Barometer Briefings
- Historic Pass Rate Surge: After a grading recalibration, more than 200 February bar exam-takers are being told they passed, pushing California’s overall bar pass rate to a record 63%—almost double its long-term average.
- Debate over Competence & Fairness: Critics warn the remedy may flood the legal market with underprepared lawyers and allege a pattern of “lowering the bar” linked to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) pressures, as lawsuits mount and calls for oversight intensify.
- Supreme Court’s Spotlight: Amid ongoing litigation, the California Supreme Court considers giving itself sweeping new powers over the Bar, while a separate proposal would allow all February takers to practice law provisionally—even some who didn’t complete the exam.
A Test Gone Awry—And a Remedy with Ripple Effects
California’s bar exam has long been a legal rite of passage, known for its high-stakes rigor and dismal pass rate. But the February 2025 test descended into chaos—beset by technical glitches, lawsuits, and a wave of public outrage. Now, in a stunning reversal, over 200 test-takers are being moved from the “fail” column to “pass” after a series of grading changes designed to blunt the fallout.
The State Bar’s recalculation—approved late last week—will push the overall pass rate from 56% to 63%, far above California’s historic average of just 35%. The new approach: applicants who nearly passed and got a second read on written questions will now receive the higher score for each question, not the average.
For the 230 candidates now inching over the finish line, this is a career-making stroke of luck. For the legal system—and the public relying on competent counsel—it’s a jarring development that’s sparking heated debate.
