Revolutionizing Legal Pathways: Oregon’s Pioneering SPPE and the Future of Attorney Licensure

In a recent Harvard Law School interview, Brian Gallini, the dean and professor of law at Willamette Law, discussed Oregon’s innovative approach to attorney licensure reform. The Oregon Supreme Court approved the Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination (SPPE) in November 2023, providing an alternative to the traditional bar exam. Instead of the bar exam, law students can complete 675 hours of supervised practice and submit a portfolio of work for evaluation by the Board of Bar Examiners.

Gallini, an advocate for licensure reform, shared his journey into the movement. He highlighted the challenges faced by some law students, especially those who failed the bar exam due to various life circumstances. As dean, Gallini used his platform to encourage stakeholders to rethink licensure and address the barriers faced by aspiring attorneys.

The interview delved into the objections raised against the SPPE, emphasizing the need for public protection. Gallini countered these objections by reframing the conversation, challenging the perception of the bar exam as the sole measure of competence. He also discussed the financial and privilege aspects of the bar exam, highlighting its impact on diverse candidates.

Regarding the SPPE, Gallini explained that the portfolio includes work that mirrors the tasks performed by practicing attorneys. He emphasized the importance of tying the work to the skills expected of newly licensed lawyers. The interview touched on the court’s interest in tracking SPPE participants and potential impacts on recruitment in rural areas.

Gallini outlined his vision of success for the initiative, including a shift in the conversation around licensure, portability of the SPPE across states, and positive changes in recruiting for rural areas. He also discussed the potential influence on law school curricula, promoting more experiential learning and simulation courses to align with SPPE skills.

Oregon’s leadership in licensure reform was credited to the forward-thinking approach of the Oregon Supreme Court. Gallini suggested that Oregon’s commitment to providing legal representation in immigration issues and addressing public defense crises contributed to the willingness to explore alternative licensure pathways. He encouraged others, both in the U.S. and internationally, to consider different approaches to attorney licensure, marking a departure from traditional practices.