A California bar exam software company will pay $1.35 million to settle a class action.
The case follows tech problems during the February 2025 California Bar Exam.
Meazure Learning, also known as ProctorU, provided the exam software.
The company also provided testing services.
The February 2025 exam offered online and in-person testing.
About 4,100 candidates could get refunds. Each person could get at least $153.
However, the settlement still needs court approval.
Key Takeaways
- Meazure agreed to a $1.35 million settlement.
- About 4,100 candidates could get refunds.
- Each eligible candidate could get at least $153.
- The lawsuit followed tech problems during the exam.
- Meazure reached a separate $5.25 million deal with the State Bar.
- The State Bar faced questions about its work with Meazure.
- The class settlement still needs court approval.
Bar Exam Software Lawsuit
The February 2025 California Bar Exam brought a major change.
For the first time, California offered online and in-person testing.
However, the online exam had serious tech problems.
Some candidates could not access the test.
Others reported computer crashes and software errors.
About 4,200 people took the exam. A State Auditor report found that many had tech problems.
These issues raised concerns about the testing system.
Meazure Settlement Covers Fees
About 4,100 candidates could get refunds under the proposed deal.
Each eligible candidate could get at least $153.
That amount covers the laptop fee.
The deal also calls for better testing checks in the future.
However, candidates may not all get the same total amount.
The settlement must get court approval before it becomes final.
Why the $153 Laptop Fee Matters
Remote candidates had to pay a laptop fee.
The proposed deal would return that fee to eligible candidates.
This would give affected candidates direct financial relief.
State Bar Reaches $5.25M Deal
The candidate lawsuit is separate from the State Bar’s case.
In July 2026, the State Bar announced another deal with Meazure.
Under that deal, Meazure agreed to pay $5.25 million.
The company also agreed to waive about $1.36 million owed by the State Bar.
The two settlements are separate.
However, both cases stem from the February 2025 exam.
Auditor Finds Vendor Problems
The California State Auditor reviewed the February 2025 exam.
The review found problems with the State Bar’s work with Meazure.
For example, some exam needs were not clear before the State Bar chose the company.
The report also raised concerns about a November 2024 test.
That test had computer freezes, crashes, and error messages.
The report said the State Bar did not make sure Meazure fixed those problems.
Many candidates later faced tech problems during the February exam.
This raised more questions about California’s exam process.
Meazure Fought the Lawsuit
Meazure previously asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
The company argued that its software was an intangible item.
It also said the software was not a good or service under California law.
However, the proposed settlement would end the class action.
The court would not need to rule on that issue.
Meanwhile, the State Bar continued its own case.
In March 2026, the State Bar changed its lawsuit against Meazure.
The change came after the State Bar received company documents.
The new complaint includes claims of fraud and breach of contract.
It also includes claims about false statements.
These are claims made by the State Bar. They are not court findings.
Legal Tech Risks
The case shows the risks of using technology for major exams.
Bar exams help decide who can become a licensed lawyer.
Therefore, exam systems need to work well.
A computer crash can cause serious problems.
A failed login can also cost candidates valuable time.
Tech companies may face legal costs when their systems fail.
For this reason, testing is important before a major exam.
Vendor reviews also matter.
So do backup plans and tech support.
Bar Exam Technology Faces More Scrutiny
California’s experience could affect future online exams.
The State Bar has announced changes to its exam process.
It also plans to improve its checks on vendors.
In addition, the State Bar plans to improve contracts, testing, and communication.
Meanwhile, California plans to use the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam in July 2028.
Reliable exam technology will remain important.
FAQs
What is the California bar exam software lawsuit?
The lawsuit involves candidates who faced tech problems during the February 2025 California Bar Exam.
Meazure has agreed to a proposed $1.35 million settlement.
How much could California bar exam candidates receive?
Eligible candidates could get at least $153.
The money would cover the laptop fee.
About 4,100 candidates could qualify.
Who provided the California bar exam software?
Meazure Learning, also known as ProctorU, provided the exam software.
The company also provided testing services.
Why did candidates sue Meazure Learning?
The lawsuit followed tech problems during the February 2025 exam.
Some candidates had trouble accessing the test.
Others reported computer crashes and software errors.
Is the $1.35 million settlement final?
No. The settlement still needs court approval.
Did Meazure reach another California bar exam settlement?
Yes. Meazure reached a separate $5.25 million deal with the State Bar in July 2026.
The company also agreed to waive about $1.36 million owed by the State Bar.
What did the California State Auditor find?
The State Auditor found problems with the State Bar’s exam planning.
It also found problems with vendor checks.
The report also raised concerns about earlier tech problems.
Bar Exam Settlement Fallout
The proposed $1.35 million settlement adds to the fallout from the February 2025 exam.
For candidates, the case centers on tech problems during a key licensing test.
The case also raises concerns for regulators and tech companies.
These concerns include vendor checks and software testing.
They also include backup plans and tech support.
California is preparing for more changes to its bar exam.
Reliable technology will remain important as those changes move forward.
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