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Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Test

NCBE MPRE

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Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Information

The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), is a vital step on the path to becoming a licensed attorney in the United States. Although often overshadowed by the more comprehensive bar exam, the MPRE plays a role in ensuring that prospective lawyers understand the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with legal practice. Whether you’re a law student planning ahead or a candidate preparing to sit for the test, understanding the MPRE’s purpose, format, and significance can help demystify the process and enhance your readiness.

What Is the MPRE and Why Does It Matter?

The MPRE is designed to measure a candidate’s understanding of established standards related to a lawyer’s professional conduct. It is not a test of state-specific ethics rules but is based largely on the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct and the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct. These frameworks form the basis of legal ethics in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction, making the MPRE a universal assessment of a lawyer’s professional responsibility.

Most jurisdictions require a passing MPRE score as a prerequisite to sitting for the bar exam or gaining admission to the bar. Only Wisconsin and Puerto Rico currently waive this requirement, and California and Maryland have their own standards. Because professional ethics are at the heart of the legal profession—where client trust, judicial integrity, and fair representation are paramount—the MPRE ensures that all aspiring attorneys have a baseline understanding of these principles before practicing law.

Who Should Take the MPRE and When?

The MPRE is typically taken by law students after they have completed a course in Professional Responsibility, often during their second or third year of law school. While there are no formal prerequisites in terms of coursework, having a solid foundation in the ethical rules and legal standards that govern professional conduct is strongly recommended before sitting for the exam.

Each jurisdiction sets its own deadline for when the MPRE must be passed in relation to the bar exam, so timing is crucial. For many, taking the MPRE at least a year before the bar exam offers peace of mind and allows time to retake it if needed. Since it is offered three times per year—in March, August, and November—students have flexibility in scheduling the exam around their studies and internships.

MPRE Format and Structure

The MPRE consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, 50 of which are scored and 10 unscored pretest items used to evaluate future questions. Test takers have two hours to complete the exam, and it is administered digitally at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide.

Questions cover a variety of ethical scenarios and may involve judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law firm settings. The key topics tested include:

  • Regulation of the Legal Profession
  • Client-Lawyer Relationship
  • Conflicts of Interest
  • Competence, Legal Malpractice, and Civil Liability
  • Litigation and Other Advocacy Duties
  • Client Confidentiality
  • Judicial Conduct

While the questions are multiple-choice, they often involve nuanced fact patterns that test an individual’s judgment and ability to apply rules appropriately. For this reason, memorization of rules alone is not sufficient—understanding context and how rules interact is critical.

MPRE Scoring and Passing Requirements

MPRE scores range from 50 to 150, with the national median score typically falling around 100. Each jurisdiction sets its own passing score, usually between 75 and 86. For example, New York and California require a minimum passing score of 85, while some states require only 75.

Scores are scaled based on question difficulty, meaning that a raw score of correct answers is adjusted depending on the test version’s complexity. This ensures fairness across different administrations of the exam.

It’s important to note that jurisdictions generally require a candidate to achieve a passing MPRE score within a specific time frame relative to their bar application. Failing to meet this requirement can delay bar admission even if a candidate passes the bar exam itself.

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  • Free Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam Practice Test

  • 20 Questions
  • Unlimited
  • Regulation of the legal profession
    The client-lawyer relationship
    Client confidentiality
    Conflicts of interest
    Competence, legal malpractice, and other civil liability
    Litigation and other forms of advocacy
    Transactions and communications with persons other than clients
    Different roles of the lawyer
    Safekeeping funds and other property
    Communications about legal services
    Lawyers’ duties to the public and the legal system
    Judicial conduct
Question 1 of 20

A lawyer learns that a client testified with incorrect statements in a proceeding. The client refuses to fix the testimony. Which course of action aligns best with the duty of candor to the tribunal?

  • Encourage the client to correct the testimony and disclose the falsehood if the client declines

  • Anonymously send a letter to the court with details of the incorrect statement

  • Allow cross-examination by opposing counsel to reveal the incorrect statements

  • End the representation without taking further action

Question 2 of 20

Attorney Lucy has handled a few commercial real estate matters during her first year of practice. She places a statement on her website declaring herself an expert in negotiating complex commercial transactions. She does not hold an accredited certification nor significant training in that area. May Lucy make this statement?

  • She may make this representation as long as no disciplinary complaint has been filed

  • She may not hold herself out as an expert without recognized credentials or extensive experience

  • She may call herself an expert in that area if the term is not accompanied by a formal certification endorsement

  • She may declare herself an expert because she has engaged in business-related work for a year

Question 3 of 20

Mia, a lawyer, prepared a memorandum for her client’s fundraising campaign stating that the property in question was free of claims. The client provided this memorandum to prospective contributors, who donated funds while relying on Mia’s statements. It was later discovered that the property was subject to a significant lien, causing financial harm to the contributors. Is Mia subject to liability to these contributors?

  • Mia is restricted from using disclaimers to defend her statements to contributors

  • Mia is liable if she allowed or expected the prospective contributors to rely on her statements and she did not confirm their accuracy

  • Mia does not owe a duty because her representation is directed at her client

  • Mia is protected from claims because disclaimers in the documentation cover the risk

Question 4 of 20

During a trial, an attorney realizes that a statute they cited as supporting their argument has been overturned by a higher court. What should the attorney do to uphold their duty of candor to the tribunal?

  • Continue using the statute to support the argument, believing it still holds persuasive value.

  • Inform the court that the statute has been overturned and modify the argument appropriately.

  • Withdraw your oral motion or argument.

  • Ignore the change and proceed to advocate.

Question 5 of 20

Judge Thompson is overseeing a case involving a dispute between two businesses. Outside of official court proceedings, Judge Thompson meets privately with the plaintiff's attorney to discuss the case's details. Is this conduct appropriate under professional judicial standards?

  • Engaging in private discussions with one party's attorney is inappropriate under professional judicial standards.

  • Such meetings are allowed provided they are brief and non-influential.

  • Private discussions are permissible if both parties are aware of them.

  • It is acceptable under certain conditions, such as when no case-related decisions are discussed.

Question 6 of 20

During a lawsuit over personal items, a painting belonging to a third party was delivered to an attorney by mistake. The third party asked the attorney for the painting, but the attorney’s client does not want the painting returned. Is it acceptable for the attorney to keep the painting from the true owner under these circumstances?

  • Notify the rightful owner promptly and deliver the painting as requested

  • Maintain possession of the painting, pursuant to your client's wishes

  • Notify the owner of your possession of the painting via writing but do not facilitate returning the painting

  • Label the painting in a separate area and continue to hold it on the client’s behalf until the case concludes

Question 7 of 20

A lawyer represents a client who demands that the lawyer file a lawsuit against a former business associate. The lawyer’s investigation suggests that the case lacks factual support. The client states that the law is never certain and wants to file the suit to encourage a settlement. Is the lawyer permitted to file the lawsuit?

  • Yes, a lawyer must file the lawsuit if the client strongly insists on that course of action

  • Yes, because the client wants to pursue the lawsuit based on the client’s strategic considerations in settlement negotiations

  • No, because it is clear this client is acting irrationally

  • No, the lawyer should not bring a claim that the lawyer believes is unfounded

Question 8 of 20

Carla provides legal services for real estate closings. A real estate broker, who sends multiple clients to Carla, wants a percentage of Carla's closing fees as compensation. Carla wonders if this arrangement is permitted.

  • It is acceptable if Carla notifies clients that the broker receives part of the closing fees.

  • It is acceptable if Carla designates the broker as a consultant who is compensated from the legal fees received.

  • It is not permitted, because lawyers do not share fees with nonlawyers outside of recognized exceptions like payment of staff salaries.

  • It is acceptable if Carla and the broker enter into a valid contract outlining the referral fee.

Question 9 of 20

An attorney represents a client in a property dispute. At a hearing, the attorney realizes the client presented false statements about a material aspect of ownership. The attorney confronts the client, who insists that the attorney do nothing. What action is proper, consistent with ethical duties?

  • Send an anonymous letter to the court, describing your client's false statements

  • Continue representing the client without taking further measures because the client’s statements were made voluntarily

  • Discuss the necessity of correcting the false statement with the client and evaluate steps for disclosure if the client refuses

  • Withdraw from the matter while maintaining confidentiality regarding the client’s statements

Question 10 of 20

An attorney represented a client in a claim and received settlement proceeds in trust. A healthcare provider states there is an outstanding balance and claims a portion of the remaining funds. The client requests a release of the remaining amount to cover personal needs. The provider insists that the disputed sum belongs to its facility. Which approach best meets professional responsibilities regarding these funds?

  • Offer the proceeds to the client and have the provider negotiate directly with the client

  • Place that portion in the lawyer’s operating account to keep it separate from the client

  • Pay the provider the outstanding balance and forward the remainder to the client

  • Distribute the relevant funds to the client and hold the portion in question in a trust account

Question 11 of 20

Briana, an attorney, includes a clause in her representation agreement that reduces her exposure for negligence. She does not advise the client to seek outside counsel. Which statement best addresses the enforceability of that clause under professional responsibility guidelines?

  • It is authorized by the bar association after a summary review of the retainer terms

  • It is acceptable if the attorney has seasoned experience and the client later confirms satisfaction with the representation

  • It is valid when the client reads the agreement and signs it voluntarily

  • It is permitted if the client obtains guidance from a lawyer who is not affiliated with the attorney proposing the limitation

Question 12 of 20

An attorney wanted to be hired as general counsel by a new city commission. The attorney contributed a sizable amount to campaigns of several commissioners and then mentioned that fact during an interview, suggesting past financial support demonstrated commitment to the municipality’s needs. Did the attorney act properly?

  • The attorney’s approach is acceptable if the commissioners do not mention concerns about improper influence.

  • The attorney’s approach is acceptable because there was no formal requirement to avoid referencing political support.

  • The attorney’s approach is acceptable if the money was donated in good faith to support municipal campaigns.

  • The attorney violated the rule prohibiting contributions presented in a way that appears designed to secure a public appointment.

Question 13 of 20

Dana is an attorney advising a business associate who confides that they plan to forge a signature on an upcoming contract, creating a financial loss for the other party. The client insists that Dana preserve confidentiality. Under the local rule, revealing information is permitted if it will prevent a substantial monetary injury. What approach is appropriate for Dana?

  • Dana notifies the relevant individuals of the client's fraudulent intentions, as ethical standards allow measures to avert serious monetary harm.

  • Dana remains silent unless the forgery is actually carried out, then considers announcing the client's wrongdoing.

  • Dana partially discloses the client’s intention to another attorney for input, but avoids informing anyone else of the potential forgery.

  • Dana maintains secrecy in all financial dealings, since an unexecuted plan is not an immediate issue.

Question 14 of 20

Attorney Johnson is representing a client in negotiating a merger with a company in which Attorney Johnson owns a significant number of shares. What should Attorney Johnson do to comply with professional responsibility standards?

  • Continue representing the client while holding shares in the merging company.

  • Consider terminating the representation to address the conflict of interest.

  • Inform the client about his financial interest in the merging company and determine how to proceed with the representation.

  • Disclose the financial interest once its necessary.

Question 15 of 20

Michael, a paralegal at Smith & Partners, is asked by a friend to draft business contracts and provide advice on forming a new venture. He prepares the documents, comments on their legal effect, and accepts payment. Which option best describes his conduct?

  • He is justified because he does not represent his friend in court proceedings.

  • He is engaged in tasks allowed for paralegals.

  • He provides services that are restricted to qualified persons.

  • He is exempt from rules since he is employed by a law firm.

Question 16 of 20

Jessica, an attorney handling a family law case, receives multiple emails from her client each day requesting updates and advice. Responding to every message is becoming time-consuming and is affecting her ability to manage the case effectively. According to professional responsibility rules, how should Jessica manage her communications with her client?

  • Delegate some client communications to a junior associate to handle routine updates.

  • Respond to client communications promptly to ensure the client feels supported.

  • Set reasonable boundaries for communication methods and frequency, ensuring the client is kept informed while managing the workload effectively.

  • Limit communication to scheduled meetings and manage email responses outside of business hours appropriately.

Question 17 of 20

An attorney received a client’s litigation file well before a date set by the court. The attorney worked on other matters and sent the required documents after that date had passed, which prevented the client from pursuing the case. Which choice best describes the attorney’s actions?

  • The attorney did not address the official date, leaving the client unable to proceed

  • The attorney followed the intake procedure for new files

  • The attorney decided to work on the matter after completing a backlog

  • The attorney relied on updates from the client to manage scheduling

Question 18 of 20

Attorney Garcia represents a client in a high-profile criminal case. During a TV interview, Garcia asserts that the key witness is lying and that the prosecutor is pursuing the matter for personal gain. Which approach is permitted when speaking publicly about this case?

  • Use news segments to allege that the prosecutor is pursuing personal interests for professional gain

  • Release materials suggesting the witness has altered evidence under external pressure

  • Focus statements on logistical updates like upcoming hearings and fundamental procedural details

  • Publicly claim that the main witness lacks integrity

Question 19 of 20

Attorney Taylor receives a $25,000 advance from a client to cover anticipated legal expenses. To manage these funds in accordance with professional responsibility requirements, what should Attorney Taylor do?

  • Deposit the funds into the law firm's main operating account and track them as client funds.

  • Use the advance to cover immediate case expenses and replenish the account as needed.

  • Transfer the funds to a personal savings account until they are required for legal fees.

  • Store the funds in a separate account designated for client monies to maintain clear separation from personal or business accounts.

Question 20 of 20

Attorney Lee has been invited to represent a client in a complex intellectual property dispute. While Lee has experience in general litigation, he has no background in intellectual property law. What should Attorney Lee do to comply with professional competence standards before accepting the representation?

  • Delegate the intellectual property issues to a junior attorney without additional support.

  • Seek additional training in intellectual property law while representing the client.

  • Accept the case and handle the intellectual property aspects as they arise.

  • Consult with a specialist in intellectual property law before deciding whether to take on the case.