Maps of the venues were used to plan each part of the bar exam process .
In addition , many additional steps were taken to ensure the safety of all in attendance including staggered check-ins , multiple check-in stations , pre-packaged testing supplies , room flow control , and the availability of hand sanitizing stations and sanitizing wipes . “ Masks were required to be worn anytime an examinee was within six feet of another person ,” says Mandigo Hulm . “ The only time they were permitted to be removed was when they were seated at their table taking the examination .”
The Success of the Exam
A total of 58 individuals participated in the July bar exam . “ The examination was successfully given , and we know of no one , examinees , staff or proctors , being diagnosed with COVID-19 as a result of their presence at the examination .”
“ Things were changing so fast and things came up at the last minute that even the best of preparation couldn ’ t prepare for ,” says Dynes . “ The staff did a great job of addressing these changes to make the exam happen . From the feedback we have received , I thought the exam was handled correctly .”
April 2020 spring bar admission ceremony , the fall bar admission ceremony was also held virtually for the first time on September 18 .
Mandigo Hulm credits the BLE team of attorney members Dynes , Lawrence King , and Brad Beehler ; Director of Bar Admissions Laurie Guenther ; and staff Johnelle Odegard for their hard work and perseverance . “ The BLE team was outstanding . Put simply , without their dedicated service , the bar exam would not have happened . The board is proud it was able to safely give the bar examination and ensure those seeking a law license could do so ,” says Mandigo Hulm .
“ For some examinees , this exam is the final piece , the culmination of 12 years of primary education , four years of college , and three years of law school ,” she continues . “ I am sure the prospect that they may have to delay was heartbreaking and affected job opportunities . Delay was something the board wanted to avoid if possible .”
Mandigo Hulm notes passage rates for the bar exam were up , which was also the trend nationally . Of the 58 applicants that took the July exam , 44 achieved a passing score . This equates to a 76 percent overall pass rate , compared to 73 percent for the 2019 July exam .
The success of the exam can be attributed to the careful planning that took place , which will likely carry over to the February 2021 exam , says Mandigo Hulm . “ We planned for a variety of different scenarios amidst a changing set of health regulations and conditions ,” she notes . “ It remains challenging to plan for the February 2021 examination . We anticipate incorporating some of the check-in procedures because they turned out to be beneficial .”
In addition , following the cancellation of the
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