Introduction Journey to Esquire (JTE) is about providing solid information for not only our students but our audience as well. We want to update and educate you on the current changes in the legal field. At times, those changes will have a direct impact on one aspect of the legal philanthropic work Journey to Esquire operates in, like bar prep. Bar exam prep is crucial. In this article, we will explore the conversation behind the NextGen bar exam. The first step of bar prep is understanding the bar exam itself. This process includes substantive topics (topics, types of questions, skills needed to pass) and the procedural preparation (length of study, test location, study schedule, testing day security) of bar prep. Substantial Changes Beginning in 2026, there will be a significant change in the way bar takers are tested on “gameday.” According to the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the new next generation bar exam (NexGen Bar) will mimic the practical skills of day-to-day lawyering. The way bar examinees are tested on their big day will change. According to the U.S. News World Reports, in the NextGen Bar, test-takers will be given scenarios that have elements of different knowledge areas and skills. Multiple-choice, short-answer and essay questions are then tied to those scenarios. How does this differ from the previous bar exam structure? The current Multistate Bar Exam, Multistate Essay Exam, and the Multistate Performance Test are three testing sections consisting of 200 multiple-choice, essay and performance questions. The bar exam is typically a two-day exam that is administered subject to the procedural rules of the jurisdiction in which the bar examinee sits. The bar exam has been administered in this particular way throughout the United States for the past few decades. States Embracing Change Seven states have already communicated their intentions to use the NextGen Bar Exam. Maryland, Missouri, and Oregon will administer the NextGen Bar Exam in July 2026; Arizona, Iowa, and Wyoming will administer it in July 2027; and Connecticut will administer the exam at a date to be determined. If states choose not to use the NextGen Bar Exam, they can develop their own bar exam or alternative method of measuring competence prior to licensure. The NCBE has published their content scope outline of what the Next Gen Bar Exam will look like. The content scope document outlines the breadth of material to be covered in the areas of legal knowledge and categories of practical skills and abilities that will be tested on the NextGen bar exam. Foundational concepts and principles like civil procedure, contract law, evidence, torts, business associations, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, and real property will be tested. Starting in July 2028, family law will be included in the foundational concepts and principles tested on the NextGen Bar Exam. Foundational lawyering skills tested will include: legal research, legal writing, issue spotting and analysis, investigation and evaluation, client counseling and advising, negotiation and dispute resolution, client relationship and management. Conclusion The NextGen Bar exam represents a significant evolution in legal education and assessment. By integrating practical skills and scenario-based questions, this innovative approach seeks to better align testing with the demands of modern legal practice. While challenges may arise during the transition, proactive preparation and support from educational programs will empower aspiring lawyers to succeed in this new era of bar examination. As we embark on this journey towards the NextGen Bar exam, let us embrace change and uphold the integrity of the legal profession. Here, at Journey to Esquire, our program will prepare its students for the changes that are to come. We look forward to keeping our community and support updated, as we prepare future JTE students to excel on the NextGen Bar Exam. Written By:
Rashaad Perry-Patterson
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AuthorJoseline J. Hardrick is the Founder and President of Diversity Access Pipeline, Inc. She is also an author, professor, and lawyer and resides in Tampa Bay, Florida. Guest bloggers are students in the Journey to Esquire® Scholarship & Leadership Program. Archives
January 2024
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