealings Express and Implied Warranties in Sale of Goods Contracts Other Performance Matters Discharge of Contract and Duties

Impossibility
Impracticability
Frustration on Purpose

Implied-In-Fact Contracts and Implied-In-Law (Quasi) Contracts Remedies

Expectation Interest
Expectation Damages
Consequential Damages and Foreseeability
Liquidated Damages and Penalties
Limitation of Remedies
Mitigation of Damages
Rescission and Reformation
Specific performance and Injunction
Reliance and Restitution Interests
Remedial Rights of Breaching Parties

Incidental damages, Punitive damages, Nominal damages, Attorney's fees Third-Party Beneficiaries Assignment of Rights & Delegation of Duties

Torts

Intentional Tort

Harm to Person- Assault and Battery
Trespass and Conversion
Defenses for Injury to Person

Negligence

Standard of care
Possession of Land
Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur
Causation
Proximate causation and its problems
Liability for the acts of others
Defenses
Liabilities for Inflicting Emotional Distress and Pure Economic Loss

Product Liability

Historical Origins
Manufacturing Defects
Design Defects
Negligence
Breach of Warranty
Defenses

Strict Liability

Dangerous Activities
Defective or Dangerous products
Defenses to Strict Liability

Defamation and Invasion of Privacy Nuisance Interference and Injuries with Business Relations Other tort: Intentional and Negligent Misrepresentation Other tort: Improper use of the Legal System

Criminal Law

General principles: Acts and omissions State of Mind Responsibility General Principles

Causation
Justification and Excuse
Jurisdiction

Homicide Inchoate Crimes Parties to a Crime Crime against Property

Larceny
Larceny by trick
False Pretenses
Forgery
Embezzlement
Extortion
Robbery
Burglary
Arson

Battery and Assault Rape and Statutory Rape Kidnapping False Imprisonment- Crimes Against the Person Crime Against Justice: Perjury and Bribery Merger Defenses

Self Defense
Defense of Others
Defense of Property
Defense of Arrest
Defense of Prevention of Crimes
Defense of Public Authority
Defense of Parental Authority
Defense of Duress
Defense of Necessity
Defense of Consent
Defense of Entrapment
Defense of Alibi

Criminal Procedure

Arrest, Search and Seizure Due Process- Fifth Amendment Fifth Amendment and Other Privileges Right to Confrontation Sixth Amendment: Right to counsel Pre-trial Procedure Trial

Fair Trial and Guilty Pleas
Jury Trial
Speedy Trial and Public Trial

Post-Trial Considerations Sentencing Appeal and Error

Law of Evidence

Introduction of Evidence Presumption Burden of Proof Mode and Order of Presentation of Evidence Impeachment, Contradiction and Rehabilitation Relevancy and Reasons for Excluding Relevant Evidence Authentication and Identification Privileges Public Policy Exclusion Writing, Recordings, and Photographs Parol Evidence Rule Hearsay and Circumstances of Its Admissibility Competency of Witnesses

Real Property

Present Estates and Future Interests Concurrent Estates Landlord and Tenant Law Special Problems Easements, Profits, and Licenses Fixtures Zoning Land Disputes Nuisance Other Property Rights Real Estate Contract Creation and Construction Marketability of Title Equitable Conversion Options and Rights of First Refusal Implied Warranty of Fitness or Suitability Performance - Land Sale Contract Mortgage and Other Security Devices Security Relationships Transfer of Mortgaged Property Discharge of the Mortgage Foreclosure Titles: Adverse Possession Transfer by Deed Conveyance by Will, Trust and Operation of Law Titles Assurance System Restraints on Alienation

Constitutional Law

Nature of Judicial Review

Source and Scope
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Judicial Review in Operation
Justiciability
Abstention

Separation of Power

Power of Congress
Power of the President
Federal Interbranch Relationship

The Federal System

Federal and State Power
Intergovernmental immunities
Federalism-based Limits on State Authority
Relations Among States

Individual Rights

State Action
Due process
Equal Protection
Privilege of Immunity Clause
Taking Clause
Prohibited Legislation
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Expression
Regulation of Commercial Speech
Regulation of Expressive Conduct
Freedom of Press
Freedom of Association

Civil Procedure

Jurisdiction and Venue Diversity of Citizenship Jurisdiction Conflict of Jurisdiction Between State and Federal Courts Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Attack on the Judgment at Trial Court Level Appealability and Review Effect of Judgement of Future Cases

California Specific: Agency

Creation of Agency Contract Liability - Agency power Tort Liability - Vicarious Liability of Principal

California Specific: Professional Responsibility

Regulatory Controls Over Attorneys and Unauthorized Practice Establishing a Legal Practice Information About Legal Services Entering into Lawyer-Client Relationship The Lawyer’s Responsibilities to The Client Duties and Bounds of a Lawyer’s Representation Termination of The Lawyer-Client Relationship and Lawyer’s Responsibilities

California Specific: Remedies

Damages and Restitutionary Remedies Injunctive Relief in Tort Application of Remedies to Specific Torts Damages, Restitutionary Remedy - Quasi-Contract, And Specific Performance Rescission and Reformation Application of Remedies to Particular Types of Contracts

California Specific: Civil Procedure

Subject Matter Jurisdiction in California State Courts and Personal Jurisdiction Venue in California State Courts and Conflict of Laws Pretrial and Trial Procedures Attack on The Judgement, Final Judgement, Appellate Review

California Specific: California Evidence Distinctions

Introduction & Relevance Character Evidence Judicial Notice, Documentary Evidence, and Testimonial Evidence Privileges Hearsay Hearsay and Relationship of Parties, Judge & Jury

California Specific: Will

Intestate Succession Succession Issues Common to Intestacy and Wills Execution of Wills Components of A Will & Related Contracts Revocation of Wills Restrictions on Testation: Family Protection Changes in Beneficiaries and Property After Will’s Execution Will Contests Probate and Estate Administration Will Substitutes

California Specific: Community Property

Characterization of Property Distribution of Property at Divorce Asset Distribution at Death and Choice of Law in Divorce Property Relations of Unmarried Cohabitants and Management and Control of Assets Creditors Rights, Reimbursement and Federal Preemption

California Specific: Corporation

Characteristics and Formation of Corporation Intra-corporate Parties Changes in Structure Professional Corporations and Foreign Corporations Securities Regulations

California Specific: Trust

Express Private Trusts Charitable & Honorary Trusts and Transfer of The Beneficiary’s Interest Modification and Termination of Trusts and Trust Administration Trust Administration Will Substitutes Trust Arising as A Matter of Law: Resulting and Constructive Trusts

California Specific: Partnerships and LLCs

Nature and Formation of a Partnership Partnership Property and Partner’s Interest in The Partnership Relations Between Parties and Relation of Partners to Third Parties Dissociation and Dissolution of a Partnership Limited Partnerships Limited Liability Partnership and Limited Liability Companies

Course Plan

Above prices are inclusive of all applicable taxes and charges. Option to convert your payment into 2 instalments is available on checkout page.

Standard

RS. 290000 incl. of all charges

View details

Join the waitlist

Access to course material and live lectures for five years.

Group and personal mentoring sessions for all the core subjects and specialisation.

Get digital access to entire study material

Access on LMS, Android & iOS app

Instructor feedback on assignments

Unlimited doubt clearing sessions

Instructor led course with online live classes

CV enhancement

Coaching for professional networking

Internship & job support

Personalised freelancing support

Interview preparation support

Top performers are recommended for jobs and client opportunities

Join the waitlist

FAQs

What does Attorney in Good Standing mean?
"Attorney in Good Standing" means a lawyer who is currently authorized to practice law, has a valid license, and is not facing disciplinary actions. It indicates compliance with ethical standards and requirements set by the legal jurisdiction. You can apply to get the good standing certificate from your Bar Association.

Is it necessary to visit the United States to take the California Bar Exam?
Yes, since the California Bar Exam is exclusively administered in Southern and Northern California, candidates are required to visit the official website to find a suitable testing location. There are no testing locations for the exam outside these regions. It is important to plan accordingly and verify any updates with the California State Bar.

Is the exam open book?
No, the California Bar Exam is not an open-book exam. Participants are not allowed to bring any reference materials or notes into the examination room nor is it provided by them.

Do I need to have in-depth knowledge of US laws before taking up this course?
Our Test Prep course for the California Bar Exam is structured to accommodate students without a prior foundation in U.S. laws. While it can be advantageous to have some basic knowledge, our emphasis is on teaching the application of legal principles and the development of essential legal skills. Our program is designed to provide comprehensive support, allowing students to grasp the necessary concepts and skills required for success in the exam, irrespective of their prior legal background.

If I qualify to practice law in California, will I be required to relinquish my current practicing license?
No, obtaining a California license generally doesn't necessitate giving up your current practicing license in your home country. However, it's essential to thoroughly review the specific regulations of both jurisdictions. Some places allow attorneys to hold licenses in multiple jurisdictions, while others may have certain requirements or restrictions on dual licensure.

Is it beneficial to work as a paralegal with U.S.-based clients before undertaking the California Bar Exam, and how does this contribute to a stronger student profile?

Engaging in work as a paralegal with U.S.-based clients is highly advisable before embarking on the California Bar Exam journey. This experience not only enriches your professional background but also provides hands-on exposure to the intricacies of U.S. legal practices. Working as a paralegal allows you to build practical skills, gain familiarity with relevant procedures, and strengthen your foundational knowledge. Integrating this experience into your profile enhances your readiness for the exam and positions you more favorably as a prospective candidate. Consider this strategic step in your preparation for a successful California Bar Exam experience.