The article argues that the American legal profession is facing a crisis due to the introduction of the NextGen Bar Exam, which is set to launch in 2026. This new exam is criticized for lowering standards by replacing rigorous legal analysis and demanding essays with easier multiple-choice questions and practical scenarios focused on “minimal competence.” The shift is seen as driven by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideology, prioritizing equity of outcome over merit and competence. The authors contend that this undermines the profession’s meritocratic foundation, leading to a decline in lawyer quality and public trust.

The article warns that the consequences of this trend extend beyond legal education, threatening the integrity of the justice system and the quality of legal representation for everyday Americans. By lowering the bar to ensure more candidates pass, the profession risks producing less skilled lawyers, which could overwhelm courts and erode confidence in legal institutions. The authors call for a return to rigorous standards and merit-based evaluation to preserve the profession’s excellence and public trust.