Last week the Washington state Supreme Court ruled that people wanting to become lawyers no longer have to pass the Bar Exam. The traditional Bar Exam will now be just one of three options in the state for those who seek to become licensed.
The Supreme Court of Washington on Friday approved several new ways for attorneys to become licensed that bypass the bar exam — adding momentum to the burgeoning alternative licensure movement.
Washington’s high court approved, opens new tab “in concept” two new licensing pathways for law school graduates. One option is a new apprenticeship program for law school graduates who would work under the supervision of an experienced lawyer for six months then submit a portfolio of work for evaluation. A separate option would allow law students to complete 12 credits of skills coursework and 500 hours of hands-on legal work before graduation,…
