Comparing Systems

Here is a brief description of differences between the current admission system and the proposal.

Currently, Arizona requires all attorneys to take the Arizona bar examination. In addition, Arizona requires that those wishing to be admitted to practice law (in general):

• Have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school or have actively practiced law in another state for at least five of the past seven years;
• Be “in good standing” in all jurisdictions where admitted;
• Submit evidence of a passing score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination; and
• Establish good moral character.

The rule-change petition proposes to delete the requirement of passing the bar exam for applicants who:

• Have already been admitted in another jurisdiction and have engaged in the active practice of law for five of the past seven years;
• Have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school;
• Are “in good standing” in all jurisdictions where admitted;
• Submit evidence of a passing score on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination; and
• Establish good moral character.

These lawyers would have to successfully complete a State Bar  course on Arizona law and practice within six months of admission, but the proposed rule does not require passing any examination on the content of the course.

In addition to these requirements, the petition would allow admission only on a reciprocal basis; that is, it would allow admission only of those lawyers who are from states that also permit Arizona-admitted lawyers to be admitted there on the same basis.