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Bar Prep Matching Program

The Center for Public Service’s Bar Prep Matching Program connects students going into public interest positions after graduation with firm-bound students who have the opportunity to provide them with a free bar prep course.

2026-27 Center for Public Service Bar Prep Matching Program

For summer 2027, BarBri, Themis, and Kaplan have all indicated that a matching program will be available for Emory Law students.

The information shared below is based on past practice and on what the bar prep companies have indicated is likely in 2027; it is subject to change.

Eligible firm-bound students can offer a free bar prep course to eligible public interest students. The bar prep companies "gift" these courses to the public interest students, so neither the firm-bound student nor the law firm incur any additional costs to provide the course. (For public interest students who receive a gift course, there is no tuition; however, the student may still need to pay some fees, such as for materials and shipping).

If you are interested in participating in the program, please complete one of these forms so that we can provide you with more information and work to find you a match.

Firm-bound students interested in gifting a course: Thank you! Please complete this form.

Public-interest-bound students interested in receiving a gift course: Please complete this form so that we can begin finding you a match. Please be patient as this process may take some time.

Summer 2027 Deadlines

  • BarBri: Both the firm-bound and public interest students must be enrolled in a BarBri course, and the students must have registered the match with BarBri, by October 2, 2026.

  • Themis: Firm-bound students must be enrolled by September 30, 2026; public interest students must enroll in Themis, and matching forms must be submitted, by November 30, 2026.   Gift courses are available while supplies last, so students are encouraged to submit matches as soon as possible. 

  • Kaplan:All matches must be completed by April 15, 2027.

FAQs

Which firm-bound students qualify to gift a course to a public interest student?

  • BarBri: Students enrolled in BarBri courses directly by their law firms may qualify, depending on which package the firm has purchased. Firms on this list qualify; other firms may also qualify, but the student will need to contact BarBri to inquire.
  • Kaplan:  Firm bound students who are directly billing their firm for their bar prep package qualify.  Students can reach out to our Kaplan rep to confirm their firm’s eligibility.
  • Themis: Any student whose firm is paying full, regular Themis tuition. (Tuition can be paid directly by the student’s firm or paid by the student and reimbursed by the firm; however, students who are provided a stipend from their firm for bar review do not qualify).  Firm-bound students can check whether they qualify by looking up their firm here.  (Firms listed as “Direct Pay” or “Reimbursement” qualify).

Which public interest bound students qualify to receive a course?

  • BarBri: Students who will earn $75,000 or less in government, non-profit/legal aid, judicial clerkship, fellowship, or other public interest jobs.
  • Themis: Students with a history of public interest work in law school and stated intent to pursue public interest work. 
  • Kaplan: Public Interest is defined by a broad range of activities. Public Interest lawyers work to effect change in social policies for the public interest, on 'not for profit' terms, or to represent poor or marginalized people. Instead of serving the interests of private clients or economic interests, Public Interest lawyers advocate for otherwise under-represented or vulnerable individuals and communities to protect the rights, health, or finances of the public at large.

As a public interest student, do I need to have accepted a post-graduate job to participate in the program?

  • BarBri:  No, for JD students.  For LLM students, secured future employment is required.
  • Themis: No, the student only needs a demonstrated history of public interest work in law school.
  • Kaplan:  No; however, Kaplan may ask for documents such as job offers or other proof of intent to work in the public sector to confirm eligibility.

I have already agreed with a friend to gift a course to them. Can I do that? And should I still complete the form?

Yes, definitely! Please complete the form so that we know that you are participating in the gifting program. There is a space on the form to indicate that you are matching with a specific student.

Will all students be matched?

We will do our best to match as many students as possible within the limitations of the bar prep programs, but unfortunately cannot guarantee a match.

As a public interest student, do I have options for reduced bar fees if I am not matched?

All three companies offer options for reduced tuition for public interest students. More details are available on their websites, linked here: