Lynn Hogewood ’03, Cumberland School of Law’s director of academic support, shares an update and reflects on the 2020 bar exam season.  

In light of the COVID-19 responses in various jurisdictions, the 2020 bar exam season has been long. Cumberland’s May 2020 graduates worked through closing out their law school experience under virtual operations for the spring semester, including a virtual graduation recognition delayed until August. 

Then, heading into the July bar exam, these graduates faced unprecedented circumstances with changes in their exam dates, protocols and expectations. Some jurisdictions moved the exam to different dates or to completely online platforms, altering the subjects and format of the test. Graduates took the July bar exam in Alabama, Missouri and North Carolina. In September, graduates took the bar exam in Illinois and Texas. And, in October, graduates in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee finished out this long bar exam season. 

Through these last seven months, this group of graduates has displayed grit and resilience in their preparation and flexibility to finish out their legal education and to meet the licensing requirements for their jurisdiction during these unprecedent times. 

Congratulations, class of 2020, for showing what being a Cumberland lawyer is all about.

Cumberland School of Law’s Academic Support Program assists in our students’ academic success, professionalism and life balance through workshops and events, resources, individual sessions and mentoring groups. Three areas of focus offered to all Cumberland students are academic information and resources for current students, bar exam information and resources for Cumberland graduates, and wellness information and resources for the entire Cumberland School of Law community. Learn more.