The recent LCI Advisory Board Meeting held by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on September 12, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding the preparation and success rates of candidates taking the bar exam. The meeting highlighted concerns about the current six-hour curriculum, which many believe is insufficient for adequately preparing candidates, leading to persistently low pass rates.

Board members expressed a consensus on the need to explore extending the hours of the curriculum. It was noted that Texas is among the few states maintaining such a short preparatory program. The discussion emphasized the importance of enhancing the orientation process for candidates, which serves a different purpose than the existing 40-hour skills program. The feasibility of implementing a rule change to expand the curriculum was also addressed, with members outlining the procedural steps required for such a change, including recommendations to the commission and subsequent approval from the Supreme Court.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the lack of data on candidates' backgrounds, which complicates the assessment of their preparedness. Without information on language proficiency, education levels, and prior training, it is challenging to understand why pass rates remain low. Board members suggested that collecting data at the application stage could provide insights into candidate qualifications and help tailor the curriculum to better meet their needs.

Additionally, the idea of beta testing new curriculum changes before full implementation was discussed. Members expressed concerns that without proper evaluation, any new requirements might not lead to improved outcomes. The importance of establishing a baseline profile for candidates was emphasized, as it would allow for more meaningful comparisons and assessments of the effectiveness of any new programs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for reform in the candidate preparation process for the bar exam in Texas. By considering curriculum enhancements and implementing data collection strategies, the board aims to improve candidate readiness and ultimately increase pass rates. The next steps will involve further discussions on rule changes and the potential for pilot programs to assess the effectiveness of proposed modifications.