New licensing Pathways

Admission by Portfolio Evaluation: A New Alternative to the Bar Exam

Checkout our fact sheet for a quick overview of this proposed pathway.

On March 15, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court filed order no.25700-B-711 adopting in concept the recommendations from the Washington Bar Licensure Task Force relating to alternative assessments for admission to practice law in lieu of the bar exam.

At the Supreme Court’s direction, the WSBA Executive Director convened an implementation committee to propose rule changes and identify next steps necessary to implement the recommendations of the task force. Visit The Licensure Pathways Implementation Steering Committee page for meeting agendas, minutes, and materials, and information about the committee.

On April 1, 2026, the Licensure Pathways Implementation Steering Committee approved suggested amendments to the Admission and Practice Rules (APR) necessary for implementation of the new pathway. The new pathway is called “Admission by Portfolio Evaluation” or portfolio evaluation for short.

The Steering Committee issued a Report and Recommendation for Admission by Portfolio Evaluation to accompany the suggested amendments.

The WSBA delivered the suggested amendments together with the Committee’s Report and Recommendations to the Washington Supreme Court for its consideration. Additional information about next steps and opportunities to comment on the suggested amendments will be posted here when available.

Prospective Applicants

Admission by Portfolio Evaluation and the necessary rule amendments have not yet been adopted by the Washington Supreme Court. Therefore, there is no application available at this time.

Continue to check here for more information as it becomes available. Please email alternativepathways@wsba.org with any questions.

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