New York Bar Exam Postponed Again?
UPDATE: APRIL 9, 2020
The Court of Appeals announced today that it is looking into contingency plans in case the rescheduled Sept. 9-10 New York bar exam is forced to be postponed again. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore has convened a working group led by Associate Judge Michael J. Garcia “to evaluate potential solutions and prepare for possible eventualities.”
The New York State Board of Law Examiners, who is responsible for administering the bar examination in the State of New York, has officially rescheduled the NY Bar Exam for September 9-10. The New York Court of Appeals, however, recognize the possibility that persisting public health concerns may prevent the administration of a fall bar examination in New York.
Contingency Planning
The Court of Appeals is actively considering a number of contingencies in the event that further postponement of the bar examination becomes necessary. The Chief Judge has convened a working group, led by Associate Judge Michael J. Garcia, to evaluate potential solutions and prepare for possible eventualities. The working group is exploring the possibility of expanding the use of practice orders, among other means of providing temporary authorization for recent graduates to engage in the limited practice of law.
“We share the concerns expressed to us by the valued members of our legal community – law students, law school representatives, legal employers, and clients, among others – regarding lingering uncertainties and the immense challenges that may result from further postponement,” said the statement.
A Task Force on the New York Bar Examination
The New York State Bar Association’s Task Force on the New York Bar Examination issued a report last week that recommended an early September bar exam, as well as the expansion of authority for practice orders that allow law graduates who meet specified criteria to engage in certain law practice under supervision of licensed attorneys.You can read the full report here. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeals expects to communicate further developments as expeditiously as possible. We will then make sure to update you as soon as we get more information on the Bar Exam. Make sure to subscribe to our blog to get the notifications!
Since the beginning of the pandemic, already ten jurisdictions administrating the Uniform Bar Exam have rescheduled the exam in the fall. Some states, such as Arizona, are allowing law school students and recent graduates to practice law in Arizona under the supervision of an attorney licensed in Arizona.
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