Court Seeks Comment on Proposed Adoption of NextGen Bar Exam

The Montana Supreme Court has issued an order regarding a petition from the Montana Board of Bar Examiners and the State Bar of Montana to adopt the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination (NextGen) as the required exam for admission to the Montana Bar. The petition is docketed under Case No. AF 11-0244.
In its March 16, 2026 order, the Court directed that the petition be made available for public comment, allowing members of the bench, bar, and other interested persons 60 days from the date of the order to submit comments or suggestions. 

The petition proposes replacing the current Uniform Bar Examination with the NextGen exam developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. According to the petition, the NextGen exam is designed to better assess the knowledge and practical skills needed for entry-level legal practice and to align Montana with the majority of jurisdictions adopting the new exam. 

The Court’s order also directed that the petition and related materials be posted on the websites of the Montana Supreme Court, the State Bar of Montana, and the Montana State Law Library, and that notice be provided to Bar members through publication in The Montana Lawyer and other electronic means. 

The petition recommends implementation of the NextGen exam beginning with the February 2028 administration of the Montana Bar Examination, allowing time for rule changes, law school curriculum adjustments, and preparation by applicants.

To view the Order, please click here.