Bill > HB1825

This bill establishes a comprehensive new framework for legal licensing in New Hampshire, creating an independent 12-member Legal Licensing Board with broad authority to regulate attorney practice. The bill introduces multiple pathways to becoming a licensed attorney, including traditional law school, legal apprenticeship, direct examination with supervision, reciprocity for attorneys from other states, and a path for foreign-educated lawyers. Key innovations include making the bar examination publicly accessible to anyone, regardless of educational background, and removing mandatory bar association membership as a condition of practicing law. The board will have exclusive authority to grant, renew, suspend, and revoke law licenses, establish educational requirements, administer bar examinations, and maintain public records of licensed attorneys. While the board will handle general legal practice licensing, the New Hampshire Supreme Court retains constitutional authority over court practice and attorney discipline. The bill appropriates $500,000 for the board's initial establishment, with the intention that it become self-sustaining through licensing and examination fees by July 1, 2029. Existing attorneys will be automatically licensed without reapplication, and the bill aims to create a more accessible and flexible legal licensing system while maintaining professional standards and ethical requirements.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2119&inflect=2