TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 31, 2025

State supreme courts should “encourage innovation and reform” in the bar admissions process and encourage real-world practice readiness for new attorneys, according to report from a national group of judges and court administrators. The recommendations come from the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform, an 18-month collaboration between the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators. The group says that state supreme courts should take a more active role in legal education and attorney admissions, including establishing new ways to license attorneys and encouraging innovation by law schools. According to Reuters, the group says the bar exam “has not covered many practical realities of the profession” and new lawyers do not always have the necessary skills to talk to clients or conduct negotiations. They recommend encouraging hands-on learning opportunities, reforming the bar admissions process, streamlining character and fitness reviews, supporting public service attorneys and encouraging attorneys to practice in rural areas.