Theresa Gronkiewicz writes that after a career of representing lawyers in complaints issues there are a number of issues that come up time and again which could be avoided by implementing a strong practice management system and common-sense approach to law. There are 12 tips including: Implement strong law office management procedures Learn to identify…
I Think I Can: How Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation Impacts Black and Latinx Bar Examinees
This study examined experiences of bar exam takers of color who passed on either the first or the second time. The theories of self-efficacy and self-regulation served as a conceptual framework for this study and were used to shape the interview questions as well as the data analysis. Eight participants were interviewed who graduated from…
The Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers United States recommends lawyers be permitted to practice in any state
The Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL), a group of 400 lawyers who advise on ethics matters, has recommended that lawyers admitted to a US jurisdiction be able to practice across any state. The Association suggests the ABA Model Rule 5.5, which was adopted in 2002 to prohibit lawyers from practicing in jurisdictions they had…
The US National Conference of Bar Examiners holds consultation on exam content for the new bar entrance exams
The National Conference of Bar Examiners has sought the input of the US legal market as it continues its plans to implement a new bar entrance exam. The new exam will place greater emphasis on essential lawyering skills while decreasing the number of legal subjects tested. The proposed changes are the result of an effort…
The California Bar adopts new five year strategic plan
The Board of Trustees of the California State Bar Board of Trustees has agreed a new five year plan, setting the Bar’s strategic direction until 2027. The plan includes four strategic goals: Protect the Public by Strengthening the Attorney Discipline System: Administer an attorney discipline system that is efficient, accountable, and transparent. Protect the Public…
Supporting the health and wellbeing of Black attorneys in Illinois
The Commission highlighted the long-held stigma of seeking help for mental health, as well as the daily microaggressions, the residual affects of intergenerational trauma and overt acts of racism as being unique stressors for Black attorneys. Dr. Arline Geronimus coined the term “weathering effect” to evoke the emotional erosion that comes with the constant stress of racism….
The National Association of Law Placement in the USA has reported diversity to be at an all time high
On 12 January 2022 the National Association of Law Placement released its annual Report on Diversity in US Law Firms. The report announced significant gains in the diversity of new entrants into the legal profession in 2021. Summer associates showed the highest level of diversity amongst all groups of lawyers, with people of colour growing…
California State Bar publishes responses to its consultation on the licensing of a new paraprofessional.
In 2021 the California State Bar published a consultation on a potential new paraprofessional license designed to ease the access to justice problem being experienced in the state. This new type of legal paraprofessional is intended to be a cheaper alternative to a fully licensed lawyer and would only be able to offer a very…
Oregon State Bar launches a consultation on new paraprofessional licensing plans
The Oregon State Bar has released plans for the introduction of licensed paraprofessionals, in a public consultation. It is proposing to restrict this new paraprofessional to practice in two areas of law, family and landlord/tenant issues. This is intended to help at least some of the 84% of Oregon residents who cannot currently access the…
State Bar of California’s consultation on new paraprofessional licence closes
The consultation, which closed on 12th January, focused on the potential licensing of a new legal service provider, the paraprofessional. It is hoped this new legal qualification will improve access to justice by creating a new professional to provide routine legal services at a more affordable rate. Read the full article here.