A Quick Reminder About What’s Changing on the MEE (and What Isn’t)

If you’re studying for the bar right now, you may have seen this NCBE update: "Effective with the July 2026 bar exam, the following areas will no longer be tested on the MEE: Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, and Secured Transactions. From July 2026 through February 2028, both Family Law and Trusts and Estates will be tested regularly through the Multistate Performance Test."

That announcement might have you wondering: “Wait … do I still need to learn Family Law, Trusts & Estates, Secured Transactions, and Conflict of Laws?”

Here’s the key change: Starting with the July 2026 bar exam, those four subjects will no longer be tested as standalone Multistate Essay Exam subjects.

That doesn't mean these topics disappear from the exam completely. But it does change where (and how) certain concepts show up.

What this means if you’re taking February 2026

For February 2026 examinees, the announcement is basically a “future problem.” The MEE subject scope hasn’t changed yet. So for February 2026, you should still prepare as if any of the traditional MEE subjects—including Conflict of Laws, Family Law, Trusts & Estates, and Secured Transactions—can appear on your essays.

In other words: February 2026 takers still need full MEE-style readiness in those areas.

What this means if you’re taking July 2026

For July 2026 examinees, the change is real and immediate: Those four subjects are removed from the MEE starting that administration.

But there’s an important nuance. Family Law and Trusts & Estates don’t just vanish. The NCBE has said that from July 2026 through February 2028, Family Law and Trusts & Estates will be tested regularly through the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).

So for July 2026 takers, your studying should shift like this:

Conflict of Laws + Secured Transactions: no longer MEE-tested

Family Law + Trusts & Estates: no longer MEE-tested, but they still likely to appear on an MPT

Bottom line

If you’re sitting for February 2026, study these subjects like normal. They're still fair game on the MEE.

If you’re sitting for July 2026, you can stop treating them as “possible essay topics,” keeping in mind that Family Law and Trusts & Estates still matter on the MPT.