In May and June 2025, the State Bar of California filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against an examination vendor responsible for severe administrative errors during the administration of the February 2025 California Bar Exam. The lawsuit accuses the vendor of multiple violations, including fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of contract.
According to court documents, numerous test-takers experienced significant technical issues, including lost exam answers, submission failures, and proctoring glitches. The vendor had assured the State Bar of a smooth digital exam experience; however, the reality led to widespread disruptions, causing emotional distress and uncertainty among examinees. Many applicants were forced to retake the exam or had their licensure process significantly delayed.
The State Bar seeks compensatory damages to cover costs associated with addressing these issues, refunding exam fees, providing supplemental testing, and mitigating reputational harm. It is also pursuing punitive damages based on allegations that the vendor knowingly misrepresented its ability to manage a large-scale digital exam.
This lawsuit emphasizes the critical need for reliability in the administration of professional licensing exams. It could set important precedents regarding contractual accountability, proper vetting of vendors, and remediation procedures when exams are compromised. The State Bar argues the vendor’s errors undermined public confidence and harmed hundreds of future attorneys awaiting licensure.
The case remains in preliminary stages, with hearings set for late summer 2025. Its outcome may impact not only future bar exams but also broader legal standards for the accountability of educational and professional testing companies across California.
