As we approach the start of 2017, the number of states adopting the Uniform Bar Exam has grown rapidly. And earlier this year, the ABA House of Delegates adopted Resolution 109, further encouraging the UBE revolution.
Since we last reported on the topic, two more states have adopted the exam: Oregon and Massachusetts. The total now stands at 26 total U.S. jurisdictions.
Now Illinois might join them.
Last week, the Illinois Supreme Court published a press release stating the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar proposes that the Court considers adopting the Uniform Bar Exam. The Board recommended that Illinois adopt the examination for several reasons.
For example, Illinois currently uses all of the components of the Uniform Bar Exam – MBE, MEE and MPT – as parts of the Illinois Bar Examination (IBE), and has done so for the last 19 years. Likewise, the IBE and the Uniform Bar Exam are also very similar in content. Thus, editing the current examination would be relatively simple. In addition, law school graduates would benefit from having portable bar exam scores.
The Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Board to hold three public hearings on the Uniform Bar Exam this fall. They will take place in:
The Springfield hearing will take place on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Illinois State Library (300 South Second Street) in Rooms 403/404.
The Carbondale hearing will take place on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Southern Illinois University School of Law Auditorium (1150 Douglas Drive).
The Chicago hearing will take place on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro (733 West Madison Street).
Those unable to attend any of the hearings are still welcome and encouraged to submit a comment on the adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam in Illinois. All are asked to submit comments in one of three ways:
- Email:UBE_Public_Comment@ILBarAdmissions.org;
- Mail:Uniform Bar Exam Public Comment: Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar, 625 South College Street, Springfield, IL 62704; or
- Fax: Uniform Bar Exam Public Comment: (217) 522-9327
Public comment closes on Monday, December 5, 2016.