New changes announced for California bar exam

  • by Kevin R. Johnson
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After months of uncertainty and considerable advocacy, the Class of 2020 heard some good news about the California Bar Exam. The announcement included enduring changes to bar admissions, including a permanent change to California's "cut score" that has been among the highest in the nation.

Yesterday, the following appeared on the State Bar's admissions webpage:

"The California Supreme Court on July 16 announced it will permanently lower the passing score for the California Bar Exam to 1390 and released plans for an October test administered online. The court’s letter to the State Bar directed that:

The exam will be administered online on October 5−6. Registration will be extended for the October exam through July 24.

The State Bar will expedite creation of a provisional licensure program under supervision for 2020 law school graduates—effective at least until June 1, 2022, or until they can take and pass a California bar exam."   

After engaging in a thorough review and soliciting input from law deans, bar applicants, attorneys, and others, the California Supreme Court and the State Bar came up with a compromise that balances the relevant interests in a fair and equitable way. In my estimation, the Supreme Court and State Bar should be lauded for putting together a solution that addresses the concerns of all involved.

I truly feel for the Class of 2020, which for months did not know what would happen with their admission to the California bar. Jobs and careers were in limbo. And I am proud that the recent graduates professionally advocated for their interests — like lawyers!     

Here is the message that I was happy to send to the Class of 2020 yesterday:

Sending on behalf of Dean Kevin R. Johnson

Dear Class of 2020: 

Today, the Supreme Court of California announced the postponement of the 2020 California bar exam to October 5–6, 2020. The letter from the Court to the State Bar is available here: Letter from the Supreme Court of California. 

Details:

  • The September 9 – 10 exam has been canceled. The exam will be offered online on October 5 – 6, 2020.
  • The passing score has been permanently lowered from 1440 to 1390.
  • A temporary provisional licensure program will be offered for all 2020 graduates of law schools based in California and those outside of California. This program shall remain in effect until at least June 1, 2022 “to afford 2020 graduates several opportunities to take the exam of their choosing through February 2022.” Additional information will be provided soon.

While the Court did not adopt diploma-privilege, this is a reasonable compromise that recognizes the hardships faced by graduates and prevents the exclusion of nearly four dozen California law schools that would not qualify.

Continued Resources and Bar Support

We are fully committed to ensuring that graduates have continued access to the necessary resources to succeed after graduation. The Law School's Academic Success Program, in addition to its other support services, in coming weeks will provide:

  • An extended Essay Writing and Grading Program;
  • Saturday bar workshops in September;
  • Free access to Baressays.com; and
  • Other resources: We are exploring the possibilities of creating an online mock exam and providing exam space (if the exam rules allow). 

Dr. Lee, Individual Counseling

Dr. Lee is available to all King Hall students/grads who are in California for individual counseling via video or phone through September 15. Email Dr. Lee at counseling@law.ucdavis.edu for an appointment. 

Career Services Support

The Career Services Office remains fully staffed and operational. The counselors are continuing to meet with students over the telephone and via Zoom. The office is proactively monitoring the employment market and will continue to aggressively reach out to employer contacts and alums concerning potential employment opportunities. If you would like to discuss anything relating to your job search please reach out to Career Services at: careerservices@law.ucdavis.edu. You can also reach out directly to any of the counselors:

Please rest assured that we truly are here for you and are dedicated to your success on the bar exam and beyond. Thanks for your patience and consideration. It is much appreciated.