Access to Justice

7th Circuit upholds Wisconsin’s mandatory bar, says precedent applies until Supreme Court overrules it

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Chicago ruled Friday that Wisconsin’s mandatory bar doesn’t violate the First Amendment rights of the state’s lawyers.

May 2, 2022 12:01 PM CDT

Most Americans want to see changes in elections, new ABA civics survey finds

With the highly anticipated midterm elections about six months away, the ABA is offering some insight into the minds of potential voters. The ABA 2022 Survey of Civic Literacy found that 80% of 1,000 respondents from around the country favor expanding the hours at polling places.

Apr 29, 2022 12:01 AM CDT

After 20 tries, law grad passes the bar but is barred from law practice in Massachusetts

A persistent law graduate who passed the bar exam nearly 30 years after his 1985 graduation won’t be able to join the Massachusetts bar as a result of a decision by the state’s top court.

Apr 26, 2022 3:53 PM CDT

Lawyers should be able to practice law in any state, says group urging ABA model rule change

The ABA should change its model rules to allow licensed lawyers to provide legal services in any state, according to a proposal by a group of more than 400 lawyers and law professors who provide advice on legal ethics matters.

Apr 20, 2022 12:19 PM CDT

SEC alleges Las Vegas lawyer shot by FBI was part of a $449M Ponzi scheme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleges in a lawsuit that a Las Vegas lawyer and his law firm were involved in a $449 million Ponzi scheme that sold investments in fictitious insurance tort settlements.

Apr 14, 2022 11:45 AM CDT

Once-prominent disbarred lawyer sues bank for allegedly failing to stop his employee’s embezzlement

A once-prominent lawyer in Washington, D.C., has sued PNC Bank for allegedly ignoring “red flags and serious irregularities” that allowed an employee to embezzle money from him.

Apr 13, 2022 2:18 PM CDT

SCOTUS should not restrict counsel’s investigations in death penalty cases, ABA says

In an amicus brief filed Monday, the ABA urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reaffirm that counsel representing habeas petitioners should be able to investigate new evidence without first proving that the evidence will provide relief to their clients.

Apr 5, 2022 9:34 AM CDT

Florida Supreme Court rejects bar committee’s reform proposals, asks for alternatives

After rejecting several proposals earlier this month that would have opened up Florida’s legal marketplace to nonlawyer financial interests and practitioners, the Florida Supreme Court has tasked the Florida Bar with coming up with alternative plans to strengthen access to justice.

Mar 22, 2022 8:37 AM CDT

Racial justice clinic announced for University of Minnesota Law School

As school districts across the country deal with complaints from people who say they are opposed to teaching critical race theory in the classroom, the University of Minnesota Law School isn’t dodging the controversy.

Mar 16, 2022 6:00 AM CDT

Escrow officer accused of transferring nearly $2M to scammer gives up license as limited practice officer

An escrow officer in Washington has given up her certification as a limited practice officer after she was accused of wiring nearly $2 million in client escrow funds to a scammer.

Mar 10, 2022 11:03 AM CST

Lawyer shot and injured by FBI agents admitted orchestrating $300M Ponzi scheme, prosecutor alleges

A lawyer shot and injured by FBI agents last week confessed to orchestrating a $300 million Ponzi scheme, a federal prosecutor told a judge. The lawyer has been charged with assault on a federal officer for allegedly waving a gun at three FBI agents.

Mar 9, 2022 12:39 PM CST

After criticism, California bar’s working group will focus on sandbox and trim membership ranks

In the aftermath of sharp criticism from the state legislature, a State Bar of California panel tasked with developing ideas for how nontraditional legal services providers can enhance access to justice will resume its work but with a narrower focus and cuts to its membership.

Feb 28, 2022 4:15 PM CST

7th Circuit upholds Wisconsin’s mandatory bar, says precedent applies until Supreme Court overrules it

Most Americans want to see changes in elections, new ABA civics survey finds

After 20 tries, law grad passes the bar but is barred from law practice in Massachusetts

Lawyers should be able to practice law in any state, says group urging ABA model rule change

SEC alleges Las Vegas lawyer shot by FBI was part of a $449M Ponzi scheme

Once-prominent disbarred lawyer sues bank for allegedly failing to stop his employee’s embezzlement

SCOTUS should not restrict counsel’s investigations in death penalty cases, ABA says

Florida Supreme Court rejects bar committee’s reform proposals, asks for alternatives

Racial justice clinic announced for University of Minnesota Law School

Escrow officer accused of transferring nearly $2M to scammer gives up license as limited practice officer

Lawyer shot and injured by FBI agents admitted orchestrating $300M Ponzi scheme, prosecutor alleges

After criticism, California bar’s working group will focus on sandbox and trim membership ranks

‘Justice Tech’ companies launch new association to advocate for consumers and reforms

How a social justice innovation lab is developing new types of legal services

Lawyers in 2 states sanctioned over association with national bankruptcy law firm

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