Imagine a world without a Bar Exam. Law school graduates who already have 19+ years of formal education would be free to move around the country for jobs. They could go where they're needed and where they could find their passion. 1/×

They would still need to join the Bar of the state where they live, take the MPRE, pass a character and fitness exam, and take CLEs, but they would have more options and less stress. They would be happier and have more energy to help people.
2/x

Because they would have more mobility, JDs would not have to factor in geographic mobility when trying to find a mate. And if they are being sexually harassed at their current job, they would have more options to leave for a new job. 3/×

The market for talented lawyers would be more robust, unconstrained by antiquated geographic boundaries. State Bars could still certify lawyers for state specialties, like family law, but most lawyers don't need that. Plus, all JDs know how to find a learn relevant law. 4/×

Clients would have more options in hiring lawyers too. If they have a favorite, skilled atty. in Minnesota and a complicated case in California they want that atty. to handle, the atty. could join the California Bar. State Bars could offer temporary licenses for this purpose. 5/x

The dirty little secret of law practice in the US (that it is not actually constrained to state boundaries, at least for the big firms) would be rendered irrelevant, and the profession would no longer be operating in the breach. 6/x

More mobility = more competition = lower costs = more individuals and SMEs that could afford legal counsel. There would be less litigation and heartache as a result. Courts could focus on other things. 7/x

Ironically, there would be more competent lawyers available in each state because clients could hire competent lawyers from other states. Competition would be the constant driver of competency, not a one-time ill conceived Bar Exam. 8/×

Clients with unique and obscure legal problems could search for a lawyer with experience in that area, hire them, and save money not having to pay an in-state lawyer to become educated on the topic. 9/×

The legal profession would be rebuilt on a foundation of trust. Trust that @ABAesq accredited law schools can (and do) produce competent lawyers and that JDs understand their professional obligations. We can stop making decisions assuming all of them are cheats. 10/x