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NC Bar: Multistate Performance Test on the NC Bar

NC Bar · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Multistate Performance Test on the NC Bar

The Multistate Performance Test gives you two 90-minute tasks in a closed universe: a File of facts and a Library of statutes, cases, and rules. No outside law is allowed and no memorized doctrine is required. Grading rewards following instructions, organizing around the client's problem, applying the Library to the File, and matching the requested format.

Task types

  • Objective office memo: Questions Presented, Brief Answer, Statement of Facts, Analysis, Conclusion.
  • Persuasive brief with a caption and an argument section.
  • Client letter or email in plain language explaining options and risks.
  • Drafting tasks, such as contract or settlement provisions, judged against the instruction's checklist.

Method

  1. Read the task memo twice; underline deliverable, audience, and tone.
  2. Skim the File for facts the Library makes relevant; note names, dates, amounts.
  3. Read the Library and outline rules; for cases, extract the holding tied to the facts.
  4. Write analysis using File facts explicitly, citing Library authorities.
  5. Reserve time to verify format compliance and every specific ask in the instructions.

Worked example

A task asks whether a client's non-compete is enforceable. The Library contains G.S. 75-2 and two cases on reasonable time and territory. The memo should state the rule (valid only if reasonable in time and territory and necessary to protect a legitimate interest), apply the client's five-year, statewide term against the cases, and advise on severability.

Traps

Treating the MPT as an essay on remembered law; failing to cite Library authorities; ignoring an instruction to address the counterargument; spending so long on task one that task two is rushed.