In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Delaware bar exam has been cancelled this year, according to an announcement by the Court issued on July 24, 2020.  The bar examination, usually scheduled in late July, had previously been rescheduled to September 9th to 11th.

Pursuant to the announcement, in lieu of the bar exam, Delaware’s Board of Bar Examiners is “working with the Supreme Court to implement a temporary limited practice rule that will allow many of this year’s bar candidates to perform legal work in Delaware, under the supervision of a Delaware lawyer, until the next administration of the Bar Exam.”  The announcement noted that nearly 60% of the candidates taking the Delaware bar exam are from out of state, many of whom are from “hot spots”, and some of whom are subject to quarantine requirements in their home state.

Delaware is traditionally considered one of the hardest bar examinations in the country, with a typical passing rate on average of approximately 50 to 60%.  The exam is offered only once per year.  Stay tuned for further updates on this front.

Carl D. Neff is a partner with the law firm of Pierson Ferdinand LLP, and practices in Delaware. You can reach Carl at (302) 482-4244 or at carl.neff@pierferd.com.