D.C. Inches Closer to Allowing Law Graduates to Skip Bar Exam

The D.C. Court of Appeals is moving toward joining a small number of jurisdictions that allow certain law school graduates to become licensed without taking the bar exam.

Washington D.C.’s top court said Tuesday it’s leaning toward granting “diploma privilege,” which would permit graduates who meet certain requirements to be sworn in as attorneys without having to take or pass the test first. The court delayed its final decision until it issues emergency rules later this month.

"(T)he court is working to prepare emergency rules by Monday, September 28, expanding temporary practice under supervision and potentially providing for a form ...