SB 1565
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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-fifth Legislature
Second Regular Session
Senate: JUD DP 5-2-1-0 | 3
rd
Read 16-12-2-0
SB 1565: supreme court; attorney licensing
Sponsor: Senator Leach, LD 11
Committee on Judiciary
Overview
Restricts the Supreme Court from requiring an attorney to be a member of any organization to
become or remain a licensed attorney in this state.
History
To be admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, a person may apply for admission by one of three
methods: 1) admission by Arizona uniform bar examination; 2) admission on motion; or 3)
admission by transfer of uniform bar examination score from another jurisdiction (Rule 34, Rules
of the Supreme Court of Arizona).
All applicants must meet the following six requirements and qualifications as determined by the
Committee on Character and Fitness: 1) the applicant is over the age of 21; 2) the applicant is of
good moral character; 3) the applicant is mentally, emotionally and physically able to engage in
the practice of law, and possesses the required knowledge of the law to do so; 4) the applicant is
a graduate with a juris doctor from a law school approved by the American Bar Association; 5) if
ever admitted to practice in any jurisdiction, the applicant is presently in good standing; and 6)
the applicant has successfully completed a specified course on Arizona law (Rule 34, Rules of
the Supreme Court of Arizona).
Additionally, every person licensed by the Supreme Court to engage in the practice of law must
be a member of the State Bar of Arizona (Rule 32, Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona).
Provisions
1. Requires the Supreme Court to license attorneys for the practice of law in this state. (Sec. 1)
2. Prohibits the Supreme Court from requiring an attorney to be a member of any organization
to become or remain a licensed attorney in this state. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note