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Summary: The Florida State Bar is considering allowing reciprocity, despite a large vocal opposition from state lawyers.
A proposal was given to allow lawyers to practice in Florida without taking the state bar exam, causing an explosion from the state’s attorney. Florida already has a high number of lawyers. Tampa lawyer, John Fitzgibbons, called the proposal crazy and that “every lawyer in a cold-weather climate who has a condo in Florida will join the Florida Bar and make that condo his or her Florida office.”
Many Florida lawyers were unaware that this was even being considered and because of this are causing most of the complaints. A survey last year of Florida Bar members found that half believed “too many lawyers” was the biggest problem the legal profession faced. There are 101,000 licensed attorneys right now but hundreds more join each year.
The story broke after an article in the Florida Bar Journal detailing the new president of the organization, Ramon Abadin, gave a speech at his swearing-in ceremony. Abadin suggested that Florida lawyers adapt to a new era by changing rules that restrict reciprocity.
It appears that the Bar’s governing board had been planning this change without asking its members. The board’s report stated that the majority of Florida lawyers were in favor of reciprocity but only 1,148 had responded to their survey. The board is suggesting that a lawyer that has been practicing for the last five of seven years and is in good standing be allowed to join the Florida Bar without taking the exam.
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With the issue becoming more known, Abadin released a statement ensuring everyone that nothing will happen until the Florida Supreme Court approves it.
Source: http://www.theledger.com/article/20150720/NEWS/150729954
Photo: psycholawlogy.com
