The South Dakota Supreme Court has announced that it will implement the NextGen bar exam for aspiring lawyers starting in July 2027. This decision aligns with the development of the exam by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), which is responsible for creating bar exam content for most U.S. jurisdictions.
Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen expressed that this move demonstrates South Dakota's dedication to ensuring future lawyers have both practical skills and knowledge necessary to serve communities effectively. "The adoption of the NextGen bar exam reflects South Dakota’s commitment to assuring that our future lawyers possess the practical skills and knowledge needed to effectively serve our communities," he stated. He added, "The NextGen exam, along with other alternatives the Court is currently considering for bar admission, will ensure that newly admitted legal professionals are not only well-versed in the law but also equipped to meet the evolving demands of the profession."
This new examination will replace the existing bar test, focusing on essential lawyering skills and fundamental legal concepts crucial in modern legal practice. It aims to balance litigation and transactional practice needs while integrating changes from current law school programs such as clinical education, alternative dispute resolution, and legal writing.
Dean Neil Fulton from the University of South Dakota’s Knudson School of Law supported this change: “The primary goals of the bar exam are to ensure that law school graduates are ready to effectively serve their clients and to protect the public, and this updated approach is designed to achieve that purpose. I am confident that the new bar exam represents a significant step forward for legal education and testing in South Dakota.”
South Dakota joins 29 other jurisdictions in adopting this new format. The state's Supreme Court will establish rules for its implementation, allowing public commentary during a rules hearing.
For more information about the NextGen bar exam, visit https://www.ncbex.org.