Bar Exam

October online bar is less than a month away, and test-takers report significant software problems

State board of law examiners are requiring that people who wish to sit for the October online bar exam take and submit mock exams. However, these mock exams are causing computer problems for some, and software provider ExamSoft is providing little if any assistance, according to people planning to take the exam.

Sep 17, 2020 2:02 PM CDT

No bathroom break allowed? Suit says rules for remote bar exam discriminate against disabled grads

A lawsuit by law graduates who have disabilities says they will be forced to take the California bar exam in person because of a failure to provide accommodations for a remote test.

Sep 16, 2020 9:39 AM CDT

Recent bar admittees offer study strategies to stay focused in stressful times—including the pandemic

From staying organized with small poster boards and using multiple Sharpie pens to finding a compatible study buddy or just getting outside for some fresh air, two bar exam admittees offer tips to study for and pass a bar exam and steer clear of the stress that comes with it.

Sep 15, 2020 12:35 PM CDT

California law deans ask for open-book bar exam, citing fires, racism and tech issues

A group of deans from ABA-accredited law schools in California have asked the California Supreme Court to change its online October bar exam to an open-book format with no remote proctoring.

Sep 14, 2020 2:45 PM CDT

Why did the average scaled score for the July multistate bar exam improve?

Despite many concerns about taking a bar exam during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the crisis might have actually led to people doing better on the test.

Sep 2, 2020 3:51 PM CDT

How are things working out for 3 Utah law grads seeking diploma privilege?

Prior to this summer, Chase Wilde didn’t know how to file a court appearance. Thanks to the supervised practice requirement in the Utah Supreme Court’s temporary order for diploma privilege, he does now.

Sep 1, 2020 9:08 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: 4th Circuit rules for transgender youth; tribe objects to execution

4th Circuit rules for transgender youth on bathroom policy The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Richmond, Virginia, has ruled for former high school student Gavin Grimm, a transgender youth who wanted to use a school restroom that matched his gender identity. The 4th Circuit said the Gloucester County,…

Aug 27, 2020 4:30 PM CDT

2 law schools dinged for bar pass standard are now found to be in compliance

Of the 10 law schools to receive public notice in May that they were out of compliance with Standard 316, Florida Coastal School of Law and the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law are the first to demonstrate compliance.

Aug 25, 2020 3:14 PM CDT

New York announces reciprocity agreements with 9 jurisdictions while it plans online October bar exam

New York has announced reciprocity agreements with some jurisdictions also offering the October online bar exam, which will use National Conference of Bar Examiners testing materials.

Aug 19, 2020 9:56 AM CDT

Software provider pulls out of remotely proctored bar exams because of technology concerns

The National Conference of Bar Examiners has a remote proctoring requirement for states using its testing materials in October online bar exams. However, according to one of three bar exam software providers that recently pulled out of the online exam, the mandate may not be possible to carry out.

Aug 18, 2020 2:41 PM CDT

Florida reschedules online bar exam because of technology problems

Florida’s online bar exam, scheduled to start Aug. 19, has been canceled because of technical problems, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners announced Sunday.

Aug 17, 2020 10:16 AM CDT

In lieu of an in-person UBE, some jurisdictions with online bar have reciprocity agreements

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the October online bar exam planned by the NCBE has been described as an “emergency remote testing option.” Additionally, it will not offer a portable score because it’s shorter than the Uniform Bar Exam. But that hasn’t stopped some jurisdictions from making their own reciprocity agreements with each other.

Aug 13, 2020 2:40 PM CDT

Previous bar examinees won’t get benefit of new California cut score, state supreme court says

A lowered cut score on the California bar exam is permanent, but it will not be applied retroactively to earlier exams, the California Supreme Court announced Monday.

Aug 10, 2020 5:15 PM CDT

Test-takers express safety concerns, fears from in-person bar exam—including lack of masks, unclean bathrooms

Following an in-person July bar exam, some test-takers claim that public health measures were not handled properly during the administration of the test amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, one bar candidate found out that she tested positive for the novel coronavirus shortly after the exam ended.

Aug 10, 2020 8:57 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: BigLaw firm eases pay cuts; virtual law firm expands into US

Katten Muchin partly restores pay Katten Muchin Rosenman has trimmed pay cuts announced in April. The firm had cut pay by up to 20% for lawyers and business professionals who make more than $100,000. Now the law firm is trimming the pay cuts by half. (Law360) UK-based virtual law firm…

Aug 6, 2020 4:56 PM CDT