Amid growing criticism and a troubled new exam rollout, Leah Wilson, the executive director of the State Bar of California, has announced her decision to step down in July. Wilson, who has held the role since 2017, will retire from state service after her final day on July 7.
The announcement follows a series of setbacks stemming from the February debut of California’s revamped bar exam. Originally designed to save millions in operational costs, the exam encountered severe technical glitches, leaving many examinees frustrated and questioning its effectiveness. The shift to a new exam format, which included both remote and in-person components, replaced the long-established national bar exam. However, the technical failures, such as frozen computers, and concerns over the quality of the test’s 200 multiple-choice questions led to a significant backlash.
Many bar exam candidates, still reeling from the fiasco, had called for Wilson’s resignation during state bar meetings following the failed exam. Wilson expressed regret in a statement, acknowledging the negative impact on thousands of aspiring attorneys and the State Bar’s ability to implement necessary reforms in the licensing process. While she expressed pride in her tenure, she admitted that the February 2025 exam rollout did not meet expectations.
The new exam was expected to cut costs by eliminating the need for large event spaces, but the actual price tag to address the issues is now projected to exceed $2.3 million. Despite these challenges, Wilson stood by the decision to develop a California-specific bar exam, believing it was a step toward modernization and independence.
Brandon Stallings, chair of the State Bar’s Board of Trustees, acknowledged Wilson’s service and the challenges faced during her leadership, expressing gratitude for her commitment to public protection and access to justice.
As Wilson prepares to leave her post, the California Supreme Court may be called upon to decide whether to scrap the new bar exam entirely.
