Applicants registered to take the July 2020 bar exam have faced substantial delays and uncertainty due to the pandemic and associated online testing failures. Florida
The July exam was first rescheduled to be taken in an online setting in August 2020, and then, less than 72 hours before the August exam, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (“Board”) canceled it because of problems with the online testing software. The new exam has been rescheduled for October 13, 2020.
Fortunately for applicants, the Board, following an Order by the Florida Supreme Court, gave them some hope and assurance with its announcement of the new Temporary Supervised Practice program. This program allows applicants to work with a Florida attorney (who is in good standing with at least five years of experience) while they wait to either take the rescheduled exam in October or take the regularly scheduled exam in February. This program will last until 30 days after the results of the February 2021 bar exams are released, and all applicants are eligible to participate, as long as they meet the following requirements:
(1) graduated from an American Bar Association-accredited law school;
(2) received a letter of clearance from the Board as to character and fitness; and
(3) passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.
In addition to announcing the Temporary Supervised Practice option, Florida Chief Justice Charles Canady has acknowledged the significant financial and emotional impact that the applicants have endured as a result of the uncertainty and delays surrounding the test. In a recently released video, he stated, “We acknowledge and accept the criticism that has been directed at the court and the Board of Bar Examiners. Our inability to offer the bar examination in August was a failure. We apologize for that failure.”
The application for Temporary Supervised Practice may be accessed here.
