HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO . 3023 ( Representatives Ista , Klemin , O ' Brien , Roers Jones , Schneider ) ( Senators Barta , Cleary , Dwyer , Meyer )
A concurrent resolution encouraging the judicial branch to consider forming a task force to study the retention of University of North Dakota law graduates in the state , including an evaluation of alternative pathways to bar admission that ensure attorney competence .
WHEREAS , the state is experiencing a shortage of attorneys , particularly in rural areas , and solutions are being explored to alleviate the attorney shortage ; and
WHEREAS , the University of North Dakota School of Law is the only institution in the state that grants the degree of juris doctor ; and
WHEREAS , the majority of attorneys licensed to practice law in North Dakota are graduates of the University of North Dakota School of Law ; and
WHEREAS , any requirements for admission to the bar as a licensed attorney in the state of North Dakota must ensure that all licensed attorneys are highly competent to practice law in this state ; and
WHEREAS , it is in the best interest of North Dakota to evaluate available alternative methods for assessing the competency of applicants for licensure as attorneys in the state and determine whether alternative assessments would provide an incentive for more University of North Dakota School of Law graduates to practice in North Dakota while not compromising the quality of attorneys in the state ;
NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NORTH DAKOTA , THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN :
That the judicial branch is encouraged to consider forming a task force to study the retention of University of North Dakota law graduates in the state , including an evaluation of alternative pathways to bar admission that ensure attorney competence ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the task force may include representatives from the : 1 . Judicial branch ; 2 . State Board of Law Examiners ; 3 . Legislative branch ; 4 . University of North Dakota School of Law ; and 5 . State Bar Association of North Dakota ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the judicial branch is encouraged to report any findings and recommendations , together with any legislation required to implement the recommendations , to the Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly ; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Secretary of State forward copies of this resolution to the Chief Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court , the Clerk of Court for the North Dakota Supreme Court , the President of the State Board of Law Examiners , the Dean of the University of North Dakota School of Law , and the President of the State Bar Association of North Dakota .
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