The Bar Examination, Attorney Admissions and the Pandemic: A Conversation About Employment Issues for New Law Graduates in 2020

The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to all aspects of American life, and legal education is no exception. COVID-19 has resulted in uncertainty around bar examinations and attorney admissions around the nation. New York State has announced that it has rescheduled its bar examination from July to September, but the details of the administration, which are being formulated, have not been announced. Different states have taken different approaches to these issues. When should bar exams be scheduled, if at all? How can they be administered in a manner consistent with public health guidelines? And what effect might the delay in attorney admissions for the Class of 2020 have on legal employment?

This panel of experts analyzes these questions, offers their views, and takes questions from attendees. Sponsored by the Council on the Profession, this program is meant to facilitate discussion among members of the profession and generate potentially helpful ideas and guidance for New York State.

Moderator:

Craig M. Boise, Dean and Professor of Law, Syracuse University College of Law

Speakers:

Mary Lu Bilek, Dean and Professor of Law, CUNY School of Law
Hank M. Greenberg, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Former President, President of the New York State Bar Association
Anne C. Lefever, New York Hiring Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Deborah Jones Merritt, Distinguished University Professor, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law