The Utah, Washington, and Oregon Bar Associations have made their decision to grant Diploma Privilege for 2020 Bar Exam candidates due to the effects of COVID-19. We are asking that the State Bar of California follow suit and also grant 2020 California Bar candidates diploma privileges to allow them to work in the legal field.

A group of attorneys published a thoughtful proposal that explains why the Bar examiners should move forward by granting diploma privileges and postponing the Bar Exam along with other suggestions, it may be read here: https://www.abajournal.com/files/barexamoptionsCOVID-19.pdf

They are right, we do need more attorneys and we should not wait until the next Bar Exam is administered. Giving the July 2020 Bar Candidates diploma privileges is not something that is unprecedented. Wisconsin has long used the diploma privileges method with very low risk. Furthermore, making the decision now will allow students to combat the downturning economy by acquiring work in their field rather than waiting until the next exam is administered. 

On balance, we support their proposal and ask the State Bar of California to make a swift decision on this matter in order to protect the July 2020 Bar Candidates from further negative impacts resulting from the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.