SJC justices adopt NextGen Bar Exam
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court announced this week that the Board of Bar Examiners (BBE) will administer the NextGen Bar Examination instead of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), beginning in July 2028.
The NextGen bar exam is being developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and will replace the UBE, which Massachusetts has used since 2018. Like the UBE, scores from the new exam will be portable to other jurisdictions. The Massachusetts exam will continue to require completion of a Massachusetts-specific law component.
The NextGen exam will place greater emphasis on foundational skills, concepts and principles for new attorneys. The test aligns with the BBE’s mission of ensuring “that all persons admitted to the bar are fully qualified by education, knowledge and character and fitness.”
To date, 38 jurisdictions have announced the adoption of the NextGen bar exam.
Click here to learn more about the NextGen Bar Examination from the NCBE.
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Applicants sought for Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite nominations and applications for appointment to two available three-year terms on the court's Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure. This committee advises the court on all issues and proposals relating to the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure and reports to the SJC Rules Committee.
The justices seek applications from attorneys at small, medium, and large private law firms. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as those who practice outside the immediate Boston metropolitan area, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and one-page resume to Anna Rachel Dray-Siegel at anna.dray-siegel@jud.state.ma.us by May 2. Questions about the application process or the position should be directed to Dray-Siegel.
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Comments invited on proposed amendment to
Juvenile Court rules
The Juvenile Court is soliciting comments on a proposed amendment to the Juvenile Court Rules on the Care and Protection of Children. The proposed amendment creates a new rule, Rule 22: Application of Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to Out-of-State Parents. This new rule outlines the applicability of the ICPC to an out-of-state parent when the child is the subject of a Juvenile Court care and protection case and in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Public comments may be sent via email to admin-jccallctr@jud.state.ma.us. Comments may also be mailed to Anne Marie Ritchie, Assistant Deputy Court Administrator-Chief Legal Counsel, Administrative Office of the Juvenile Court, 1 Center Plaza, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02108.
All comments must be received on or before Thursday, April 24.