Bar Exam

Oregon is third state to grant diploma privilege, while Tennessee cancels its July UBE

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The Oregon Supreme Court approved temporary diploma privilege Monday, for in-state graduates and people who graduated from ABA-approved law schools with first-time bar passage rates of at least 86%.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursday canceled its July Uniform Bar Exam, which was scheduled to be in person. The test is rescheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, the order states.

Both decisions follow concerns about in-person testing and health risks associated with COVID-19.

Until June 29, Oregon bar information listed the test as an in-person exam, scheduled for July. The diploma privilege is only for 2020 law school graduates, the decision states. Character and fitness requirements for Oregon bar applicants remain in place. Also, the court on Monday authorized an October bar exam, which will be online.

The court’s vote was 4-3.

Oregon is the third state to grant diploma privilege during the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows Utah and Washington.

Updated July 2 at 1:45 p.m. to add information about the Tennessee bar exam.

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