Bailey McQueeny-Rose, a University of Oregon law school graduate, worked in reproductive health care before pursuing a career in civil rights law. Oregon recently began offering an alternative pathway to practicing law, which allows new graduates to be admitted through on-the-job training instead of taking the bar exam. This Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination (SPPE) involves 675 hours of supervised work and passing an ethics test. Other states, such as Minnesota, Nevada, Utah, and Washington, are also considering similar licensure options to diversify the legal profession and direct new lawyers to underserved areas.
The traditional bar exam has faced criticism for not adequately assessing real-world legal skills and disproportionately excluding candidates from marginalized communities. Different states have been experimenting with alternative licensure pathways, like Utah’s supervised practice proposal that includes pro bono work and well-being training. Nevada is also considering rules to prioritize client representation skills and offer licensure requirements during law school.
The National Conference of Bar Examiners is planning to launch a NextGen test focusing on foundational lawyering skills in 2026. This shift reflects a broader trend in legal education to incorporate more hands-on training and real-world skills to better prepare students for legal practice. Overall, these efforts aim to increase access to legal representation in underserved communities and promote diversity in the legal profession.
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