October 2020
Essay 1: Professional Responsibility
Distinguish a decades-old romance from a present relationship that materially limits judgment.
Read the sample answer and question pointers →2020 · OCTOBER AND FEBRUARY EXAMS
2020 California Bar Exam
Sample Answers & Annotated Questions
Ten original essay responses and two performance-test examples, covering October and February. Read the actual questions, numbered pointers, and issue outlines directly in your browser.
Practice first, compare second
This is an original, ungraded instructional response. It is not an official State Bar selected answer, a scored student submission, or a claim of attorney review. Use it to compare reasoning and organization after attempting the question. Alternative reasoned analyses may be possible.
October’s PT example is an objective memorandum in In re Potential Wright Litigation. February’s is a response letter in Western Insurance Company v. SecureTrade. The fall 2020 exam was administered in October. Each follows its own task instructions.
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12 responses shown
October 2020
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October 2020
Essay 2: Business Associations
Separate board authority from the merits of the directors’ business judgment.
Read the sample answer and question pointers →October 2020
Essay 3: Real Property
Begin with the 1988 conveyance: the will transferred only the south half.
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Essay 4: Criminal Law & Procedure
Separate agreement, entry, and taking; analyze Al as an accomplice as well as a conspirator.
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Essay 5: Remedies
Reform the writing to reflect the agreement, then analyze delivery of the unique painting.
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Performance Test: In re Potential Wright Litigation
Follow the three requested questions and omit a separate statement of facts.
Read the sample answer and question pointers →February 2020
Official questions · Download annotated packet
February 2020
Essay 1: Torts
Separate the false factual accusation from the insulting opinion about Paul’s acting.
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Essay 2: Professional Responsibility
Identify Nonprofit as the intended client and verify Ellen’s authority to retain counsel.
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Essay 3: Contracts & Remedies
Interpret public areas using the writing, prior discussion, and supported trade usage.
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Essay 4: Evidence
Apply California law, including Proposition 8, rather than federal conviction time limits.
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Essay 5: Business Associations
Determine entity and partner status from co-ownership and conduct, not labels alone.
Read the sample answer and question pointers →February 2020
Performance Test: Western Insurance v. SecureTrade
Draft the requested signed response letter, not an internal memorandum or motion.
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