Illinois Bar Exam Quick Facts
Administering Body: Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar
UBE State: Yes (adopted 2019)
Passing Score: 266 (out of 400)
Pass Rate (2024): 72% first-time, 35% repeat
Exam Dates: February & July
Results Timeline: 8-10 weeks
Application Fee: $750
Score Transfer: 3 years (from other UBE states)
Illinois and the Uniform Bar Exam
Illinois adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) in 2019, making it easier for attorneys to transfer scores from other UBE jurisdictions. This was a significant change for the state, which previously used its own bar examination format with Illinois-specific essay questions.
The UBE consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Illinois requires a passing score of 266, which is slightly above average for UBE states but reflects Chicago's status as a major legal market.
Good News: If you've passed the UBE in another state within the last 3 years with a score of 266 or higher, you can transfer your score to Illinois without retaking the exam.
Illinois Bar Exam Format (UBE)
The Illinois bar exam follows the standard UBE format administered over two days.
Day 1: Written Portion
Morning Session - MEE (3 hours)
- 6 Multistate Essay Examination questions
- 30 minutes per essay
- Tests 12+ subjects (varies by exam)
Afternoon Session - MPT (3 hours)
- 2 Multistate Performance Test tasks
- 90 minutes per task
- Legal memos, briefs, client letters, etc.
Day 2: MBE
200 multiple choice questions over two 3-hour sessions (100 questions each). The MBE tests seven subjects: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, and Civil Procedure.
How the Illinois Bar Exam Is Scored
Your Illinois/UBE score is calculated by combining three components:
MBE (50%)
200 multiple choice questions scaled to a 200-point scale
MEE (30%)
6 essays graded on a 1-6 scale, scaled to match MBE
MPT (20%)
2 performance tests graded on a 1-6 scale, scaled to match MBE
Passing Score: You need a combined scaled score of 266 out of 400 to pass in Illinois. This translates to roughly 66.5% overall performance.
Subjects Tested on the Illinois Bar
The UBE tests both MBE subjects and additional MEE subjects. You need to know all of these for maximum scoring potential.
MBE Subjects (7)
- Civil Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law & Procedure
- Evidence
- Real Property
- Torts
Additional MEE Subjects
- Business Associations
- Conflict of Laws
- Family Law
- Secured Transactions (UCC Art. 9)
- Trusts & Estates
Illinois Bar Exam Pass Rates
Illinois has consistently strong pass rates, particularly among graduates of the state's top law schools like University of Chicago, Northwestern, and University of Illinois.
| Exam | First-Time Takers | Repeat Takers | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | 72% | 35% | 65% |
| February 2024 | 68% | 30% | 54% |
| July 2023 | 74% | 38% | 67% |
Source: Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar statistics
UBE Score Transfer to Illinois
Illinois accepts UBE score transfers from other jurisdictions, making it easier to gain admission without retaking the bar exam.
Requirements for Score Transfer:
- UBE score of 266 or higher
- Score achieved within 3 years of Illinois application
- Completion of Illinois MCLE (Minimum Continuing Legal Education)
- Pass character and fitness evaluation
- Complete any Illinois-specific requirements
Note: Illinois does not require an Illinois-specific law component (unlike some UBE states). Once you transfer your score and pass character and fitness, you're admitted.
Illinois Bar Exam Study Strategies
1. Focus on the MBE
The MBE accounts for 50% of your UBE score. Aim to complete 2,000+ practice questions during your preparation. A strong MBE score can compensate for weaker essay performance.
2. Don't Neglect MEE Subjects
The 5 MEE-only subjects (Business Associations, Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Secured Transactions, Trusts & Estates) appear frequently on essays. Many students under-prepare these areas.
3. Practice MPT Timing
The MPT tests your ability to complete practical legal tasks under time pressure. Practice with actual MPT questions from the NCBE and stick to the 90-minute limit per task.
4. Use a Structured Schedule
Most successful bar takers study 8-10 weeks full-time (400-500 hours total). Follow your bar prep course schedule and avoid the temptation to spend too long on subjects you enjoy while neglecting weaker areas.
5. Take Practice Exams
Complete at least 2-3 full practice exams under timed conditions before the real test. This builds stamina and helps identify time management issues before they matter.
The Chicago Legal Market
Major Law Firm Presence
Chicago is home to major BigLaw firms including Kirkland & Ellis, Sidley Austin, Baker McKenzie, and Latham & Watkins. It's the third-largest legal market in the U.S. after New York and Washington, D.C.
Practice Area Strengths
Chicago excels in corporate law, M&A, private equity, IP litigation, and derivatives/commodities law. The CME Group headquarters makes Chicago a hub for financial services legal work.
Salary Competitiveness
BigLaw firms in Chicago now match Cravath scale ($225,000 starting in 2024). Combined with lower cost of living than NYC, Chicago offers excellent purchasing power for attorneys.
Work-Life Balance
Chicago has a reputation for slightly better work-life balance than New York, with comparable pay and lower housing costs. Many attorneys choose Chicago specifically for quality of life.
Top Illinois Law Schools
University of Chicago Law School
T6 law school, 95%+ bar pass rate, highest clerkship placement
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
T14 law school, strong corporate law placement, 93% bar pass rate
University of Illinois College of Law
Excellent value, strong state government/in-state placement
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Health law specialty, strong Chicago market employment
Chicago-Kent College of Law (IIT)
IP/patent law specialty, part-time program available
Illinois Bar Exam Timeline
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