Change in the legal profession tends to be a slow process. Reminiscent of this, the shifting dynamics of the Bar Exam — an essential step to legal licensure in the U.S. — haven’t been any different. A fundamental change on this front came about when the National Conference of Bar Examiners announced the NextGen Bar Exam, shiftily moving away from the traditional test structure that prioritized rote memorization to one that captures problem-solving skills [1]. Also, the new Bar exam puts a greater test of judgments about the law [2]. The implementation timeline, however, is where things seem to have hit a snag.
Initially, the NextGen Bar Exam was set to launch in 2026, with the traditional format retiring by July 2027 [3]. However, the latest development from the National Conference of Bar Examiners indicates a delay in this timeline. The older format is now forecasted to be offered concurrently with the NextGen Bar for two full years [4].
Amit Schlesinger, Executive Director of Legal and Government Programs at Kaplan, positioned this delay as an opportunity, albeit a complex one, for students and law schools alike. To navigate this changing landscape, he advises students to consider the pros and cons of their choices regarding the scheduled exams. In the same vein, law schools may need to reassess their curriculum design and teaching methods. Despite this perceived empowerment, the evolving bar exam landscape adds complexity to an already challenging process. Schlesinger’s advice to law school students and institutions is to adapt to any emerging changes or challenges (‘roll with the punches’) as the path to the NextGen Bar Exam unfolds.
Albeit slower than anticipated, change is taking place — a narrative very much in tune with the legal profession’s penchant for slow, deliberate changes. The crucial takeaway here is adaptability in the face of these evolving dynamics.