In any event, New York requires candidates to learn not only the general principles of law relating to all of these topics, but the New York Bar Exam also tests applicants on their knowledge of the New York rules for each of these topics as well. The Massachusetts Bar Exam tests applicants on approximately 20 topics. While the Massachusetts Bar Examiners do test a significant amount of Massachusetts law on their exam, it is the applicant's command of general principles of law and not the Massachusetts distinctions that will weigh heavily in earning a passing score. In Connecticut, the Bar Examiners test only a relatively small amount of Connecticut law. While topics such as Connecticut Practice and Procedure, Connecticut State Constitutional law and Connecticut Evidence are subject to testing, they are not among the most frequently tested topics on that bar exam.
New Jersey remains at the opposite end of the spectrum from New York.
While knowledge of New Jersey law may prove helpful, knowledge of New Jersey law is not required to fare successfully on the New Jersey Bar Exam. To easily visualize taking two bar exams concurrently, consider the New York Bar Exam as a large umbrella that tests many subjects. By studying for New York, you are reviewing all of the Multistate subjects, their New York distinctions and general principles as well as distinctions for many other topics as well. This New York umbrella covers most of the subjects you can encounter on the Massachusetts and Connecticut bars and all of the subjects you may find on the New Jersey exam. You are actually preparing for it while you are studying for the New York Bar Exam.