Regarding Authorization for Australian Lawyers to Sit for State Bar Examinations
Resolution 7: Regarding Authorization for Australian Lawyers to Sit for State Bar Examinations
WHEREAS, Australia shares the common law tradition with the United States; and
WHEREAS, the growing trade and economic relations between the United States and Australia is increasing the demand for and interest in transnational legal practice between the two countries; and
WHEREAS, individuals must complete a rigorous and prescribed course of study at a recognized Australian University as well as a period of supervised practice in order to be admitted to practice in Australia; and
WHEREAS, Australia permits American lawyers admitted to practice in a state to be eligible for admission to practice in Australia without study at an Australian University; and
WHEREAS, most state supreme courts that require graduation from an ABA-accredited law school in order to be admitted to practice have discretion to waive this requirement in appropriate cases;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Conference of Chief Justices urges each state supreme court to consider permitting individuals who have graduated from an Australian University and have been admitted to practice in Australia, and who meet the state requirements regarding experience, character, and fitness, to sit for the bar examination and if they pass that examination, to be admitted to the practice of law in the state.
Adopted as proposed by the International Agreements Committee of the Conference of Chief Justices on February 7, 2007.