Introduction

The significance of the bar exam in legal licensure cannot be overstated. As one of the final steps for aspiring attorneys on the path to practice, it ensures candidates meet a minimum standard of abilities, skills, and knowledge necessary for entry-level practice. The exam assesses a candidate’s capacity to analyze facts, identify legal issues, apply standards, and communicate effectively. This safeguards the public, providing assurance that new lawyers can competently advise and represent clients, and draft legal documents in an ethical manner. Such an exam enjoys broad support: a 2020 survey found that 80 percent of Americans support a bar exam requirement for law graduates seeking licensure.Read More