Pursuant to the PBA Bylaws Section 402(a), below is a report of the action that was taken by the Board of Governors at its meeting on July 29, 2020. The COVID-19 Task Force requested the Board of Governors to take action on a recommendation in lieu of the PBA House of Delegates as time is of the essence because this issue is being considered by the PA Board of Law Examiners at this time. Accordingly, the Board determined to act in lieu of the House of Delegates due to the exigent circumstances because the next PBA House of Delegates meeting is not scheduled until November 20, 2020. The approved recommendation is attached.

Action Taken:

The Board approved the recommendation of the COVID-19 Task Force that the Pennsylvania Bar Association request that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners (“Bar Examiners”) offer a diploma privilege to students who have (1) graduated from law school between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020; (2) registered to take the 2020 Pennsylvania Bar Examination on or before June 30, 2020; and (3) satisfied all requirements set by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and Bar Examiners for admission to the bar of Pennsylvania except for passing the Pennsylvania Bar Examination. Specifically, the PBA recommends that the Supreme Court and Bar Examiners consider imposing the requirements outlined in their recommendation for a recent graduate to obtain a license under the diploma privilege.