Particle.news

Download on the App Store

California Bar Adopts New Scoring Method, 230 February Exam Takers Now Pass

The Supreme Court is evaluating a plan to let applicants who still failed practice under attorney supervision.

Overview

  • The Committee of Bar Examiners will apply the higher of two scores for each written answer rather than averaging, resulting in 230 examinees moving from fail to pass.
  • The exam’s overall pass rate jumped from 56 percent to 63 percent following the adjustment, nearly double the state’s typical rate.
  • California’s first hybrid bar exam encountered internet outages, proctor interruptions and accommodation breakdowns, leading to multiple lawsuits and the State Bar’s suit against administrator Meazure Learning.
  • Resolving the technical problems and preparing for July’s administration is expected to add nearly $6 million in costs, erasing projected savings.
  • The State Bar has asked the California Supreme Court to extend a pandemic-era provisional licensure program to February exam takers, and some trustees warn the measures could undermine candidate vetting.