AI Generated Image
WA law schools ask court to admit bar exam takers after tech issues
The Seattle Times • • nation
Key Points:
- All three Washington law schools have requested the state Supreme Court grant diploma privilege to 645 graduates whose bar exams were canceled due to technical issues, allowing them to practice law without taking the test.
- The law school deans emphasized the financial, emotional, and professional toll on graduates, criticizing the offered makeup exam dates as unacceptable and highlighting potential delays in licensure and employment.
- Historically, Washington graduates had pass rates of 72% in July and 50% in February, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, diploma privilege was granted to 567 graduates without an increase in professional complaints.
- The Washington State Bar Association apologized for the cancellation and offered makeup exam options, but the state Supreme Court is still considering the law schools' request for diploma privilege.
- The court's decision is pending, with precedent from 2020 suggesting diploma privilege could be granted in this situation.
