Lucie Allen Becomes Co-CEO of BARBRI, Pioneering a New Era in Legal Education

Transforming Legal Education: Lucie Allen as Co-CEO of BARBRI

On April 8, 2026, BARBRI, a leading name in legal education, made headlines by promoting Lucie Allen to Co-CEO. This pivotal move not only marks a historic moment for the organization but also establishes Allen as its first female leader since its inception in 1967. Taking the helm alongside current CEO and Chairman Steve Fredette, she is poised to shape the future of legal education while engaging with a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Lucie's appointment comes at a time when BARBRI is redefining its mission. Originally focused on bar exam preparation, the company has pushed beyond these traditional boundaries since 2011, becoming a comprehensive provider of legal education solutions. By supporting learners from their initial stages all the way through their professional careers, BARBRI caters to a diverse range of legal professionals.

BARBRI now offers services to students preparing for licensing exams in the U.S. and supports prospective legal professionals in the UK with SQE preparations. The organization has also extended its offerings through professional skills training, encouraging learners at all stages to enhance their career development.

Stephen Fredette expressed pride in the growth and transformation of BARBRI, emphasizing that the company is built on a strong foundation of innovation and leadership. He has been grooming Lucie as his successor for quite some time and believes in her capacity to lead BARBRI towards future achievements. Under Lucie's guidance, the organization is expected to forge new strategic partnerships and adapt to the dynamic needs of legal education, ensuring its offerings remain relevant and impactful.

In her statement, Lucie Allen acknowledged the changing landscape of the legal profession, which now demands audiences to navigate various pathways in education. "The legal profession is changing, and so are the learning needs of the people within it," she said. Lucie emphasized BARBRI's commitment to delivering accessible high-quality education that adapts to where learners are today while supporting their aspirations for the future.

Bringing over four years of leadership experience with BARBRI, Lucie previously served as the Chief Growth Officer and held the role of Managing Director for the company's international business. Her expertise has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation, establishing the groundwork for global expansion in legal education.

To promote a seamless transition, Lucie and Steve Fredette will co-lead the organization through 2026, ensuring that there is continuity and stability in leadership. Fredette plans to move into the role of Executive Chairman by early 2027, continuing to guide BARBRI's strategic direction, thus laying a stable foundation for Lucie's leadership.

As the world of legal education continues to evolve, BARBRI is committed to expanding its global reach. This leadership change signals the organization's intention to enhance its digital learning platforms and explore innovative solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern learners.

For nearly six decades, BARBRI has built an extensive reputation as the top choice for legal education, assisting millions of professionals worldwide. With a dedication to advancing its educational technology and curriculum, BARBRI continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of legal education.

For further details about this remarkable initiative in legal education, visit BARBRI's official website.