During the administration of the February 2022 Oregon State Bar Examination, the HVAC system at the hosting venue malfunctioned, resulting in cold temperatures for most test takers. To address the likelihood that the testing environment affected the performance of test-takers, the Oregon Supreme Court in July approved a Provisional Licensing Program (PLP) to allow applicants from this cohort who did not achieve a passing score an alternative pathway to demonstrate minimum competency. The Board of Bar Examiners (BBX) is developing the program. The application to participate is now available at the link below.
This pathway will allow qualified candidates (those who have done everything necessary for admission but secure a passing score on the February 2022 exam) to secure a license through a period of supervised practice. While completing 1500 hours of supervised practice, candidates will complete legal work to be evaluated by both supervising attorneys and bar examiners, in order to demonstrate minimum competency to practice law.
The BBX has developed rubrics for those assessments in consultation with Professor Deborah Merritt of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, who is a recognized expert in assessment. In the list of Resources below, you will find:
These documents are ready for Provisional Licensees and Supervising Attorneys to begin using.
This page will be updated regularly.
Provisional License Program
Overview
Oregon Supreme Court Order No. 22-031 adopting rules
Application for Certificate of Eligibility for the Provisional License ProgramSmartsheet for Submitting PLP Application above.Provisional License Program Rubrics and Templates Overview
Memo to Participants - Proposed Amendments to PLP Rules
Conflict Check for PLP
Client Consent to Submission of Document
DA Documents for Complainant Discussions
Provisional Liscensee Templates
Supervising Attorney Rubrics
Provisional License Program Timesheet Template
Licensee Training Modules Videos
Supervising Attorney Modules Videos