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BAR ADMISSIONS


Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia
Approves Implementation of NextGen Bar Exam for July 2027

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has approved the NextGen Bar Exam to be implemented for the first time in July 2027. Implementation of the NextGen Bar Exam in July 2027 was recommended by the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners in consultation with Amelia Rinehart, William J. Maier, Jr. Dean and Professor of Law, West Virginia University College of Law. 

The NextGen Bar Exam, currently being developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, is the product of an extensive, data-driven evaluation conducted over three years. It is designed to more accurately assess the skills and knowledge required for the effective practice of law in today’s evolving legal landscape. The exam will evaluate candidates on nine foundational concepts and seven key skills that research has identified as crucial for competent legal practice.

“Implementing the NextGen Bar Exam will help modernize the process for admitting new attorneys to be licensed in this state,” said Chief Justice Tim Armstead. “While there’s more work to be done before the implementation in 2027, the Court is excited to announce this first step towards the future of the bar exam.” 

West Virginia joins 23 other jurisdictions in adopting the new exam, positioning the state at the forefront of legal education and examination innovation. The July 2027 implementation date provides ample time for law schools and candidates to prepare for the transition.

For more information on the NextGen Bar Exam, please visit Home – NextGen Bar Exam (ncbex.org).


The West Virginia Board of Law Examiners (WVBLE) consists of seven members of the West Virginia State Bar who are appointed by the Supreme Court of Appeals. The Board represents different geographical regions of West Virginia. Board members serve seven-year terms and may be reappointed by the Court for additional terms.

The Board evaluates educational background, credentials, character and fitness and competence of each applicant for admission to the practice of law in West Virginia under the Supreme Court Rules for Admission.

Applicants can seek admission by examination (Rule 3.0), admission without examination (Rule 4.0), admission by UBE transfer (Rule 3.5), as resident professors of law (Rule 4.6), or they can seek temporary admission as military spouse attorneys (Rule 4.7), military legal assistance (Rule 4.8), or limited permission for indigent legal services or public defender program attorneys (Rule 9.0).

Two full-time staff members serve as the Board's liaisons to applicants for admission, the general public and agencies requiring bar admissions assistance and information. The Bar Admissions Administrator and Deputy Administrator:

  • Oversee the Board's daily operations and bi-annual meetings;
  • Provide records maintenance and monitoring throughout the application process;
  • Coordinate character and fitness investigations by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, the District Character Committees and the Board of Law Examiners;
  • Administer the bar examination;
  • Provide certification of the eligibility of individual applicants to the Supreme Court Clerk; and
  • Coordinate swearing-in ceremonies before the Supreme Court of Appeals.

CONTACT INFORMATION 

WVBLE
WV Judicial Tower, Suite 700 B
4700 MacCorkle Ave., SE
Charleston, WV 25304
(304) 558-7815


STAFF DIRECTORY

Ashton Bias Harell, Bar Admissions Administrator
Missy Menefee, Deputy Bar Admissions Administrator


BOARD MEMBERS

Lee Murray Hall, President
Huntington, W.Va.

Marc B. Chernenko, Vice-President
Wellsburg, W.Va.

Brent Everett Wear
Wheeling, W.Va.

Susan R. Snowden
Martinsburg, W.Va.

Thomas Truman
Daniels, W.Va.

Ancil G. Ramey
Huntington, W.Va.

Katherine B. Capito
Charleston, W.Va.


Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law
National Conference of Bar Examiners