Assigned to JUD                                                                                                                     FOR COMMITTEE

 


 

 

 


ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session

 

FACT SHEET FOR s.b. 1565

 

supreme court; attorney licensing

Purpose

Requires the Supreme Court to license attorneys in Arizona and prohibits the Supreme Court from requiring an attorney to be a member of any organization as a condition of being licensed to practice law in Arizona.

Background

Persons desiring to be admitted to the practice of law in Arizona may apply for admission by: 1) Arizona Uniform Bar Examination; 2) on motion; or 3) the transfer of Uniform Bar Examination score from another jurisdiction. A person must also submit an application to the Committee on Character and Fitness (Committee) in the form supplied by the Committee, accompanied by other supporting documents, including evidence the person is a graduate with a juris doctorate. In order to be recommended for admission, the Committee must be satisfied that that the applicant: 1) is at least 21 years old; 2) is of good moral character; 3) is mentally, emotionally and physically able to engage in the practice of law and possesses the knowledge to do so; 4) is a graduate with a juris doctorate from a school approved by the American Bar Association; 5) is in good standing with any other jurisdiction in which the person has been admitted to practice; and 6) has successfully completed the specified course on Arizona law (Arizona Supreme Court).

               There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1.   Requires the Supreme Court to license attorneys for the practice of law in Arizona.

2.   Prohibits the Supreme Court from requiring an attorney to be a member of any organization to become or remain a licensed attorney in Arizona.

3.   Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Prepared by Senate Research

February 15, 2022

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