In a matter of first impression, a divided Maryland Supreme Court adopted a two-part test to be used in determining whether a disability accommodation request for the state bar examination should be granted.
The 4-3 majority reversed a decision by the State Board of Law Examiners (SBLE) to allow the applicant, Antavis Chavis, to have the 50% additional time to take the Uniform Bar Examination, as requested, under the Americans with Disability Act. The majority held that Chavis met his burden to prove he is an individual with a condition that meets the definition of “disability” under the ADA, and his testing accommodation is reasonable with his disability, according to an opinion written by Justice Shirley M. Watts.
