FAMU Law Professor Jennifer Smith Selected for National Bar Exam Committee

ORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law Professor Jennifer Smith has been selected to serve on a committee of the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE).

"I am honored to use my background as a legal practitioner and professor to participate in shaping the bar exam for future lawyers,” said Professor Jennifer Smith. “My background provides diverse representation that has traditionally been excluded from committees developing standardized exams.” 

Professor Smith will participate on the Content Scope Committee which is described as a cross-disciplinary and cross-functional committee composed of practitioners, including newly licensed lawyers, and academics who will work together to develop the test content specifications for the next generation of the bar exam. The focus will be on what knowledge and skills entry-level lawyers need to practice competently. 

Professor Smith adds, “It is important to ensure a voice for institutions, like FAMU Law, that are historically underfunded and educate historically underserved students.  I expect the committee's work will help launch an exam that will enrich the testing experience and license a more diverse and better qualified body of lawyers, resulting in a legal profession that more accurately reflects our America.”

The National Conference of Bar Examiners, founded in 1931, is a not-for-profit corporation that develops licensing tests for bar admission and provides character and fitness investigation services. NCBE also provides testing, research, and educational services to jurisdictions; provides services to bar applicants on behalf of jurisdictions; and acts as a national clearinghouse for information about the bar examination and bar admissions.