The New Bar Exam: An Improvement Over Diploma Privilege?
In a move aimed at modernizing the legal profession, several states have announced their intention to adopt a new bar exam that focuses on practical skills and critical thinking. The Next Gen bar exam, as it’s known, is designed to better prepare aspiring lawyers for the demands of modern legal practice.
The new exam format is a significant departure from the traditional bar exam, which has been criticized for its emphasis on rote memorization and lack of real-world relevance. Instead, the Next Gen exam will test legal skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. It will also be shorter, lasting nine hours instead of the current 12 hours.
Maryland, Missouri, and Oregon are the first three states to commit to administering the Next Gen bar exam, which is set to debut in July 2026. Other states, such as Wyoming and Connecticut, have also expressed interest in adopting the new exam format.
While the introduction of the Next Gen bar exam is a step in the right direction, some argue that diploma privilege is a better approach. Diploma privilege allows law school graduates to practice law without having to take the bar exam, provided they meet certain criteria.
Proponents of diploma privilege argue that it saves time and money for both students and the state, and helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the bar exam. Additionally, diploma privilege promotes diversity and inclusion in the legal profession by eliminating a significant barrier for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
In fact, several states, including Wisconsin, have already implemented diploma privilege with great success. It’s time for more states to follow suit and embrace this innovative approach to licensing aspiring lawyers.
The introduction of the Next Gen bar exam is a positive development, but diploma privilege remains the better option. It’s time for the legal profession to move away from outdated and inefficient practices and embrace a more modern and inclusive approach to licensing lawyers.
