In a groundbreaking move, the Oregon Supreme Court has greenlit a pioneering alternative licensing program, ushering in a new era for law graduates. Effective May 2024, aspiring attorneys can forego the traditional bar exam to attain licensure. Termed the “Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination,” this innovative program requires candidates to spend 675 hours under the mentorship of an experienced attorney. Crafting a portfolio of legal work will replace the conventional bar exam, a move anticipated to stimulate legal reform nationwide.
Unlike existing programs in Wisconsin and New Hampshire, Oregon’s initiative welcomes graduates from both in-state and out-of-state law schools. The State Bar of California contemplates a similar pathway, reflecting the ripple effect of Oregon’s progressive stance.
While retaining the bar exam option, Oregon’s Board of Bar Examiners plans to introduce a second alternative licensing pathway focused on practice-based coursework. This strategic move responds to the evolving landscape and challenges posed by the traditional bar exam, which has faced heightened scrutiny, particularly since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants in Oregon’s program must complete 675 hours of supervised legal work, submit eight legal writing examples, lead initial client interviews, and oversee negotiations. Notably, the program acknowledges 100 hours of supervised legal work undertaken during law school clinics or internships. This transformative step aligns with a broader nationwide trend questioning the efficacy of the traditional bar exam, with an updated national exam emphasizing practical skills slated for 2026. Oregon’s pioneering initiative signals a paradigm shift, fostering a dynamic and adaptive approach to attorney licensing.
