The legal community is abuzz with a new social media movement focusing on the bar examination, symbolized by the hashtag #MakeJudyTakeTheBar. Aspiring attorneys and critics of the bar exam have gathered on platforms like Reddit to question the fairness and relevance of the test, directing much of their critique toward Judy Gundersen, the President of the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). Ironically, Gundersen has never taken the bar exam herself, having been admitted to practice law in Wisconsin under the state’s diploma privilege.
The bar exam has long been a contentious issue, with widespread complaints about its efficacy and purpose. Critics argue that the test does not adequately measure minimum competency and fails to protect the public. For instance, a
veteran state court judge has criticized the exam for not fulfilling its purported objective. Similarly, a thorough
ABA disciplinary study took issue with the notion that the exam ensures public safety.
The NCBE is a nonprofit organization that boasts assets of approximately $138 million. Its emphasis on maintaining the bar exam as the standard for licensing has led to frequent debates, particularly when jurisdictions consider alternative licensing methods. In these scenarios, the organization often issues warnings about the perceived dangers of abandoning the exam, though such warnings have occasionally been called
hysterical and offensive.
The irony of Gundersen’s situation has not gone unnoticed. Her diploma privilege from the University of Wisconsin Law School allowed her to bypass the test that she now champions. Advocates of the #MakeJudyTakeTheBar movement argue that if the exam is as fundamental as the NCBE claims, Gundersen should have no problem passing it herself.
While the hashtag campaign may seem like a light-hearted challenge, it underscores a deeper critique of the current licensing system for lawyers. Many see this as an opportunity to highlight the inconsistencies and perceived inequities embedded in the bar exam process. Those invested in this debate believe that bringing attention to these issues could pave the way for meaningful reform in how legal professionals are certified.
The discussion continues, and the legal profession watches closely to see whether this social media movement will gain traction and perhaps lead to significant changes in the bar examination system. For a more detailed overview, refer to the
full article on Above the Law.