Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform Phase II Implementing Recommendations

PLEASE NOTE: Publication for public comment is not, and shall not be construed as, a recommendation or approval by the Board of Trustees of the materials published.

SUBJECT:

Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform Phase II Implementing Recommendations

BACKGROUND:

In February 2012, the Board of Trustees appointed the Task Force on Admissions Regulation Reform (“Task Force” or “TFARR”). In Phase I, the Task Force held eight public hearings to examine whether the State Bar should develop a regulatory requirement for a pre-admission competency skills training program, and if so, propose such a program to the Supreme Court. The TFARR Final Phase I Report was adopted by the State Bar Board of Trustees on Oct. 12, 2013.

Phase II of TFARR’s work began in December 2013. A series of eight public hearings were focused on developing rules for the implementation of its Phase I recommendations. On Sept. 29, 2014, TFARR submitted its implementing recommendations to the Executive Committee of the State Bar Board of Trustees. The recommendations cover the following 3 areas:

• Pre-Admission: 15 Units of Practice-Based Experiential Training in Law School/Apprenticeship Option
• California’s Proposed Recommendation for 50 Hours Pro Bono/Reduced-Fee Legal Services
• Post-Admission: California's Proposed Recommendation for 10 Hours Competency Training MCLE

A detailed description of the activities of the Task Force is provided in the TFARR Phase II Final Report (9/25/14).

The Task Force’s proposed amendments to the Business and Professions Code, California Rules of Court, and State Bar Rules is provided in Attachments A, B and C.

DISCUSSION/PROPOSAL:

At its Sept. 29, 2014 telephonic meeting, the Board Executive Committee authorized a 35-day public comment period for proposed implementing recommendations submitted by the Task Force. The recommendations include proposed amendments to the Business and Professions Code, the California Rules of Court, and the State Bar Rules.

The agenda item and attachments linked below describe the proposed recommendations in detail.

ANY KNOWN FISCAL/PERSONNEL IMPACT:

To be determined, but it has been estimated that the total cost to the State Bar will be approximately $464,000 per year, primarily in the added staff resources that will be needed to monitor compliance.

ATTACHMENTS:

Board Executive Committee – Sept. 29, 2014:

• Agenda Item - TFARR Final Phase II Implementing Recommendations for a Competency Skills Training Requirement - Request To Release For Public Comment
• TFARR Phase II Final Report
• Index of Implementing Rules for a Competency Training Requirement
• Attachment A – Implementing Rules for 15 units of practice-based experiential training in law school with an apprenticeship option
• Attachment B – Implementing Rules for 50 hours pro bono or reduced-fee legal services
• Attachment C - Implementing Rules for 10 hours competency training MCLE
• Attachment C - ADA version

SOURCE:

Board Executive Committee

DEADLINE:

Nov. 3, 2014

DIRECT COMMENTS TO:

Teri Greenman
Executive Offices
The State Bar of California
845 S. Figueroa St., 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Email: teri.greenman@calbar.ca.gov