The Iowa Supreme Court has issued an order establishing a Task Force on Attorney Licensure Reform to examine current admission standards and recommend potential improvements to serve the public and legal profession better. In its order, the court recognized a growing shortage of practicing attorneys in Iowa and emphasized the importance of ensuring access to competent legal counsel across the state. The newly formed task force has been charged with evaluating the effectiveness of existing licensure requirements and developing evidence-based recommendations for reform.
The task force will be co-chaired by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Christopher McDonald and Iowa State Bar Association President Kathleen Law, and includes ISBA Executive Director Harry Shipley among its members. The group also includes representatives from the judiciary, private practice, legal aid, prosecution, public defense, legal education, and court administration, reflecting a broad cross-section of Iowa’s legal community.
Members will collaborate to study pathways to licensure and consider how changes could strengthen Iowa’s legal workforce while maintaining high standards for the profession.
The order was issued on March 27 by Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen.
View the order
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