Washington Bar Exam Meltdown: NextGen Administration Failure Leaves 645 Applicants in Limbo

• Washington's NextGen administration was scrapped due to a hardware failure at the convention center in Yakima.
• Approximately 645 applicants were affected, with options for a September makeup date or transfer of scores to February 2027.
• Milbank has announced its summer bonus season, paying associates and special counsel between $6,000 and $25,000.

The NCBE Disaster Is A Reminder: Everyone mocked California's attempt to develop its own bar exam, but across the country the supposed 'experts' didn't do better.

A hardware failure at the convention center in Yakima, Washington, left approximately 645 bar exam applicants unable to log in for the July NextGen administration. As a result, the state has scrapped its entire July administration and is offering affected candidates a tentative September makeup date or the option to transfer their scores to February 2027. Alternatively, they can opt for a refund. This development serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing bar exam administrations across the country.

While California's attempt to develop its own bar exam was widely panned, the problems plaguing Washington's NextGen administration highlight the broader issues with the current system. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has faced criticism for its handling of the rollout, which has been marred by technical difficulties and delays. This week's events in Washington are a stark reminder that even those who tout themselves as experts in this area have struggled to deliver.

In contrast to the bar exam woes, some law firms are already preparing for summer bonus season. Milbank has announced its third consecutive year of paying associates and special counsel between $6,000 and $25,000 in bonuses, payable by August 31. This move is seen as a positive development for young lawyers, who can use these funds to offset the costs associated with bar exam prep and other expenses related to their licensing process.

Lawyers should be aware of the potential for bar exam disruptions and delays, which may impact their clients' ability to meet licensing deadlines.

Source: Original reporting via Bar Exam Meltdown And Summer Bonuses — See Generally