California Bar Exam Faces AI Controversy

The State Bar of California has recently come under fire after disclosing that artificial intelligence was used to develop some of the multiple-choice questions in their February bar exam. The revelation has stirred up a storm of controversy, particularly because this exam session was already marred by technological failures.

According to a report by MyMotherLode.com, the California bar exam, held in February 2025, faced significant issues. Many test-takers experienced severe disruptions, including platform crashes and error messages. These issues prevented some candidates from completing their exams, while others struggled to save their work or even start the test.

California capitol building

In a statement, Mary Basick, assistant dean of academic skills at the University of California, Irvine, Law School, expressed her disbelief, saying, “The debacle that was the February 2025 bar exam is worse than we imagined.” She added, “I’m almost speechless. Having the questions drafted by non-lawyers using artificial intelligence is just unbelievable.

The State Bar of California has acknowledged that out of the 171 scored multiple-choice questions, 23 were developed using AI by ACS Ventures, their psychometrician. Despite the backlash, Leah Wilson, the executive director of the State Bar, defended the use of AI, stating, “We have confidence in the validity of the questions to accurately and fairly assess the legal competence of test-takers.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Katie Moran, an associate professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, called the admission “a staggering revelation.” She criticized the State Bar for employing a company to have a non-lawyer use AI to draft questions and then assess them.

Andrew Perlman, dean of Suffolk University Law School, and a member of the American Bar Association Task Force on the Law and Artificial Intelligence, remarked that while the use of AI in developing exam questions isn’t surprising, it is crucial that any AI-generated content is thoroughly vetted by experts.

As AI technology continues to advance, Perlman predicts its increased use in various fields, including legal assessments. He foresees a future where the competence of lawyers who don’t use these tools might be questioned.

This incident highlights the growing intersection of technology and professional exams, raising important questions about the role of AI in high-stakes testing environments.

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 AI Tipping Point: How Artificial Intelligence Is Rewriting the Real Estate Playbook

Artificial intelligence has shifted from a novelty to a defining force in real estate, transforming everything from listing creation to virtual staging while raising new legal and ethical risks. As AI adoption accelerates, experts warn that the agents who embrace automation and new tools now will gain a major competitive edge, while those who delay could fall behind in a rapidly evolving industry.

Want Job Security in the Age of AI? Get a State License

As AI and automation reshape the workforce, one form of career protection remains as powerful as ever: earning a state license. From real estate to trades to finance, licensed professionals stay in high demand because their work requires proven competence, accountability and human judgment—qualities technology can enhance but never replace. With trade enrollment surging, investor interest growing and licensing on the rise across the country, credentials have become a reliable path to stability, mobility and long-term earning potential.

AI Tools Are Transforming Agent‑Buyer Connections Ahead of 2026

A new wave of AI platforms is redefining how real estate agents identify buyer intent, spark conversations, and nurture relationships. From conversational home search engines to predictive opportunity alerts and relationship‑intelligence systems, these tools are helping agents connect sooner and smarter—reshaping daily workflows as the 2026 market approaches.

Texas Investors Fuel San Francisco’s Real Estate Revival

Texas money is riding hard into San Francisco, snapping up distressed downtown buildings at prices not seen in decades. From Union Square to California Street, major players like Lone Star Funds are betting big on the city’s rebound, signaling that the market may have finally hit bottom and that a new wave of opportunity is taking shape for savvy real estate professionals nationwide.

Holiday Spending Hits $1 Trillion—But CRE Experts Warn It May Be an Illusion

The 2025 holiday season is expected to break the $1 trillion sales mark, but economists say the milestone masks deeper consumer caution, income‑driven spending gaps, and weakening unit sales. Urban Land Magazine’s latest analysis shows how these mixed signals are shaping a selective, uneven landscape for U.S. commercial real estate heading into 2026—where strong locations thrive, weaker assets struggle, and affluent shoppers continue to dictate market performance.

Housing Market Predictions for 2026: Are Home Prices Finally Ready to Cool Off?

As 2025 ends, the housing market is inching toward balance with slower price growth, rising inventory, and steadier mortgage rates. Experts predict modest 1% to 2% home‑price growth in 2026—not a crash, but a calmer, more predictable market shaped by regional differences. With the Fed easing rates and inventory climbing in key cities, 2026 may become the most buyer‑friendly year in recent memory, especially for those prepared to act when the right home appears.