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.)
B. Introduction and Discussion of Mission/Value Statement. (10:55 a.m.–11:15 a.m.)
C. Discussion of a State-Specific Exam Versus NCBE’s Next Generation Uniform Bar Exam

  1. Presentation on New York’s Recommendation to Return to a State-Specific Examination. (Justice Alan Scheinkman) (11:15 a.m.–noon)
  2. 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.)
  3. 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.)

D. Discussion of Exam Alternatives

  1. Presentation on Testing Attorney Skills and Alternatives to Testing. (Joan Howarth and Dr. Deborah Merritt) (1:25 p.m.– 2:10 p.m.)
  2. 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.)
  3. 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.)
  4. 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.)
  5. Next Steps (Justice Guerrero) (4:10 p.m.–4:25 p.m.)

Closed Session
I. None
Adjourn


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.

The notice and agenda are available at http://board.calbar.ca.gov/Committees.aspx