Those who want to practice law in Oregon may have an alternative or two to the Uniform Bar Exam in the near future.
While the Oregon Supreme Court has unanimously supported the concept of two potential alternatives to the traditional Bar Exam, they’re only in the preliminary stages of approval and implementation. The two alternatives in question are an experiential learning pathway for students and a postgraduate practice pathway taken under supervision.
While this may be news to some, discussions about alternatives to the Bar began in 2020, shortly following the Oregon Supreme Court’s grant of a temporary “diploma privilege.” This was a step taken during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure eligible law students could gain a license despite the pandemic.
Oregon Chief Justice Martha Walters followed that decision up with a request that the state Board of Bar Examiners look into potential alternatives for future exams. The board created a task force to research alternatives.
The Oregon Experiential Pathway, the alternative that would allow students to gain a license through study, has some specific requirements. Firstly, students must complete a capstone project. Secondly, students must complete 15 experiential credits, up from the previous six – although this can be satisfied by taking a clinic, externship, or simulation learning class.
While it’s likely that this all may change along with the current curriculum in Oregon law schools, it is still a way out. These changes will require reliable communication between the state, educators, and the public.
By Ethan Hauck
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