Washington Supreme Court Expands Attorney Licensure Options

According to Reuters, the Supreme Court of Washington recently endorsed new methods for attorney licensure, marking a significant step forward for the alternative licensure movement. The approved pathways offer alternatives to the traditional bar exam, addressing concerns over accessibility and fairness in legal licensure.

One approved pathway entails a six-month apprenticeship program for law graduates, supervised by experienced attorneys, culminating in a portfolio submission for evaluation. Another pathway permits law students to complete specific coursework and hands-on legal work before graduation, followed by a portfolio submission to the Washington State Bar.

This decision follows Oregon’s adoption of a similar apprenticeship pathway, with other states like Wisconsin and New Hampshire already offering alternatives to the bar exam for years. Additionally, states like California, Minnesota, and Utah are considering similar proposals, while Nevada and South Dakota are in the process of developing such alternatives.

Dean Anthony Varona of Seattle University School of Law, co-chair of the Washington Bar Licensure Task Force, emphasized the new options’ benefits in addressing legal deserts and fairness concerns. The task force’s recommendations, presented to the court in October, were followed by a period of public comment, leading to the court’s recent approval.

These changes respond to studies indicating that the bar exam disproportionately affects historically marginalized groups and imposes financial burdens on law graduates. Oregon’s program, for instance, involves supervised legal practice and portfolio submission as an alternative to the bar exam.

The State Bar of California aims to implement a similar program pending approval by the state supreme court, reflecting a broader trend toward diversifying attorney licensure methods across various jurisdictions.