Supreme Court releases guidance on bar admission examination

TOPEKA—Today the Kansas Supreme Court announced guidance for bar exam applicants, law schools, and legal employers to let them know what to anticipate in the coming weeks as the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

"Our guidance answers questions and, hopefully, eases some anxieties of those waiting to hear if the exam usually given in late July will take place and, if so, when," Chief Justice Marla Luckert said.

The Supreme Court said the July examination will proceed as scheduled if the uniform test written and provided by the National Conference of Bar Examiners is available. NCBE has said it will decide by early May whether it will provide the July exam.

If the two-day exam is given in July, those who have qualified to take it will be able to take that test or an alternative test to be given September 9 and 10.

The Supreme Court also suspended certain provisions in court rules on temporary permits to practice law, including the requirements for supervising attorneys and a permit application fee.