New York Adopts Uniform Bar Exam

In his Law Day address today, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman announced a change in the Rules of the Court of Appeals to allow for the adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam in New York, beginning in July 2016.  As Judge Lippman explained, '[w]ith New York's adoption of the UBE, New York law graduates will no longer have to duplicate their efforts by taking the bar exam in multiple UBE jurisdictions."  Other states that have adopted the Uniform Bar Exam to date are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

The notice of the Rules change states that "[a]pplicants who achieve a passing score on the UBE and seek admission in New York will also be required to complete two state-specific components: an online "New York Law Course" and a separate, online 50-question multiple choice exam" on New York specific law. The New York essay question portion of the current bar exam will be dropped.

A New York Times article provides further background, and the full Report of the Advisory Committee on the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is available here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Congrats to Bar Takers

To everyone who took the bar exam (or even multiple bar exams) this week--congratulations!

We know that you won't receive the exam results for months, but just making it through the months of study and the arduous days of the exam should feel like an accomplishment.

Now take a few days to relax.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

NY Bar Exam

It is that time for the takers of the July 20101 N.Y. Bar Exam. Cross your paws for all of your friends out there who graduated and took the exam.

And yes, if you are a 3L or 4L, it is something you will need to start to think about. The New York Board of Law Examiners page is the place to start. For those curious, check out some past essay questions.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

New York Bar Exam Stories

It's cool and comfortable here in the library, but even a virtual feline can't help noticing that the stress-filled final days before the New York Bar Exam are here. Bar exam stories (great for a quick study break) are all over the web, but there's a particularly interesting blog post about some "legendary screw-ups" made in past years--not by those taking the New York exam, but by the system examining them. "Bar Exam Horror Stories (A Round-Up From Years Gone By)" was put together by attorney Eric Turkewitz, author of the New York Personal Injury Law Blog, who was personally involved in one of these snafus. As he notes, there is a lesson here for all future attorneys.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

BAR/BRI Class Action Update

We have been told that claim forms for those who paid for a BAR/BRI course between March 2001 and January 2008 to receive a share of the class action settlement against BAR/BRI must be postmarked no later than September 18.  

And something tells me that for those who send their forms in, the check they get in the mail will feel like it's worth a little bit more than $30-40. 



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Where There's Smoke . . .

To those studying for the bar, remember, things could be even worse. As stressful as the bar exam may be, let's keep things civil in the Deane Library and not set it on fire.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

New Credit Crisis Victim: Bar Loans

Law.com is reporting that the newest victims of the credit crisis are some law students who seek bar exam study loans.  Criteria for obtaining a bar study loan has apparently tightened, causing more applicants to be denied than in the past.  The WSJ Law Blog has also commented on the article. 



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Civ Pro on the MBE?

More on rumors about future bar exams. The National Law Journal reports that Civil Procedure may be added to the Multistate Bar Exam.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The UBE

The National Law Journal reports that the bar examiners in up to 19 states are considering incrementally implementing a Uniform Bar Exam. In the story, the chairwoman of the New York State Board of Law Examiners says that New York would consider using such an exam, which could offer attorneys greater mobility. Of course, no one is talking about implementing a UBE for this summer's exam.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Multijurisdictional Practice

Attorney multijurisdictional practice is an increasingly important topic for attorneys. Thus, it is essential to be aware of topics such as, admission by motion, reciprocity, and pro hac vice admission. The web page of the ABA's Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice is a great place to start. The page includes ABA reports, recommendations and charts containing information on state rules. It is a very useful site!


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat