NEWS
SDCBA Joins LA County Bar in Opposition to Proposals by the State Bar of California to Abandon the California Bar Exam
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – The SDCBA has signed on to a public comment from the The Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) formally opposing proposals by the State Bar of California to abandon the California Bar Exam in favor of alternative licensing exams, citing concerns over public protection, cost, and a rushed decision-making process.
In a public comment submitted on Nov. 14, 2025, LACBA urged the State Bar to continue developing a reformed California-specific exam, consistent with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission and a 2024 California Supreme Court order mandating testing on 12 subjects, including eight areas of California law.
LACBA warned that proposed alternatives—including adoption of the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ untested NextGen Exam or a shortened Nevada-style exam—would undermine California’s ability to test state law, eliminate cost-saving remote testing options, and conflict with recent legislation requiring cost-benefit analysis and extended notice for major exam changes.
LACBA also emphasized the financial risks of abandoning the current exam framework, noting the State Bar’s existing multimillion-dollar contract with Kaplan Exam Services and the admissions fund’s projected deficits. LACBA called for the formation of an expert subcommittee and meaningful involvement of practicing attorneys and bar associations before any long-term changes to attorney licensure are made.
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