State ranks 49th out of 50 US states in lawyers per capita
The Supreme Court of Arizona has introduced the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program, an initiative designed to increase the number of licensed attorneys in the state's rural regions and government or non-profit law settings.
Reuters reported that this program is the first of its kind and aims to address Arizona's significant shortage of legal professionals. Arizona ranks 49th out of 50 US states in lawyers per capita.
The program allows law school graduates who narrowly miss passing the bar exam to become licensed attorneys after working for two years under the supervision of an experienced lawyer. This initiative aims to assist prosecutors, public defenders, and legal aid offices recruit and retain attorneys, particularly in Arizona’s “legal deserts.” These areas suffer from a lack of legal professionals, which hinders access to justice, slows case resolutions, and stunts economic growth.
According to the state Supreme Court's order, the shortage of lawyers in Arizona has substantial negative effects, including delayed case resolutions and reduced economic development. The program also encourages aspiring lawyers to remain in Arizona instead of moving to states with lower bar exam passing scores or postponing their careers to retake the exam.
Starting in September, the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program is open to graduates of American Bar Association-accredited law schools who scored between 260 and 269 on the Uniform Bar Exam after July 2023, just below Arizona’s passing score of 270. Neighboring states, such as New Mexico and Utah, have passing scores of 260.
Participants must work at least 30 hours per week, receiving pay under the supervision of a lawyer with a minimum of five years of experience. They are required to work in a rural county with fewer than 600,000 residents or at a government or public law firm for 24 months. Supervising attorneys need not undergo a vetting process but must be in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
Upon completing the program, apprentices will be admitted as fully licensed attorneys. The Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts will oversee the program. While no specific number of participants is projected, between 40 and 80 Arizona bar examinees score between 260 and 269 annually.
