Report: Among states offering both online and in-person bar exams, in-person test-takers had higher pass rates
ABA JOURNAL — Most jurisdictions saw bar exam pass rates increase in 2020, regardless of whether they had in-person or online exams. However, in three states that offered both types of exams, online test-takers didn’t do as well. Many candidates were slower with practice essays on the online platform.
Read More about Report: Among states offering both online and in-person bar exams, in-person test-takers had higher pass ratesLawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law seeks to stop California’s use of facial recognition technology for its online bar exam
ABA JOURNAL — The use of facial recognition technology with the remote bar exam could have an unlawful disparate impact on test-takers who are women or people of color, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law wrote in a Feb. 10 demand letter, which was sent to the State Bar of California.
Read More about Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law seeks to stop California’s use of facial recognition technology for its online bar examDistrict of Columbia sets remote format for July 2021 bar exam
BLOOMBERG LAW — Washington D.C. will hold its July bar exam remotely, the third time in a row it has taken such a step, which other states are likely to follow. The decision is “in light of continued pandemic conditions, to protect the health and safety of examinees, proctors, and court staff.”
Read More about District of Columbia sets remote format for July 2021 bar examOpinion: Should Oregon keep diploma privilege for law graduates after the pandemic?
THE BULLETIN — The Oregon Supreme Court granted what’s called “diploma privilege” in June 2020. People who had graduated from law school could become lawyers without taking the bar exam for a limited time. Should Oregon keep that in place? Legislators recently discussed the issue with representatives from the Oregon Bar Association.
Read More about Opinion: Should Oregon keep diploma privilege for law graduates after the pandemic?National Conference of Bar Examiners to offer remote bar exam in July
NCBE — NCBE today announced that it will again offer jurisdictions the option to administer the bar exam remotely in July 2021 to help address health concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and provide support for future legal professionals. NCBE recognizes that restrictions may still be in place this summer.
Read More about National Conference of Bar Examiners to offer remote bar exam in JulyTips for taking a remote bar exam
THE NATIONAL JURIST — With many states administering the bar exam remotely in 2020 — and now into 2021 — what was already a very difficult and stressful time has become even more challenging as examinees are forced to navigate this new territory. Here are a few tips for taking a remote bar exam.
Read More about Tips for taking a remote bar examFebruary remote bar exams make minor adjustments from July administration
BLOOMBERG LAW — Despite thousands of students being initially flagged for possible cheating and then exonerated, bar authorities in California and New York say they don’t plan any major fixes this go around. “Given the volume of applicants that applied for this exam, 3,000-plus flags was not alarming,” said California State Bar Director.
Read More about February remote bar exams make minor adjustments from July administrationBar exam takers with learning disabilities face new challenges in transition to remote format
LAW360 — The COVID-19 pandemic has raised new questions for disabled individuals taking standardized tests such as the bar exam, and their advocates. The need to change test formats has unearthed and magnified challenges related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act[1] and, for some, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Read More about Bar exam takers with learning disabilities face new challenges in transition to remote formatUC Berkeley Law graduates sworn into California Bar during virtual ceremony
UC BERKELEY SCHOOL OF LAW — On Jan. 27, one more milestone happened via Zoom: More than 150 alumni were sworn in to the state bar and the bar of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Living rooms and laptops replaced the traditional auditorium gathering and champagne toast.
Read More about UC Berkeley Law graduates sworn into California Bar during virtual ceremonyPepperdine Law students celebrate California Bar Exam success
PEPPERDINE CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW — Almost 300 people joined Pepperdine Caruso Law’s most recent California Bar Exam passers from the Class of 2020, their family and friends, students, faculty, staff, and alumni for the second-ever online swearing in ceremony the evening. It was an unprecedented evening for an unprecedented class.
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