A Handy Multistate Essay Exam Template for Beginners

A Handy Multistate Essay Exam Template For Beginners

Writing six essays in three hours can be a daunting task. A multistate essay template makes it less daunting, especially when you are just starting out and getting a hang of writing essays for the multistate essay exam. Having a multistate essay exam template helps you remember all the necessary steps in stating a rule, applying it, and drawing a conclusion. It also gives you the added boost of confidence know that you know how to write your essays to get the maximum amount of points.

A Handy Multistate Essay Exam Template For Beginners

The Multistate Essay Examination (“MEE”) is a three hour exam consisting of six 30-minute questions. Developed by the NCBE, the MEE is designed to test an applicant’s ability to identify legal issues in a hypothetical fact pattern, determine what is relevant, develop a reasoned and clear  analysis and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant fundamental legal principles. Or to put it simply, it tests your ability to write legal essays.

The general format for an essay answer for the multistate essay exam is a “RAC” format. RAC is stating the rule, analysis, and conclusion. This is similar to “IRAC” format that you learned in law school but there are a few difference to keep in mind when drafting your multistate essay exam answers.

Multistate Essay Exam Template:

• Issue #1:
  • Rule
  • Analysis
  • Conclusion
• Issue #2:
  • Rule
  • Analysis
  • Conclusion

Things to know about this Multistate Essay Exam Template:

• Issue: On the MEE the issues, generally, are clearly stated. This is the opposite of law school the issues were hidden in the fact pattern. Oftentimes, you do not need to have a lengthy issue statement. (We know we are going against the general advice you normally hear!) However, since issues are generally given to you, we find students do not get that many points for an eloquent issue statement. Even simple headings – like “Battery” “Assault” etc., often suffice.
• Rule: State the rule as clearly as possible on your multistate essay answer. The MEE is testing your knowledge of the legal rule. If you know the key legal vocabulary then bold or underline those words to draw attention to them. This makes it easy for the grader to award you points.
• Analysis: Your analysis should be clear and concise. This is different from the lengthy analysis you are used to giving in law school (where issues would sometimes contain sub-issues and sub-sub-issues). Fortunately, the MEE is more straightforward. Oftentimes, the examiners will expect you to simply apply the law then conclude. However, sometimes on the MEE you will gain points if you recognize the majority view and minority view in your analysis section.
• Conclusion: For the MEE, the overall conclusion is important. Bar examiners’ will be looking for you to conclude. This means that there is a “right” conclusion compared to law school where your answers suggested possible conclusions.

One key thing to note is that in MEE essay answers:

• You should not write a lengthy background of the law. You do not have the time and it will muddle up your writing. Instead, answer the questions directly and concisely!
• You should not write a lengthy policy analysis for each issue you analyze. Use your time wisely.
• You should not arrive at a wishy-washy conclusion in your answers. Arrive at a clear conclusion. There should be one for each essay.
• You should not argue both sides nearly as extensively as you would on a law school essay answer.

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