This article originally appeared in The Bar Examiner print edition, Spring 2026 (Vol. 95, No. 1), p. 62.
News
Rule Changes
Utah
On October 1, 2025, the Utah Supreme Court approved the Alternate Pathway to Attorney Licensure under Rule 14-703A. This pathway allows qualified applicants to gain admission to the bar by completing 240 hours of legal practice under the supervision of a Qualified Supervising Attorney. A minimum of 20 hours must be client-facing, and another 50 hours must be dedicated to pro bono services. Applicants must also complete and pass a written performance exam administered by the Utah State Bar.
Applicants can pursue legal licensure either through the Alternate Pathway or by taking and passing the legacy UBE, which will be replaced by the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The rule is available at legacy.utcourts.gov/rules/view.php?type=ucja&rule=14-703A.
Wisconsin
On March 24, 2026, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued an order adopting the legacy UBE, with its first administration in July 2026. Wisconsin will then transition to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The full order is available at docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/sco/445.pdf.
People
Arkansas
Nancie Givens‘s last day as Executive Director of the Office of Professional Programs, Arkansas Supreme Court, was February 27, 2026.
Georgia
Rebecca Mick retired from her role as Assistant Director of the Office of Bar Admissions on March 1, 2026, and will continue with the Office in a part-time capacity. Kevin Wilson, formerly Staff Counsel, now serves as Assistant Director.
Illinois
Kelli E. Gordon began her term as President of the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar on January 1, 2026. Shelly A. Johnson was named Vice President of the Board on March 1, 2026. Board members Suzanne J. Schmitz and Linda R. Crane completed their terms at the end of 2025, and new members John H. Simpson and John E. Theis joined the Board on January 1, 2026.
Alexandra N. Rice replaced Eric Lohrenz as Director of Administration for the Board.
Justice Joy V. Cunningham has joined Justice David K. Overstreet as Supreme Court co-liaisons to the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar.
Mississippi
The Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions underwent leadership changes in November 2025. Gwendolyn Baptist-Rucker stepped down as chair and Michael C. McCabe Jr. filled the position. Walter Alan Davis became vice chair.
New Mexico
Chief Justice David K. Thomson will conclude his term as Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court on April 8, 2026. Justice Julie J. Vargas will step in as the new Chief Justice.
New York
Jessica McClung has been named the Executive Director of the New York State Board of Law Examiners.
North Dakota
Chief Justice Lisa K. Fair McEvers was elected Chief Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court and assumed her duties on January 1, 2026.
Pennsylvania
Sean P. Kilkenny and A. Patricia Diulus-Myers joined the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners on April 1, 2026.
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