Blue Ribbon Commission on the Future of the Bar Exam Notice and Agenda Wednesday, September 1, 2021 10:00 a.m. - 4:25 p.m.
Teleconference The State Bar of California
Members of the public may access this meeting as follows: Zoom Link:https://calbar.zoom.us/j/94278856124 Call-In Number: 669-900-9128 Webinar ID: 942-7885-6124
Open Session
Note: Public comment is welcome. Because the time for public comment during the meeting could be limited, you may choose to submit written comments instead. If you want to ensure that your written comment is considered by the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) prior to the discussion of an agenda item, please email your written comment to the BRC Coordinator at Kim.Wong@calbar.ca.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
I. CHAIR’S REMARKS
A.
Meeting Goals. (10:00 a.m.–10:10 a.m.)
B.
Call for Public Comment. (10:10 a.m.–10:25 a.m.)
II. BUSINESS
A.
Presentation on the Purpose of Professional Licensure Exams. (Tracy Montez) (10:25 a.m.–10:55 a.m.)
Discussion of a State-Specific Exam Versus NCBE’s Next Generation Uniform Bar Exam
Presentation on New York’s Recommendation to Return to a State-Specific Examination. (Justice Alan Scheinkman) (11:15 a.m.–noon)
Presentation on Options for a California Exam in the Absence of the Multistate Bar Exam: Psychometric Implications. (Dr. Roger Bolus) (12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m.)
Summary of What We’ve Learned: Discussion of Select Pros and Cons of a California Specific Exam and NCBE’s Next Generation Uniform Bar Exam. (Donna Hershkowitz and Amy Nuñez) (1:15 p.m.–1:25 p.m.)
Discussion of a State-Specific Exam Versus NCBE’s Next Generation Uniform Bar Exam
Presentation on New York’s Recommendation to Return to a State-Specific Examination. (Justice Alan Scheinkman) (11:15 a.m.–noon)
Presentation on Options for a California Exam in the Absence of the Multistate Bar Exam: Psychometric Implications. (Dr. Roger Bolus) (12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m.)
Summary of What We’ve Learned: Discussion of Select Pros and Cons of a California Specific Exam and NCBE’s Next Generation Uniform Bar Exam. (Donna Hershkowitz and Amy Nuñez) (1:15 p.m.–1:25 p.m.)
Presentation on Testing Attorney Skills and Alternatives to Testing. (Joan Howarth and Dr. Deborah Merritt) (1:25 p.m.– 2:10 p.m.)
Presentation on Apprenticeship: New Hampshire’s Daniel Webster Program. (Courtney Q. Brooks, Director, Daniel Webster Scholars Program) (2:25 p.m.–2:55 p.m.)
Report from the Oregon Alternatives to the Bar Task Force: A Discussion of Alternatives to a Traditional Bar Exam. (Joanna Perini-Abbott, Chair of the Oregon State Bar Board of Examiners) (2:55 p.m.–3:40 p.m.)
Presentation on Diploma Privilege (Wisconsin) (Jacquelynn B. Rothstein, Executive Director and General Counsel, Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners) (3:40 p.m.–4:10 p.m.)
Next Steps (Justice Guerrero) (4:10 p.m.–4:25 p.m.)
In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, those requiring modifications or accommodations to observe and address this meeting should notify Kim Wong at 415-538-2319. Please provide notification at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to allow sufficient to make arrangements for accommodations at this meeting.
