Themis Bar Review is an online bar exam prep course, serving as a competitor in the broader online tutoring space. Founded in 2008, it offers a complete bar review program. The purpose of this article is to give students and parents insights about Themis Bar Review, including reviews, pricing, and alternatives, so they can compare platforms and make informed choices.
Themis Bar Review Reviews and Testimonials
- Themis Official Testimonials (themisbar.com/testimonials): Themis’s own website features dozens of student testimonials. These emphasize Themis’s short, engaging video lectures and ample practice questions. For example, a student said Themis’s practice questions “read like actual bar exam questions” and praised Themis’s responsive support staff. Another wrote they could not have passed without Themis. Generally, users highlight personalized feedback from essay graders and the convenience of short 20-minute video lessons. Themis’s site averages near 5-star feedback, though these are curated by the company. There are no official ratings or number of reviews listed on the site.
- Crush Bar Exam (crushbarexam.com): This bar review blog collects “comments around the web.” Many in Crush Bar Exam’s list praise Themis. Reviewers said they were “very happy with the bar prep course and passed on the first try,” noting the course had “plenty of practice exams” and knowledgeable presenters. Some commented on Themis’s realistic study plan and abundant graded essays. A few criticisms appeared, such as one reviewer noting Themis “did not go into enough depth on some subjects”:. Overall, Crush Bar Exam shows mostly positive feedback on Themis’s effectiveness and preparation quality.
- Reddit r/barexam: On Reddit forums, many students discuss Themis. Users frequently praise its short lecture segments and flexible study schedule. One student noted Themis was created by people who left Barbri and recommended it, especially for learners with ADHD, due to its “shorter, bite-sized” videos. Others say Themis comes with UWorld’s large question bank, which is very helpful. People liked that UWorld’s MBE QBank is included at no extra cost. However, some complaints emerged: a few users reported occasional tech glitches and downtime on Themis’s site, stressing students during exam prep. Others mentioned Themis’s rigorous daily workload (with no scheduled breaks) could be exhausting. In general, Reddit feedback is mixed but leans positive about Themis’s content quality.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Themis Bar Review has a BBB profile (not accredited) with rating A+. There are no customer reviews listed, and only one complaint on file. That complaint (from 2024) accused Themis of not delivering promised services and demanded a full refund. The company resolved the issue according to BBB records. The A+ rating and lack of unresolved complaints suggest Themis is a legitimate business.
Is Themis Bar Review legit? Yes. It is a long-established bar prep provider (founded 2008) now owned by UWorld. The BBB gives Themis an A+ rating and few unresolved complaints. User reviews on forums and Themis’s published success data show it generally delivers on its offerings, indicating it is a legitimate and reliable company.
Themis Bar Review Pricing
Pricing Range:
Themis charges an all-inclusive flat fee for its bar review courses. The full Bar Review course costs about USD 2,895 (with a discounted $2,795 rate for ABA Premium members). The LL.M. Advantage course for foreign graduates is about USD 2,795. These prices cover the entire course (including all lectures, practice questions, books, etc.). There are no hourly fees or commission rates like in tutor marketplaces.
Themis offers a one-time course purchase rather than separate hourly tutoring sessions. It does include additional services like the UWorld MBE QBank (valued at $419) in this price. The “full course” covers lectures and practice for all bar subjects. (Each course is “all-inclusive” regardless of state or subject, unlike tiered packages some competitors use.).
What students say about Themis Pricing:
Students generally find Themis reasonably priced for a complete bar course. Reddit users note that Themis is significantly cheaper than some rivals. For example, one law student said “Themis’s price is a lot cheaper compared to Barbri” (especially with public-interest discounts). Another user observed that Themis offers a single all-in-one package (including UWorld’s QBank), whereas Barbri uses multiple costly add-ons. Industry-wise, top bar courses range around $2,500–$4,000, so Themis’s ~$2.8k fee is below the high end. Most users feel the price is justified given the materials and support included.
Hidden costs:
Themis advertises no hidden fees: its pricing is “all-inclusive”. There are no registration fees or monthly charges beyond the course price itself. However, one complaint noted Themis offered optional add-ons like a “private tutor” for an extra fee. The official policy requires a $295 registration fee and a $500 fee if an iPad is advanced, but these are non-refundable once the course starts. Beyond these upfront items, students report no surprise charges. In practice, aside from the non-refundable registration fees listed in their policy, Themis’s pricing has no recurring hidden costs.
How Themis’s pricing works:
Themis allows payment in full or financing via Affirm. They accept credit cards and can bill law firms directly. There is no subscription or pay-as-you-go option. Discounts exist for certain groups: for example, ABA Premium members get $100 off, and there’s a $1,000 alumni discount. The company also offers public-interest reduced tuition (around $1,495) for qualifying students. Other discounts apply for legal organizations or veterans. There are no set group or volume discounts beyond these; every student pays the single all-inclusive course fee.
Free Trial:
Themis does not offer a free trial of the course. They provide a demo/feature overview on their site, but no actual trial period. All students must enroll to access materials; there is no trial session or sample classes to try beforehand.
Refund policy:
Themis’s refund policy is outlined in its Enrollment Policies. You may cancel before accessing any content, but only partial refunds are given. (There is a $295 non-refundable registration fee and other upfront fees) Once you begin any online course content, no refund is granted. Themis does offer a “Pass or Free Repeat Guarantee” (a free repeat if you fail the exam) instead of returning money. In reviews, one customer complained to BBB about wanting a full refund after poor service, though Themis ultimately resolved that issue. Some forum posts also express frustration that failing the bar only yields a free repeat, not a refund. Overall, Themis follows its published policy: no refund after course access, which some users view skeptically despite the free course repeat guarantee.
Themis Bar Review Alternatives
Students might consider other bar prep companies or tutoring services if Themis isn’t a perfect fit. Alternatives range from major bar review courses to general tutoring platforms. Here’s a summary:
Alternative providers differ in price, format, and focus. For instance, some competitors offer live classes or modular pricing. Below we compare several popular options.
Barbri
Pros: Barbri is the oldest and most recognized bar prep company. It offers very comprehensive materials and multiple live class options (in-person or online). Barbri’s study outlines and books are often praised as extremely thorough – Themis’s own FAQ notes its outlines are “not as robust as BARBRI’s”. They have a range of packages (e.g. Self Pass $1,999, Ultimate Pass $3,999) and a money-back guarantee if you fail. Cons: Barbri is very expensive (higher than Themis) and its lectures tend to be long (hours each). Students sometimes call out “fluff” content. Many prefer Themis’s shorter videos. Barbri’s flexible scheduling is an advantage (you can skip days) whereas Themis’s schedule is rigid. In short, Barbri offers more live support but at a much higher price and slower-paced lectures.
Kaplan
Pros: Kaplan Bar Review offers live classes and more practice tests (four full-length MBE mocks). Their video lectures are known to be engaging. Notably, Kaplan’s complete bar course costs around $2,500, which is actually cheaper than Themis’s $2,800. Kaplan gives a money-back guarantee if you fail, whereas Themis only offers a free repeat. Cons: Without live classes, Themis loses here. Some users feel Kaplan’s material quality (like some practice questions) isn’t perfect. Kaplan also lacks unlimited essay grading (Themis has one grader per student). Overall, Kaplan is a strong structured alternative with lower cost, but Themis has simpler pricing and shorter lessons.
BarMax
Pros: BarMax is a mobile-focused bar course created by former bar graders at Harvard Law. It is significantly cheaper (about $1,895). Students report BarMax’s outlines and lectures are concise and to-the-point. It’s praised for a great smartphone app and high pass rate. Cons: BarMax has fewer resources: no live classes, fewer practice questions (compared to BarBri/Kaplan), and no pass guarantee. BarMax mainly serves UBE states. If affordability and flexibility are key, BarMax is a strong contender. But for someone wanting the full support system Themis provides (like personal tutors or staffing), BarMax may be too lightweight.
Quimbee Bar Review
Pros: Quimbee’s bar review is very affordable – starting around $1,199 for their basic course. It includes every past licensed question from the MBE, unlimited essay grading by real attorneys, and concise video lessons. Many students like Quimbee’s question bank depth and approachable interface. Cons: Quimbee does not offer live classes or 1:1 tutoring. It’s more self-study oriented. The content is solid, but it is not as comprehensive in lectures or support as Themis. Quimbee works well for disciplined self-learners or as a supplement.
My Engineering Buddy
Pros: My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is a general online tutoring platform (for STEM, math, etc.). It’s very different from Themis’s bar-specific course. MEB offers one-on-one tutoring by experts in engineering and advanced subjects, often at much lower hourly rates than big bar courses. Tutors set their own schedules and often lower fees, so students can find help in many specialized topics Themis doesn’t cover. Personalized attention and flexible scheduling are MEB’s strong suits. Cons: MEB does not provide a structured bar review – it has no bar exam content or grading promise. It’s not a bar course at all, so students needing organized bar prep would not rely on MEB alone. MEB is better for homework help or difficult topics (like math or physics), not for bar exam material. Students choosing MEB are usually solving complex engineering problems, whereas those choosing Themis want comprehensive bar exam study. In summary, MEB excels at broad academic tutoring and affordability, but it isn’t designed for bar exam prep like Themis is.
How it Works?
A. For Students
Sign-up process: Students typically learn about Themis through their law school (Themis often has on-campus tables) or by visiting ThemisBar.com. They enroll online or by phone. After paying the fee, a student gets login access to Themis’s web portal. No formal placement test is required. The student’s law school or Themis director helps them get started.
Connecting with tutors/instructors: Themis uses an online portal (myThemis) for all coursework. Lecture videos, outlines, and practice questions are provided there. Students don’t pick individual tutors. Instead, each student is assigned a licensed essay grader and has a state director as their advisor. Questions can be asked via email or support forums 24/7. There are no live one-on-one tutor chats.
Scheduling sessions: There is no fixed class schedule; Themis is self-paced within a guided plan. The course suggests daily tasks (Directed Study mode) so students know what to study each day. Students can also review content on demand at any time. If they want more structure, Themis staff will recommend a schedule, but ultimately students watch lectures and do problems on their own timetable. All classes and practice are online, so students don’t need to be available at specific times.
B. For Tutors
Themis hires tutors (mostly as course instructors or essay graders) by recruiting licensed attorneys or law professors. To become a tutor at Themis, you generally need a law degree, bar passage, and often prior teaching experience. The company posts openings for positions like “Essay Grader” on its careers page. Applicants submit a resume and, if selected, go through interviews and training. These tutors are usually paid a fixed rate or salary, not per-student hourly. For more info, a prospective tutor would start by visiting Themis’s careers page or contacting them directly.
For example, one can view Themis job openings here: Themis Bar Review Careers. There, roles for bar prep instructors, graders, and curriculum developers are listed. After joining, a tutor grades essays, leads workshops, or records lectures, rather than “finding students.”
FAQs
Can tutors set up their own fee or is it fixed by the company? Themis is not a marketplace. Tutors/instructors are hired by Themis and paid set rates (or salary). There is no option for individual tutors to set their own prices. All students pay the fixed course fee to Themis.
How much can a tutor expect to earn on an hourly basis? As an instructor or grader for Themis, pay is typically a salary or fixed stipend. Glassdoor reviews indicate compensation is moderate; one user noted “Pay was definitely on the low side”. Exact hourly rates aren’t public, but reports suggest grading tasks may pay roughly \$15–\$20 per hour. This is lower than independent tutors often charge.
How many hours of work can a tutor get per month? This varies by role. Themis instructors work on a course schedule – they might work during “grading periods” or lecture recording phases. It is not a guaranteed number of student hours each month. In busy times (like the months before exams), a tutor could be very active; other times may be lighter.
Is it easy to get students? For Themis tutors, this question doesn’t apply. Tutors do not find their own students; they teach the students already enrolled in the course. Themis assigns instructors to courses, so there is no “finding new students” in the way it happens on tutoring marketplaces.
Tips on how to get more students on Themis: Since Themis tutors do not market themselves independently, this doesn’t apply as it would for a freelance tutor. In general, Themis’s student base is fixed by law school enrollments and advertising. A better way to attract students to Themis is via school relationships and proven results, rather than tutor self-promotion.
What tutors like about Themis: According to employee reviews (e.g. Glassdoor), tutors appreciate the friendly and supportive work environment. They mention “very nice and smart people” and “team-oriented colleagues”. Tutors also value flexible schedules (there are no fixed class times) and getting to teach material they know well. Many like that Themis’s system handles marketing and student enrollment, so tutors can focus on teaching.
What tutors do not like about Themis: The same reviews note downsides: pay is relatively low and the organization can be a bit disorganized. For instance, one reviewer said Themis had “sub-standard compensation” and was “somewhat disorganized”. Others wished for more innovation or better benefits. The travel requirement (if any) and the lack of performance bonuses are also cited.
Themis Bar Review: Company Information
Founding year and background: Themis Bar Review was founded in 2008 by Rick Duffy. It began as an online bar course for law graduates. In July 2020, Themis was acquired by UWorld (a large test-prep company) to become part of a bigger “Themis + UWorld” legal division.
Founder’s details: Rick Duffy, founder and CEO of Themis, is an attorney and educator. He has led Themis since its inception. (Further personal history is not publicly detailed in our sources.)
Mission: Themis’s mission is to help students pass the bar exam. Their materials and support are designed so that “you get everything you need to pass the bar exam” with “no tricks, no hidden fees”. In other words, Themis aims to provide a complete, straightforward bar prep program for every student.
Vision: Themis envisions making bar prep accessible and effective. They emphasize that “no student should need to risk failing the bar exam because they can’t afford to pay top dollar”. Their goal is to let students focus on learning, not on finances. (Essentially, Themis’s vision is to ensure all students can pass on the first try without undue cost or obstacles.)
Scale of operation: Themis is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates nationally in the U.S. (covering all 49 jurisdictions, including U.S. territories). There is no international branch. Themis employs roughly 100–250 people (including instructors, support staff and administrators). It reports having helped around 100,000 law students prepare for the bar exam. Its main markets are the United States and its various state bar exams.
Types of services: Themis offers structured online courses for the bar exam. This includes multistate prep (MBE) and state-specific lectures, live workshops, practice essays with grading, and personalized study plans. They also run specialized programs like MPRE prep (Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam), an LLM Advantage program for foreign-trained lawyers, and Law School Essentials courses for 1L-3L students. All their services revolve around exam preparation (not general homework help).
Subjects offered: Themis covers all major bar topics: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Civil Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, and additional state-specific law subjects as required. It includes practice on multiple-choice (MBE) and essay subjects (Performance Tests and Essays) for each jurisdiction. (In total, it covers over a dozen core subjects tested on the bar.)
Unique features: Themis stands out with its short, 15–20 minute video lectures, which many students appreciate for staying focused. It also offers 24/7 tech support and weekly check-in calls from student advisors. All students get an assigned attorney as an essay grader and a “personal attorney adviser” for tips. Other features include integrated flashcards and progress tracking online. Their materials are updated regularly to match current bar exam standards.
USP of Themis Bar Review:
- All-inclusive course & pricing: Themis promotes one flat fee for a full bar course (no hidden tiers). All students get the same materials. This is largely true — students report no surprise charges beyond the stated course price, aside from optional services.
- Pass/Free Repeat Guarantee: Themis offers a free repeat of the next exam if you fail. This is a real promise, though some students note it’s not a refund (unlike Kaplan’s money-back guarantee).
- Bite-sized videos and study planner: Themis advertises 15–20 minute lectures and a directed daily study plan. Many users confirm they like the short segments. These features do help students stay on track as promised.
- Dedicated essay grader/support: Each Themis student gets a real attorney who grades essays. They also provide weekly counselor calls and 24/7 support. Reviewers generally agree this support is helpful and delivered as advertised.
Drawbacks of Themis Bar Review:
- Limited depth in some areas: Reviews note that Themis’s coverage in certain subjects may not be as detailed as larger competitors. For example, one comment said the course “did not go into enough depth on some subjects”, implying Themis is thinner than others in places.
- Technical issues: A few users have reported Themis’s online platform having occasional downtime or glitches during course periods. In summer 2024 the system experienced some outages, which frustrated students.
- Intense pacing (no break days): Themis’s daily study schedule is very demanding. Students on Reddit have mentioned that Themis does not schedule any weekends off, leading to burnout for some. This rigid pace can be a downside for those needing more flexibility.
- No money-back refund: Themis provides only a free repeat, not a refund. As one reviewer pointed out, failing Themis means you are “stuck” with a free repeat and cannot recover the fee. Some see this as a drawback compared to competitors that refund money on failure.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy:
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is not a bar exam course but an example of an alternative tutoring platform. Compared to Themis, MEB excels in personalized, one-on-one help for subjects like math, science, and engineering. MEB’s tutors are generally more affordable hourly than Themis’s flat fees. Students on MEB praise its flexibility and subject expertise. (See MEB user reviews for examples.) Because Themis only covers bar exam law, students needing advanced STEM or individualized homework help may prefer MEB. In contrast, Themis is tailored specifically for the bar exam. For complex engineering or technical subjects, MEB’s wide range of tutors and homework support make it a strong choice beyond what Themis offers.
Customer Support and Policies:
Themis advertises robust support. They offer 24/7 tech and academic support through their online portal. State directors proactively contact students by phone and email, and a dedicated essay grader guides each student. Themis’s pass guarantee (free repeat) and refund terms are clearly stated. Comparatively, My Engineering Buddy provides live chat and flexible scheduling, which some students find more instantly responsive. Themis’s support is reliable but tied to its structured course; MEB’s is flexible for quick tutoring needs.
Global Reach and Localization:
Themis is focused on U.S. jurisdictions only (all 49 U.S. jurisdictions plus territories). It is entirely in English and geared toward U.S. law students. There is no multilingual support or localized content for non-English users. My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, serves students internationally and can accommodate various time zones. MEB may offer multilingual tutors, making it more global, whereas Themis is strictly U.S.-centric.
Themis Bar Review’s Future Plans:
Themis is moving into AI-driven tools. In 2025, Themis (with UWorld) launched UGrader™, an AI-powered essay grader that gives bar students fast, expert feedback. This shows Themis is integrating artificial intelligence into exam prep. Beyond that, Themis’s parent UWorld continues to enhance the platform with data-driven study aids. While detailed roadmaps aren’t public, upcoming improvements may include more AI personalization and expanded digital features in their courses.
FAQs About Themis Bar Review
How does Themis compare to My Engineering Buddy? Themis Bar Review is a specialized bar exam course; My Engineering Buddy is a general tutoring site. Themis charges one flat course fee and provides legal exam prep, whereas MEB connects students with tutors (for subjects like math, engineering) at hourly rates. Themis offers a structured curriculum and grading support; MEB offers personalized 1:1 help on a wide range of topics. In short, Themis is tailored for law students taking the bar, while MEB is for students needing flexible help in STEM/hard courses.
Does Themis Bar Review offer live classes? No. Themis provides only on-demand video lectures (15–20 minute segments). There are no live, scheduled classes or live group sessions. (Instructors are available for Q&A, but only asynchronously via email or portal.)
What is Themis’s pass rate? Themis publishes pass rates for each jurisdiction on its website. It generally claims above-average pass rates where it operates. Exact rates vary by state and year. (Students should check the official Themis pass rate page for the latest numbers.)
Does Themis Bar Review include a question bank? Yes. Themis courses include UWorld’s MBE QBank (over 2,000 questions). This is integrated for free into all their courses. Students get thousands of practice questions as part of the course.
How long can I access Themis materials? Course access begins early and extends through the exam date. Typically, you get access from a few months before the exam until it passes. If you fail and use the free repeat, you get access again for the next exam (as per the pass guarantee policy).
What payment options does Themis accept? Themis accepts major credit cards and offers financing (via Affirm) so you can pay over time. There is also a “Bill My Firm” option for employers. They do not take payment by PayPal or crypto. All payments must be completed before course content is unlocked.
Can I transfer my enrollment to another state’s exam? Yes. Themis allows course transfers if you switch jurisdictions. If you’ve not accessed 10% of content, transfers are free; beyond that, a transfer fee applies. This is part of their flexible policy to accommodate changes.
Conclusion
Themis Bar Review’s strengths include its modern online platform, short video lectures, comprehensive question banks, and personalized feedback. Its weaknesses are the high up-front cost, occasional tech issues, and the lack of a money-back refund (only a free repeat). In contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers affordable, expert tutoring for complex subjects, filling needs Themis does not address. For law students Themis is a solid choice; for those with advanced STEM needs, MEB provides a great alternative with more one-on-one attention for difficult coursework.
