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Josh, I consulted with @ABAPresident and the @ABAesq BOG for the emergency (April 6th) policy statement encouraging state responses based on COVID19pandemic. Utah adopted Diploma Privilege days later. Each state has own opportunity to act https://abaforlawstudents.com/2020/04/07/aba-covid-19-bar-exam-law-grads-limited-practice/. @BarPresidents
Josh, I have also been talking with and communicating with many people, applicants, attorneys, leaders. There is no clear path forward on a unified, national basis. Jurisdictions vary in requirements, approach but also culture. Accommodations are not all that effective (for all).
Josh, what I am telling folks is to figure out the lay of the land in your state — statutory requirements, delay options, law dean interest, law professor abilities, applicant/pro se grouping and ability, letters, petitions, and mostly who to address this to. Often not the bar.
The state by state approach creates apples, oranges, and other fruit. Some locations can manage a small(er) test (just hundreds of test takers versus more). Will accommodations carry that day? Others no way ... thousands of applicants and no way to accommodate all or some.
The other issue is ... obvious medical issues. I have talked to people with genuine fear. Others have no fear and are anxious to take the exam and become a lawyer. Even so, the science & data (especially as we cratered into June’s numbers and states like FL, TX, AZ showed spikes)
The science and data indicate a need to immediately assess and choose better paths than what people saw prior to the ABA’s position in early April. Utah’s early action should have put all exam boards on notice thereafter. Now boards of examiners cannot look away — so many states
