NCBE NextGen Bar Exam: New Approach to Legal Proficiency

The NCBE NextGen Bar Exam, launching in 2026, focuses on practical lawyering skills over rote memorization. It tests core areas of law through integrated question sets, real-life scenarios, and performance tasks, replacing the traditional exam structure. Law students must adapt by emphasizing skills like client counseling and legal writing. Law schools will also adjust curricula to prepare students for this skills-based approach, ensuring new lawyers are well-equipped for real-world legal practice.