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
ZD/sr