The Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) is developed by NCBE and consists of six 30-minute questions. It is administered by user jurisdictions as part of the bar examination on the Tuesday before the last Wednesday in February and July of each year. 

The purpose of the MEE is to test the examinee’s ability to

1. identify legal issues raised by a hypothetical factual situation;
2. separate material which is relevant from that which is not;
3. present a reasoned analysis of the relevant issues in a clear, concise, and well-organized composition; and
4. demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental legal principles relevant to the probable solution of the issues raised by the factual situation.

The primary distinction between the MEE and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) is that the MEE requires the examinee to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in writing. More information is available from NCBE here