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Committee on Bar
Admissions |
In 2011, the Committee on Bar Admissions developed and administered examinations to 382 applicants in February, resulting in a 54.2% pass rate, and 750 applicants in July, resulting in a 72.4% pass rate. A total of 750 new attorneys were admitted to the Louisiana Bar in April and October ceremonies.
- The Committee continued its work with experts, law school administrators and faculty, and members of the bench and bar to study a proposal to restructure the bar examination to include a performance test and an objective test in future examinations.
- Following the Committee’s submission of proposals to change the bar examination, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued two orders amending its Rule XVII which governs admission to the Louisiana Bar. Beginning with the February 2012 bar examination, the conditional failure status has been eliminated. In addition, the Supreme Court placed a limitation on the number of times an applicant may sit for the Louisiana Bar Examination. Applicants are now limited to five attempts to pass. Beginning in July 2012, a compensatory scoring model will be implemented. The passing score is set at 650/900 with Code subjects weighed twice as much as non-Code subjects.
- The Committee carried out its character and fitness screening duties by reviewing applicant information, conducting investigations, and making determinations as to the character and fitness of all applicants. The Committee recommended that 34 applicants be denied admission and that 14 applicants be conditionally admitted. Substance abuse, criminal conduct, lack of candor, and financial irresponsibility were among the most common obstacles preventing certification.
- Efforts to educate potential bar applicants continued through several programs aimed at educating potential applicants about bar application and character and fitness screening processes were presented at Louisiana law schools.
The examination is conducted by the Committee on Bar Admissions, 15 active members of the Louisiana State Bar Association appointed by the Supreme Court of Louisiana. Approximately 450 volunteer Assistant Examiners work with Committee members in the grading process.
FEBRUARY 2012 EXAM RESULTS
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