The Evolution of Legal Admissions Testing

The LSAT was developed nearly 75 years ago to ensure fair access to legal education by evaluating fundamental skills without requiring specific content knowledge. The test has evolved over the years to maintain its integrity and predictability in assessing candidates' potential for success in law school. Recently, competition from alternative assessments like the JD Next exam has emerged, prompting discussions about how best to diversify admissions criteria while prioritizing equity and access. Efforts are underway to explore multiple pathways to law school, focusing on holistic evaluations that consider various aspects of a candidate's qualifications.