Multiple reports have emerged from the New York bar exam at Hofstra University, where a female candidate—identified by some sources as a Fordham graduate—collapsed during the morning session, apparently suffering a heart attack. Eyewitnesses say she lost consciousness and required CPR on site.
Conflicting accounts have circulated about her condition, with some claiming she passed away and others stating she is recovering. Despite the severity of the emergency, many test-takers reportedly continued with the exam as if nothing had happened. A Reddit post from an attendee described a slow response to the crisis, with people nearby remaining focused on their tests while medical assistance was being administered.
Security officers eventually intervened and began chest compressions, though it remains unclear when paramedics arrived. One source alleges that proctors delayed allowing paramedics into the exam room until a scheduled lunch break—a claim that has raised serious concerns about emergency response procedures during the exam.
Bar exam proctors reportedly follow strict instructions that prohibit altering exam procedures under any circumstances, which may have contributed to the reluctance to pause the test. This incident has reignited criticism of the bar exam’s rigid and often criticized structure.
Witnesses say that after the emergency response, the exam resumed and candidates even went to lunch before continuing their tests as usual. Comments on social media from practicing attorneys shared similar stories of medical emergencies during bar exams, noting that candidates often receive no accommodations or extra time despite such crises.
The bar exam has long been criticized for its harsh conditions and questionable relevance to actual legal practice. Critics point out that the organization overseeing the exam controls significant financial resources yet maintains inflexible policies that put candidates at risk.
At this time, the condition of the affected candidate has not been officially confirmed. The incident underscores serious questions about safety protocols and the humanity of the bar exam process.