Rules would require screening
Rules would require screening
A special Bar committee has recommended three rule changes to the section of Bar rules that allows law students and those waiting to take the bar exam to be interns for public agencies or nonprofit organizations.
The panel was formed in response to concerns expressed by Justice Fred Lewis that interns were not being well screened under current rules. That resulted in some interns with criminal records being placed with state attorneys, and other similar problems.
Board member Robert Rush, who chaired the special committee, presented its findings at the board’s June meeting.
The proposed changes:
• Require prospective in-state interns have made application for Bar admission and have an initial character and fitness clearance from the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
• Clarify that legal aid organizations that use interns must exclusively serve the indigent.
• Add a rule section that provides that after an intern graduates from law school, any continuing internship terminates if he or she fails any part of the bar exam. Interns are already required to take the next available exam after their graduation.
The recommended changes have been sent to Justice Lewis in a letter from Rush following the board’s acceptance of the committee’s recommendations. The committee’s transmittal presumes full court consideration of any changes, and further opportunity for public comment before any amendments would be adopted.
