Naveda has opted not to adopt the upcoming NextGen Bar Exam scheduled for 2026, following California’s similar decision last month. The Nevada Supreme Court has endorsed an alternative licencing approach that incorporates traditional bar exam components and a supervised practice requirement. This new Nevada Plan allows law graduates to potentially be licensed within weeks of graduates to potentially be licensed within weeks of graduation by completing three components largely during their law school tenure. The plan aims to offer a more effective and equitable evaluation of lawyer competence, according to the task force behind it.
California’s decision to reject the NextGen exam, announced in August, is expected to save the state up to $3.8 million annually due to the remote nature of the test. Nevada officials are finalising their plan and anticipate making an official announcement within the year. While 23 jurisdictions are set to adopt the NextGen exam, several states, including Nevada, are exploring or implementing alternative pathways in response to concerns over costs and the effectiveness of the current bar exam.
The Nevada Plan includes a 100 question multiple-choice test on foundational law, administered four times a year, and requires 40 to 60 hours of supervised practice through clinics or externships. The licenceing process concludes with a performance test offered shortly after graduation. However, scores from the Nevada Plan will not be transferable to other jurisdictions.