The State Bar of Nevada is seeking dedicated and qualified individuals to join the Functional Equivalency Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in evaluating the qualifications of petitioners seeking to meet the qualifications under SCR 51.5 to be eligible to apply for admission in Nevada. The Functional Equivalency Committee investigates applicants who graduate from non-ABA accredited law schools and determines whether the applicant’s education and work experience are functionally equivalent to an ABA-accredited law school’s education, and if so, certify the applicant to sit for the bar examination. Currently, the committee reviews petitions and meets once a year in October or November. The time requirements are 20-40 hours per year depending on the volume of petitions.
Responsibilities include:
- Reading 3-5 petitions from applicants who have graduated from non-ABA-approved law schools. This involves reviewing and evaluating evidence provided by the petitioner including assessing the quality of the law school, curriculum, faculty, admission standards, resources, physical plant, accreditation history, and legal work experience (if applicable).
- Presenting assigned files to the committee, engaging in discussion of the file with the committee and making a recommendation whether to certify the petitioner’s education and work experience as functionally equivalent to an ABA education.
- Writing reports and recommendations to the Board of Bar Examiners and the Supreme Court of Nevada. This includes both favorable and adverse recommendations based on the committee’s findings.
Qualifications:
- Must be an active member of the State Bar of Nevada (attorneys certified under limited practice do not qualify).
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards for legal practice in Nevada.
- Not engaged in employment or consulting that would conflict with the duties of the committee.
Apply here: https://nvbar.org/committee-application-lawyers/