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Bar Exam

Some taking California bar exam say Cow Palace venue was so cold it may have affected their test results

By Debra Cassens Weiss

February 29, 2024, 10:02 am CST

The State Bar of California’s decision to consolidate some bar exam locations at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California, didn’t work out well for test-takers who say the place was so cold Tuesday that it affected their ability to function.

“I was so cold in the morning I almost couldn’t type my fingers were so freezing,” wrote one test-taker on Reddit.

Reuters and ABC7 News had stories on the complaints about the Cow Palace venue, which is typically used for livestock shows, sporting events and concerts.

Deborah Tharp told Reuters that she had muscle cramps from the cold temperatures.

“I could see my breath when I first arrived,” she said.

Brenden Bargmann, another test-taker, told ABC7 News that he was shivering, despite wearing flannel and a jacket. The conditions aren’t what you would expect in a professional environment, he said, never mind that this is the “most important test that we are ever going to take, [and] we are spending thousands of dollars.”

The State Bar of California voted in January to return to the Oakland Convention Center for the July 2024 exam, according to Reuters.

ABC7 News posted this statement from the State Bar of California on Wednesday: “State bar staff remain in constant communication with Cow Palace facility management, who are on alert to ensure that they can strike the right temperature balance. While yesterday started cold for some applicants at the Cow Palace, by the end of the day yesterday, some applicants found it too warm. On-site staff and facility management are working together to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”