Denver, Colorado – The latest results from the Colorado bar examination, held in July, reveal a significant milestone with 597 of the 744 candidates passing the rigorous test. This 80% pass rate underscores the intense preparation and legal acumen of the aspiring lawyers, while the remaining 20% are faced with deciding whether to retake the test or pursue different career paths.
The bar exam, a critical hurdle for those seeking to become licensed attorneys, takes place twice annually under the auspices of the Colorado Supreme Court through its Office of Attorney Admissions. Unlike the broader educational goals of law school, the bar exam specifically tests candidates on substantial legal knowledge.
Most candidates engage in comprehensive bar exam preparation courses, often costly, to familiarize themselves with a wide array of legal principles, far exceeding what is typically covered in law school curriculums. These preparatory courses aim at drilling participants on a broad set of legal topics to ensure they are well-prepared for any question thrown their way during the examination process.
Colorado boasts two accredited law schools: the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver and the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder. Both schools place a modest emphasis on Colorado-specific laws. Competition between these institutions is fierce, often focusing on their graduates’ success rates in the bar exam. This year, the University of Colorado continued its trend of excellent performance with 93% of its graduates passing on their first attempt, slightly above the University of Denver, which posted an 89% pass rate for first-time takers.
The bar exam itself has evolved over the years and is currently a two-day ordeal consisting of multiple components. The first day challenges candidates with a morning multistate essay exam and an afternoon multistate performance test. The essay segment tests candidates’ ability to craft responses to six questions from among thirteen potential legal subjects ranging from constitutional law to more niche areas like future interests. The performance test assesses practical skills such as legal analysis, problem-solving, and writing, all crucial to successful law practice.
The second day of the exam presents a grueling six-hour, 200-question multiple-choice test that examines a broad spectrum of legal knowledge. This portion currently accounts for 50% of the overall exam score, with the essay and performance tests contributing 30% and 20%, respectively.
Looking to the future, Colorado is set to adopt the “NextGen” bar examination by 2028, aligning with at least 14 other states. Developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the new format will examine nine foundational legal concepts and seven core competencies, including client counseling and dispute resolution. This evolution reflects an ongoing commitment to refining the assessment of legal skills and knowledge, ensuring that new attorneys are well-prepared to meet their clients’ needs.
Yet, the fundamental purpose of the bar exam remains a topic of debate. It serves ostensibly to enhance lawyer competence and, by extension, protect the public. However, critiques suggest it may also serve to artificially restrict the number of qualified practitioners, thus moderating competition within the legal profession.
Next week, further exploration into how Colorado assesses character and fitness in its law license applicants will provide additional insights into the comprehensive nature of ensuring competent and ethical legal professionals enter the field, which is arguably as critical, if not more so, than their test-taking abilities.