The Uniform Bar Exam, commonly referred to as the UBE, has had its end date postponed from July 2027 to February 2028 according to an announcement by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). This iteration of the exam and the forthcoming “NextGen Bar Exam” will overlap, both options being available for two years. The NCBE, which is responsible for creating the national portions of the test, disclosed that their new exam, devised to “balance the skills and knowledge needed in litigation and transactional legal practice,” is to commence in July 2026. To find out more, visit the NCBE’s website.
Over at Alston & Bird, the law firm is embroiled in a legal tussle concerning a discrimination lawsuit led by a former employee. Joanne Halvorson, the plaintiff, alleges that she was wrongfully dismissed for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. She insists that her decision not to get the vaccine was predicated on her religious beliefs and cites discrimination due to her disabled status. To learn more about this case, follow the story on Law360.
In Australia, there have been notable developments within some of the country’s largest law firms. Partners are reportedly advocating for increased profits to be reflected in their compensation, prompting a move towards the American-style ‘eat what you kill’ partner payment models. Law firms like King & Wood Mallesons and Herbert Smith Freehills have traditionally favored a “lockstep” model where pay is typically determined by seniority. More details are elaborated on Australian Financial Review.
There have also been several noteworthy lateral moves and new appointments within major law firms. Jason M. Zucchi has joined Barnes & Thornburg as a partner within the intellectual property department in Minneapolis. David L. Lawton has left Morgan Lewis to join Locke Lord Edwards as a partner working on bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency, splitting his time between the New York and Hartford offices. Rebekah Prince has taken up a new position as a partner in the corporate practice group in Duane Morris’ Los Angeles office.