How Does The Uniform Bar Exam Affect State-Specific Practice?

In recent years, many states have adopted the uniform bar exam.  However, this has had unintended consequences by affecting young lawyers preparedness for state-specific practice.

"Responding to anecdotal evidence that new lawyers don’t understand the rules for practicing in New York courts, the state bar association is announcing today that it’s creating a task force to study whether the adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam is responsible."  (here)

"To me, it is unfathomable that practitioners who plan to practice in New York would start their careers without the most basic knowledge of the rules that govern almost every aspect of practice in the New York State Courts," said state Supreme Court Justice Barry Ostrager of the commercial division.

"At one time, 80 to 90 percent of students at some New York law schools would take a course in New York practice; some law schools say that number has declined to less than 20 percent."  (here)

(Scott Fruehwald)