News Releases

State Bar Board Approves Contract Funding with Independent Firm to Review February 2025 Bar Exam Issues

At its June 5, 2025, meeting, the Board of Trustees approved funding to enter into a contract with the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) to conduct an independent, privileged review of scoring for applicants who failed the February 2025 Bar Exam. The review will also assess whether test takers who did not pass but had been granted testing accommodations (TA) received those accommodations.  
 
HumRRO is a nonprofit research and consulting firm with extensive experience in high-stakes assessment review. Under the direction of the Office of General Counsel, HumRRO will deliver its scoring review before the July 2025 exam and complete a phased and comprehensive review by September 30, 2025, for all applicants who had approved TA. That review will take more time given it will include review of exam video of accommodated applicants who took the test remotely, as well as optional one-on-one interviews with TA applicants to ensure that the independent vendor hears directly from impacted applicants.  

Statement from Board Chair Brandon Stallings: 

“The Board is committed to ensuring fairness and accountability for every February 2025 bar exam applicant. By approving entering into this contract with HumRRO, we are taking a critical step to independently assess scoring and accommodation concerns raised by applicants. We understand the serious implications of these issues, and we are doing everything we can to support those affected.” 

###

Follow the State Bar online
LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system