The Washington Bar Exam situation is a perfect example of the legal profession’s hypocrisy and double standard. From the very first day of law school orientation, we’re told what will be demanded of us as law students and lawyers: You’ll miss holidays, family events, milestones, and things everyone else gets to enjoy. You’ll get sick, and no one will care. People you love will need you. Emergencies will happen. You’ll be exhausted and overwhelmed, and you’ll still be expected to show up. The ethical rules governing legal practice are unforgiving, with very little room for error. Your tech failed? Too bad. You misunderstood something? Tough luck. You made an honest mistake? You should’ve been more careful. You didn’t anticipate the problem or leave yourself enough time? That’s on you, and you’re probably a terrible lawyer who isn’t competent enough to be doing this in the first place. Yet when the institutions governing lawyers fail, they rarely hold themselves to that same standard. The people harmed are treated as unfortunate casualties, inevitable but acceptable collateral damage in a system that fails us in one way or another, year after year, particularly when it comes to applicants and the bar exam. The public is protected from lawyers through rules, oversight, and governing bodies. But when those institutions fail, who protects us? The public is entitled to extraordinary care and protection from lawyers. Our own profession rarely treats us like we’re worthy of even the bare minimum.