In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the State Bar of California has admitted to using artificial intelligence to develop some of the multiple-choice questions for its February bar exam. This revelation comes nearly two months after hundreds of aspiring lawyers reported technical difficulties and irregularities during the exam.


The State Bar’s decision to employ AI in question development has been met with fierce criticism from legal educators and professionals. Mary Basick, assistant dean of academic skills at UC Irvine Law School, expressed her disbelief, stating that having questions drafted by non-lawyers using AI was “just unbelievable.” Basick’s concerns echo those of other legal experts who argue that this represents an “obvious conflict of interest” given that the same psychometricians involved in drafting the questions were also tasked with validating their reliability.


According to the original article by the Los Angeles Times, the State Bar plans to request the California Supreme Court to adjust the test scores for the affected exam. However, the Bar has downplayed the significance of the AI-developed questions, maintaining confidence in their ability to accurately assess the legal competence of test-takers.


Leah Wilson, the State Bar’s executive director, stated that the majority of the questions were developed by Kaplan Exam Services, with only a small subset created with AI assistance. Despite this, the admission has fueled calls for transparency and accountability, with some experts suggesting a return to the traditional in-person exam format.


For more details on the chaotic rollout of the new California Bar Exam, you can read the full story here. The controversy continues to unfold as the legal community grapples with the implications of integrating AI into critical professional assessments.


More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The Mark Tampa Breaks Ground on 800‑Bed Luxury Student Housing Near USF

Landmark Properties has officially begun construction on The Mark Tampa, a six‑story luxury student community featuring over 800 beds, rooftop amenities, study spaces, retail, and modern unit layouts. Set to open before the 2027–2028 school year, the project signals strong investor confidence in North Tampa’s booming student housing market.

Florida’s Insurance Costs Erupt Into a 2026 Election Flashpoint

Florida’s property and auto insurance crisis is intensifying, setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of the 2026 elections. Republicans argue recent reforms are finally stabilizing the market, while Democrats insist families are being crushed by soaring premiums and can’t wait for relief. With homeowners, condo associations, and insurers all feeling the pressure, lawmakers are preparing for one of the most consequential legislative battles in years.

A December Fed Cut Could Be Coming — But Don’t Expect Mortgage Rates to Drop

Markets are betting heavily on a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, but that doesn’t guarantee lower mortgage rates. Even with an 85% chance of a cut priced in, mortgage rates move more with the 10‑year Treasury than the Fed itself — and recent history shows rates can rise even when the Fed eases. Today’s 6.43% average rate is the lowest in over a year, but still unpredictable, making financial readiness more important than trying to time the market.

Grand Junction’s Commercial Real Estate Market Surges 36% as New Chains Fuel Regional Growth

Grand Junction is experiencing a powerful commercial real estate upswing, with 151 commercial units closed so far in 2025—a 36% jump from last year. Building permits are also up 23%, signaling expanding development momentum. Brokers say interest from national chains is accelerating the city’s evolution, bringing jobs, investment, and long‑term economic potential to Colorado’s Western Slope.

Nashville Ranks #6 in Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 Report

Nashville continues its rise as one of the nation’s most attractive real estate markets, landing the #6 spot in the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report from PwC and ULI. With strong demographic momentum, business expansion, and a development pipeline drawing national eyes, the city stands out amid shifting economic conditions. The report highlights fast‑growing sectors such as data centers, senior housing, and evolving office dynamics—offering real estate professionals valuable insight into where opportunities are emerging next.

CRE This Week: The Key Trends Reshaping Canada’s Commercial Real Estate Market in 2025

Canada’s commercial real estate sector continues to evolve rapidly, with new data revealing major transactions, shifting investment patterns, and emerging economic signals across the country. From resilient retail spending to cooling construction and regional standouts like Montreal and the Prairies, this week’s CRE pulse—powered by Altus Group’s research team—gives real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals a sharp snapshot of the market forces to watch as 2025 winds down.