New York’s bar exam will go online in October

Bar examination rooms will remain empty as the test moves online in October. Photo by Richard Harrison/Flickr

By David Brand

The New York state bar examination will take place online in October, the state Court of Appeals announced Thursday.

After twice canceling the in-person exam due to the threat of COVID-19, the state’s highest court assented to a remote testing plan proposed by a working group led by retired Court of Appeals Judge Howard Levine. The group recommended resorting to an “emergency remote testing option” on Oct. 5 and 6.

“While acknowledging the shortcomings of the remote exam — including its experimental nature — the Working Group, in consultation with technology, security and psychometric experts, discussed proactive measures to ensure broad access, mitigate security risks and establish a reliable grading methodology,” the Court of Appeals said. 

Several lawmakers and legal community leaders had advocated for an online bar exam to allow  attorneys to pass the test, gain admission to the bar and secure jobs as their debts mount.

In a July 14 letter to New York Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, State Sen. Michael Gianaris pushed the remote testing planning.

“Preparing for the bar exam is itself a stressful venture, made more intense by the threat of a global pandemic,” Gianaris wrote. “This further necessitates that test-taking conditions be as comfortable and safe as possible.”

New York State Bar Association President Scott Karson praised the decision to hold the test online.

“We agree that a remote exam is not a perfect solution, but also concur that the benefits outweigh the potential shortcomings in affording the Class of 2020 with a much-needed path to a law license, which they previously did not have,” Karson said.

Queens County Bar Association President Clifford Welden said his organization also welcomes the decision. 

“Queens County is home to two fine law schools and within just a few miles from the Downtown Jamaica offices of the QCBA there are several other law schools. The QCBA has student members from most of these law schools and these delays have caused anxiety for them and for prospective employers within the City of New York and nationally,” Welden said  

“The Queens County Bar Association applauds the decision and wishes all of our student members the best as they continue their preparation for this examination and their future,” he added.