Description

Jackie Gardina shares dispatches from the Blue Ribbon Commission on reforming the Bar Exam, covering recent reforms, the ongoing debate about the exam’s effectiveness, and the rise of alternative pathways to legal licensure. Some takeaways:

• 💯 Yes, the passing score was dropped—but don’t worry, the old one was picked out of a hat (basically).
• 🗯️“End the bar exam?! But that’s how it’s always been done!” Nope. Before that there were was the “diploma privilege” model, and before that the apprenticeship model.
• 🔍 What are other states doing? The mentorship model is in use in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, and the diploma privilege model in Wisconsin.

Jackie Gardina biography, LinkedIn profile, and Twitter feed.

Appellate Specialist Jeff Lewis' biography, LinkedIn profile, and Twitter feed.

Appellate Specialist Tim Kowal's biography, LinkedIn profile, Twitter feed, and YouTube page.

Sign up for Not To Be Published, Tim Kowal’s weekly legal update, or view his blog of recent cases.

Other items discussed in the episode:

• NCBE Study Aids Store: Offers various resources, including practice questions and study packs for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Visit their store here: NCBE Study Aids Store
• NextGen Bar Exam Information: Provides details on the upcoming changes to the bar exam format, including sample questions and a timeline for implementation. Explore more here: NextGen Bar Exam
• You can find more information about the commission, its objectives, and updates on its activities on the State Bar of California’s website The State Bar of California

“To learn more about The Colleges of Law and the work being done visit collegesoflaw.edu/”

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guest, James Mixon, are his own and do not reflect the official position of the California Court of Appeal or the California Judicial Branch. AI technology and legal standards are rapidly evolving, listeners should verify current rules and consult qualified attorneys before implementing AI tools in their practice. Attorneys must independently verify all legal citations and comply with applicable rules of professional conduct.