Texas is on the brink of adopting a revamped national bar exam by July 2028, inviting public feedback before finalizing the transition. The Texas Supreme Court recently announced plans to integrate the NextGen Bar Exam, including a Texas law component, following recommendations from the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
This move, considered pivotal, opens avenues for stakeholders to influence the final decision through public comments until September 30. A court spokesperson emphasized that compelling feedback could sway the court’s ultimate ruling on the matter.
Texas, known for its substantial number of bar examinees, becomes the largest jurisdiction to disclose intentions to adopt the updated exam, surpassing states like New York, California, and Florida, which have yet to make similar announcements. With 4,145 examinees in 2023, Texas stands at the forefront alongside 20 other jurisdictions planning to transition to the NextGen exam by July 2028.
The NextGen Bar Exam marks a significant departure from its predecessor, eliminating the traditional three-part format in favor of a streamlined, nine-hour assessment focused on practical legal skills and computer-based testing. While specifics on Texas’s state-specific component are still evolving, current requirements include completing the Texas Law Course, underscoring a shift towards a more dynamic testing approach.
This initiative underscores Texas’s proactive stance in modernizing attorney licensing, aligning with broader national efforts to reshape legal education and assessment methodologies for future practitioners.
