If you finished law school outside the United States and have your eyes on the bar exam, you’ve probably heard about the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam. It’s the biggest redesign in decades, and it’s changing what gets tested, how it’s tested, and how foreign graduates should prepare.
The new version, developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), focuses more on practical lawyering skills and less on pure memorization. It’s shorter, fully computer-based, and structured to reflect what entry-level lawyers actually do in real practice.
We prepared a complete breakdown of what the NextGen exam means for foreign-trained candidates, especially those aiming for New York or other major U.S. jurisdictions.
Key Points
- NextGen Bar Exam launches July 2026, cutting total time to 9 hours and focusing on real-world legal skills.
- Foreign LL.M. grads must meet New York’s Rule 520.6 coursework, MPRE 85+, NYLC/NYLE, and 50 pro bono hours.
- The new format tests integrated tasks, legal research, writing, and client advice, over rote memorization.
- New York and Florida will fully adopt by July 2028; early states switch 2026–2027.
What’s Changing in the NextGen Bar Exam
The NCBE is introducing the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) to modernize how competence is assessed. The focus shifts from rote memorization to practical legal analysis and professional skills.
The new format compresses the schedule to a day and a half, with six hours on the first day and three on the second. Candidates will take the test on their own laptops using NCBE’s secure browser.
The Transition Timeline
Between July 2026 and February 2028, states can choose which version to administer.
- July 2026: First wave of jurisdictions adopts NextGen.
- July 2028: Legacy UBE retires completely in all participating jurisdictions.
- By August 2025, NCBE reported that 45 jurisdictions plan to adopt NextGen.
This means that from 2026 to 2028, foreign graduates need to be very careful about where they apply. Some states may still give the old exam while others have already switched.
What NextGen Actually Tests
The NextGen UBE tests both core doctrine and lawyering skills in an integrated format. It’s designed to mimic the tasks new lawyers face in real practice.
Core Doctrinal Areas
- Civil Procedure
- Contract Law
- Evidence
- Torts
- Business Associations
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law and Constitutional Protections
- Real Property
- (Family Law joins in July 2028)
Skills Coverage
- Legal research
- Legal writing and drafting
- Issue spotting and analysis
- Investigation and evaluation
- Client counseling and advising
- Negotiation and dispute resolution
- Client relationship and management
Ethics appears throughout, woven into every skill and question type.
What “Integrated Question Sets” Mean
The new exam includes tasks where candidates receive a short fact pattern plus excerpts from cases, statutes, and rules. You’ll then answer multiple choice questions or draft short written responses based on those sources.
A few topics are marked with a star in NCBE’s materials. Those require you to rely on recalled knowledge rather than supplied references.
This format rewards those who can read quickly, identify relevant authority, and write concise, practical answers. It’s closer to what you’ll actually do in a law office than a traditional essay exam.
Why NextGen Matters for Foreign Graduates
For many international lawyers, the NextGen shift is both an opportunity and a challenge.
The Opportunity
If you’ve already completed an LL.M. or are planning to, the exam’s emphasis on practical skills aligns well with the coursework you’ll take: legal research, writing, and American legal systems. You’ll likely feel more comfortable with the hands-on analysis NextGen rewards.
Many candidates also enroll in a graduate certificate in law online (4 units over 7 weeks each, with flexible online delivery) to build foundational legal skills before or alongside LL.M. study.
The Challenge
You’ll need to adapt your study plan. Traditional bar prep leaned heavily on memorization and question banks. Now you’ll have to add performance tasks, integrated question sets, and practice-based writing exercises.
A strong command of English legal writing and familiarity with U.S. legal reasoning will matter more than ever.
Where States Stand on Adoption
Different states are moving at their own pace with the NextGen rollout. Here’s a quick look at who’s switching first and when others will follow.
New York
According to Reuters, New York’s Court of Appeals approved NextGen and will begin using it in July 2028. Until then, the state will continue to administer the legacy UBE with the same 266 passing score. All other admission rules stay in place, including:
- MPRE score of 85
- Completion of the New York Law Course (NYLC)
- Passing the New York Law Exam (NYLE)
- Meeting the skills competency and pro bono requirements
Florida
Florida plans to adopt NextGen by July 2028, keeping a separate Florida law component.
Other Jurisdictions
Some will begin earlier. Ten states are expected to switch in July 2026, with others joining in 2027 and 2028. Always confirm your jurisdiction on the NCBE’s official map before choosing an exam date.
LL.M. Eligibility and the “Cure” Rule for New York
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If your foreign law degree isn’t equivalent to a U.S. J.D., New York may allow you to “cure” one deficiency through an LL.M. at an ABA-accredited law school.
Here’s what you need to know, according to the NY Bar Exam.
Evaluation and Documentation
- Submit the Foreign Evaluation Form with transcripts and syllabi.
- File it at least one year before your planned exam date.
- Documents must reach the New York Board of Law Examiners at least six months before the application period.
LL.M. Requirements
- 24 total credits, over two semesters of at least 13 weeks each.
- All credits must be earned in person at the U.S. campus.
- Distance learning or foreign-campus courses don’t count.
Mandatory Coursework
- 2 credits in professional responsibility
- 2 credits in legal research, writing, and analysis (dedicated course)
- 2 credits in American legal studies or a U.S. law survey
- 6 credits in subjects tested on the New York bar exam
What doesn’t count:
- Bar review or prep courses
- Independent study or directed research
- Online or distance courses
Exchange Program Credits
If you studied in the U.S. on an exchange program before your LL.M., those credits don’t double count toward the 24-credit minimum. However, a 2-credit research and writing class from an exchange can fulfill the course-type requirement.
New York Admission Rules That Stay the Same
Even as New York transitions to the NextGen format, the core admission requirements remain steady. Here’s what foreign graduates still need to complete.
MPRE
You’ll still need a score of 85 or higher, valid for four years. It can be taken before or after the bar exam.
NYLC and NYLE
You must complete the New York Law Course (self-paced, online) and pass the New York Law Exam (50 questions, two hours, open book). It’s offered several times each year.
Skills Competency (Rule 520.18)
There are five ways to meet this requirement. Most LL.M. students qualify through Pathway 2, which involves approved coursework and supervised practical experiences.
50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement
Foreign-trained candidates must complete at least 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work before applying for admission. Each project requires a supervisor affidavit.
Planning Your Timeline
Getting your timing right can make or break your bar prep. Here’s how to structure your next steps so every requirement lines up smoothly.
If You’re Targeting a NextGen Jurisdiction (2026–2027)
- Confirm the format: Check if your jurisdiction will use NextGen or the legacy UBE for your exam date.
- Study smart: Mix doctrinal review with regular integrated question practice.
- Get tech ready: Download NCBE’s secure browser early and practice on it.
- Schedule MPRE: Time it to avoid expiration before admission.
If You’re Targeting New York (July 2028 or Later)
- Submit your foreign education evaluation 12–15 months before your planned LL.M. start date.
- Ensure your LL.M. course plan meets Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi).
- Complete NYLC and NYLE early, ideally before bar results.
- Log and certify your 50 pro bono hours.
- Choose bar prep programs that simulate integrated question sets.
How to Study Effectively for NextGen
Studying for NextGen takes a different rhythm than the old bar exam. It’s less about cramming and more about training your legal instincts through active practice, applied reasoning, and clear writing.
1. Focus on Integrated Tasks
The NextGen exam gives you a source packet and expects you to synthesize information, not just recall rules. Practice:
- Locating controlling authority fast
- Distinguishing irrelevant cases
- Writing direct, client-ready analysis
2. Rebalance Memorization and Application
Some doctrinal recall remains essential, especially for starred topics. A practical approach:
- Split weekly study time into three parts:
- 40% rule memorization and multiple choice
- 40% integrated sets and performance tasks
- 20% writing and review
- Track progress by timing yourself, not just scoring.
3. Write Like a Lawyer
Performance tasks reward clarity and professionalism.
- Use headings, short paragraphs, and precise language.
- Prioritize the reader’s needs—usually a supervisor or client.
- Avoid filler or academic tone.
When asked to draft an email, write the way you would explain the issue to a real client.
Practical Course Selection Tips for LL.M. Students
| Must-Have Courses | Description |
| Professional Responsibility | Required for bar eligibility and tested on the exam |
| Legal Research & Writing | Builds core skills for integrated tasks |
| American Legal Studies | Gives foundational knowledge of the U.S. system |
| Evidence, Business Associations, Civil Procedure | High-yield subjects that double as bar prep |
Avoid:
- Bar review classes for credit
- Independent research
- Online or hybrid courses that don’t meet contact-hour rules
If you miss a required course, you can take it later at an ABA-approved law school, as long as it’s in person and meets the same standards.
Checklist for New York Admission
- Foreign Evaluation Form submitted on time
- M. plan satisfies Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi)
- MPRE score of 85 or higher
- NYLC completed and NYLE passed
- Skills competency under Rule 520.18 satisfied
- 50-hour pro bono completed with affidavits
Keep digital and paper copies of everything. The Board of Law Examiners sometimes asks for supplemental documentation during review.
FAQs
Example Scenarios
Every candidate’s situation looks a little different, so let’s walk through a few common timelines and how to plan effectively for each one.
You Want to Sit in New York (July 2028)
- File your evaluation form by early autumn 2027.
- Register for required LL.M. courses in your first semester.
- Take the MPRE during your program.
- Finish NYLC and NYLE before your bar results.
- Complete pro bono hours before admission.
You Want to Sit in a NextGen State (2026–2027)
- Confirm adoption year on the NCBE map.
- Build your study plan around integrated question sets.
- Use the NCBE’s official software to practice the interface.
- Get comfortable with on-screen reading and writing under timed conditions.
Scoring, Fairness, and Portability
The NCBE built NextGen after years of research and pilot testing with thousands of examinees. The design aims to better reflect real lawyering skills while maintaining fairness and score portability.
Just like the legacy UBE, your score will be portable among participating jurisdictions. Each state still sets its own passing score, local law components, and admission procedures. During the overlap years (2026–2028), both versions will coexist until the full transition.
Bottom Line
NextGen is a shift toward what new lawyers actually do. For foreign-trained candidates, it means rethinking how you prepare and structuring your LL.M. to satisfy New York’s eligibility rules.
Focus on:
- Fulfilling Rule 520.6 coursework
- Completing MPRE, NYLC, and NYLE
- Demonstrating skills under Rule 520.18
- Finishing 50 pro bono hours
- Practicing integrated tasks, not just memorization
By approaching the NextGen Bar Exam as a skills-based challenge instead of a trivia test, you’ll position yourself ahead of the curve. With the right preparation, the NextGen era can work in your favor, and maybe even make bar prep feel a little more like real lawyering.
