FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2011
Contact: Rick DeBruhl, Chief Communications Officer
Phone: 340-7335, Mobile: (602) 513-6385
Email: rick.debruhl@azbar.org

Public Members Sought for Supreme Court Committee

PHOENIX - The State Bar of Arizona is supporting the Supreme Court of Arizona in its effort to recruit two public/non-attorney members for its Committee on Character and Fitness. Applications are available now.

This Committee is responsible for recommending applicants for admission to the practice of law in Arizona.  The Supreme Court then considers the recommendations and either grants or denies admission.  On a yearly basis, the Committee reviews and evaluates approximately 1,200 applications.

The Committee conducts at least one formal hearing monthly in either Phoenix or Tucson.  Members are expected to participate in each formal hearing, and in informal hearings held throughout the state on a voluntary participation basis.  In addition, membership requires independent review of applicant files amounting to approximately 25-40 hours per month.   

Expenses are paid for all meetings/hearings, but there is no other compensation for service as a Committee member.

Application forms to become a public member are due by Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, and can be obtained by contacting Nina Benham at the State Bar of Arizona at 602-340-7329 or at nina.benham@staff.azbar.org.  To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or to apply, click here.  Interviews of selected candidates will occur in September.

About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,000 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.

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