The press release is here and the new rules are here. As a general matter, I do not like the proliferation of state-by-state requirement beyond the ABA Standards for admission to the bar. I particularly don't like NY's pro bono requirement, which I think is unfair to law students. I would first impose a pro bono requirement on admitted lawyers. I do have some sympathy for skills requirements like these new rules because they are closely linked to one's ability to practice law competently and the ABA has been slow to evolve in this area. I wonder, though, if Pathway 1 in NY will swallow up the rest of the rule. What law school will not certify that its graduates are ready to practice?
