New York will use Uniform Bar Exam to test bar applicants, starting in July 2016
Starting in July 2016, the Uniform Bar Exam will be administered to those seeking admission to practice law in New York state.
Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman announced the plan in a Law Day speech on the steps of the New York Court of Appeals in Albany, the Times Union reports.
He said the change to the UBE will benefit lawyers by making it easier for them to move to another state to practice, since the test score would automatically be recognized by other states that use the UBE. Although only some 15 states currently do so, Lippman predicted that more will soon follow New York’s lead, putting the country closer to having the equivalent of a national bar exam.
“We live in a world where it is common for lawyers to switch jobs multiple times throughout their careers and relocate to different states,” Lippman said. “Lawyers with families, particularly those with military spouses or partners, can find themselves needing to relocate unexpectedly. The UBE makes it easier to become licensed and employed in a new jurisdiction.”
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Will New York jump on the Uniform Bar Exam bandwagon? Top state court seeks comment”
New York Law Journal (sub. req.): “Panelists Hear Concerns About Adopting Uniform Bar Exam”
