The Florida bar exam: a qualitative study on its impact on African American applicants and the lack of diverstiy in the legal profession

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role of the Florida bar exam in the lack of diversity in the legal profession. Additionally, this study examined whether there were alternative media in lieu of the bar exam that would allow competent lawyers to enter the legal profession by collecting data through semi-structured interviews from recent takers of the Florida bar exam. This study builds on prior research, which suggested that the bar exam and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) acted as barriers for minorities to enter the legal profession. This research shows that while the bar exam and the LSAT may be contributing factors to the profession's lack of diversity, more serious social and economic issues must be addressed to bring more diversity to the legal profession. This research provides a platform for future research to address these fundamental issues that play a more significant role in the lack of diversity in the legal and other professions. Addressing these issues could help the legal and other professions such as nursing and physicians.--Author's abstract