All Announcements
September 24 Update
Download Bar Exam Files Notice
October 2020 Remote Exam applicants must download Bar Exam Files. The files will become available for download at noon central time on Friday, September 25. You must download all files by 11:59 PM on Friday, October 2.
Only applicants who registered and took both mock exams are eligible to download Bar Exam files. If you downloaded and took both mock exams, and uploaded them successfully, you do not need to contact us prior to downloading your Bar Exam files. Applicants who have been unsuccessful completing these steps, notified IBAB, and contacted ExamSoft for help but have not received responses should email remote test coordinators Tara Henrikson at thenrikson@ilbaradmissions.org or Stephany Shipp at sshipp@ilbaradmissions.org. Our coordinators will attempt to expedite assistance.
By the September 18 deadline, October 2020 Remote Exam applicants should have downloaded a version of ExamSoft’s Examplify software numbered 2.4.4. When you download actual Bar Exam files between September 25 and October 2, one of two things will happen: you will either be prompted to update your current Examplify version to 2.4.6 OR the version will automatically update based on what computer you are using. You will receive an email from ExamSoft about this process.
ExamSoft regularly pushes new updates to users. With a soon-to-be-released upgrade to the Examplify application, ExamSoft will address the specific cut & paste feature from shared devices, preventing that feature from being available for use during secure exams. For bar applicants, the update will be required prior to receiving access to download the actual Bar Exam files. That said, even without this enhancement, a fundamental element of Examplify security is that all user activity within the Examplify application is recorded and available for review and detection. We know this is stressful, but this update is in the best interests of exam security.
Once you have completed the final step of successfully downloading actual Bar Exam files, you will be prepared for the October 5-6 live test.
Detailed exam day instructions will be sent to you prior to October 5. Continue to monitor your emails, www.ilbaradmissions.org, and www.examsoft.com/ilbar for the most current information.
The exam scheduled for October 5-6, 2020 has NOT been cancelled.
The exam is not open book.
Applicants should exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than automatically taking as true any and all rumors on the internet. If there are questions or concerns, you should instead contact your processor.
MPT SCRATCH PAPER
For the MPT ONLY, you may use scratch/scrap paper provided it is blank 8 ½ x 11-inch paper. You may use a non-digital pencil or pen to make notes and outlines. Any scratch/scrap paper and pens and pencils used during the MPT session must be removed from the testing area following the MPT and prior to the start of the MEE session.
IMPORTANT CHANGE TO TEST DAY POLICIES
Bar administrators and NCBE are aware of the issues raised by applicants in navigating the MPT with the remote exam and considered alternatives.
NCBE is relaxing its policy on scratch paper for the MPT. Be aware that you MAY use scratch paper and a non-digital pencil or pen to make notes for the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) portion of the exam ONLY.
Further details on this will be forthcoming in the next few days, but IBAB wanted to allow applicants a chance to practice using scratch paper.
Any scratch paper used on the MPT session of the exam must be removed from the testing area prior to the start of the MEE session(s).
You MAY NOT use scratch paper or a non-digital pencil or pen for the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) or Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) portions of the exam. Any use of scratch paper or non-digital pencil or pen on the MEE or MBE sessions will be flagged for further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the Illinois Bar Examination scheduled for October 5-6, 2020
Click to view FAQ for the Illinois Bar Examination scheduled for October 5-6, 2020
FEBRUARY 2021 APPLICATIONS
February 2021 bar examination information and instructions are now available, and applications may be submitted.
October 2020 Remote Bar Examination – Reciprocal Agreement Signed with New York
IBAB is pleased to announce that it has entered into a reciprocity agreement with New York for the portability of scores from the October 5th-6th, 2020 remote bar examination. The Board of Bar Examiners will continue to seek reciprocity with other jurisdictions who determine to offer the NCBE’s October 5th-6th, 2020 remote bar examination and will provide further updates accordingly. For a complete listing of all reciprocal jurisdictions, click here.
OCTOBER 2020 REMOTE BAR EXAMINATION
Retention of ExamSoft as Vendor
The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar retained ExamSoft Worldwide Inc. as its vendor for the October 2020 Remote Test.
Instructions on refunds from ILG for those who have registered, and instructions for signing up with ExamSoft, will be posted soon.
IBAB will post and distribute answers to frequently asked questions about the software in the coming days, and applicants will receive instructions for the download and installation of the testing software at the beginning of September, as planned. The Board will arrange for mock exams to be given at a later date. Please review the minimum system requirements for the ExamSoft software:
https://examsoft.force.com/emcommunity/s/article/Examplify-Minimum-System-Requirements-for-Windows
https://examsoft.force.com/emcommunity/s/article/Examplify-Minimum-System-Requirements-for-Mac-OS-X
RECIPROCITY ANNOUNCEMENT
Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar Announces Reciprocity Agreements
Per the order of the Illinois Supreme Court authorizing the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar to consult with other jurisdictions administering the October 5-6, 2020 NCBE remote exam to arrange for reciprocity, the Board is pleased to announce that Illinois will engage in reciprocity with the following jurisdictions:
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Tennessee
Vermont
Other jurisdictions may be added to this list.
Per the agreement, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar is required to provide these jurisdictions with the names of applicants sitting for our exam, their NCBE numbers, and earned score. Any applicant wishing to opt out of having this information released to the above-named jurisdictions (and any other jurisdictions added later) should contact Deputy Director Larie McGill, lmcgill@ilbaradmissions.org. Note that if you choose to opt out, you are opting out of reporting to ALL jurisdictions.
Applicants should be aware that this agreement applies only to scores earned on the October 5-6, 2020 exam. It does not apply to any other score or any other exam.
ILLINOIS BAR EXAM TO BE HELD REMOTELY
Illinois Bar exam to be held remotely Oct. 5- 6; in-person exam set for Sept. 9-10 cancelled
The Illinois Supreme Court announced today that due to continuing public health concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois in-person bar examination scheduled for September 9-10, 2020, has been cancelled. In its place, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar will offer a remote version of the exam on October 5-6, 2020, using questions prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. This exam will satisfy the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rules 701 and 704.
The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar has been in close and frequent contact with the Illinois Supreme Court, monitoring the ever-evolving science and guidelines as the nation, state, and local authorities navigate this once-in-a-generation pandemic. As an independent commission of this Court, the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar has worked to assure the goals of public protection and a safe, secure bar exam.
The Board carefully monitored developments in Illinois. Consistent with the encouraging statistics and the Governor’s reopening pursuant to the Stage IV guidelines, the Board worked to identify multiple venues that would allow for social distancing and precautions, in guidance with federal, state, and local authorities. As the statistics in Illinois over the past week have shown discouraging signs of a resurgence, however, the Board recommended to the Court that it consider a remote bar exam.
The test will cover the same topics as the in-person exam and will qualify applicants for admission in Illinois only. It will not result in a Uniform Bar Exam score. However, the Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar to consult with other jurisdictions administering the NCBE remote exam to arrange for reciprocity.
All registrants for the September exam have automatically been registered for the October remote exam and have until August 7, 2020, to withdraw with a refund or defer taking the exam until February 2021. In addition, the Board will open applications for those wishing to apply for the remote exam for admission in Illinois. The Office of Bar Admission will notify applicants by email regarding details of the exam.
Please refer to the announcements at www.ilbaradmissions.org for updates and instructions.
FEBRUARY 2021 BAR EXAM HOTEL ROOMS
FEBRUARY 2021 BAR EXAM HOTEL ROOMS
Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan Avenue, is offering a discounted guest room rate of $129 + tax per night for Illinois bar examinees. The rate is available Sunday, February 21 - Friday, February 26, 2021. Reservations must be made by Friday, January 29, 2021.
Booking Link: https://book.passkey.com/go/2021BarExam
If additional nights are needed outside of February 21-26,
or if making reservations by phone, call Hilton reservations at
1-800-74-1500 - you must refer to the group "2021 Bar Exam".
REDUCED-PRICE ROOMS ARE GENERALLY RESERVED WELL
BEFORE THE DEADLINE SO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE. IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO EXPAND THE
ROOM BLOCK, AND THE BOARD MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF ROOM
AVAILABILITY OR REDUCED RATE AT THE HILTON CHICAGO.
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711(g)
Please be aware that the Illinois Supreme Court has amended Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711(g). Below are links to the press release and the amended Rule.
https://courts.illinois.gov/Media/PressRel/2020/070220.pdf
https://courts.illinois.gov/SupremeCourt/Announce/2020/070220.pdf
COVID 19 PANDEMIC
As our nation addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, IBAB is taking steps to assure the health and safety of our employees and the community. We are still operating, but many employees are working remotely. Our office is closed to the public. Staff is available via email, and that will be the most efficient method for us to assist you.
If you have questions about an exam or UBE transfer application pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 704, 704A, or 715, please email a file processor:
Last Name A-Bo: Diana Hobrock, dhobrock@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name Br-E: Dorothy Holmes, dholmes@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name F-Jam: Judith McDonough, jmcdonough@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name Jan-Mas: Lisa Bailey, lbailey@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name Mat-Pl: Stephany Shipp, sshipp@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name Po-Ste: Tammy Adams, tadams@ilbaradmissions.org
Last Name Sti-Z: Tara Henrikson, thenrikson@ilbaradmissions.org
Nonstandard: Ty Perry, tperry@ilbaradmissions.org
If you have a question about laptop testing, please email Stephany Shipp, sshipp@ilbaradmissions.org, or Tara Henrikson, thenrikson@ilbaradmissions.org
For questions about applications pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules 705, 712, 716, 717, and 719, please email Paula Ramsey-Brown, pramsey-brown@ilbaradmissions.org
For inquiries about Character and Fitness processes, please email Vanessa Williams, vwilliams@ilbaradmissions.org
Questions about non-standard testing accommodations should be directed to Ty Perry, tperry@ilbaradmissions.org
Questions concerning MPRE and MBE score transfers, administrative accommodations, or study materials, contact Carrie Homann, chomann@ilbaradmissions.org
Inquiries from law schools and bar admission entities should be directed to Larie McGill, lmcgill@ilbaradmissions.org
All other inquiries, please contact Nancy Vincent, nvincent@ilbaradmissions.org
Understand that not all inquiries can be handled immediately, and we thank you for your patience. Be safe and be well.