ALAP Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Established by Administrative Order (AO) 2024-148, the Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP) allows applicants who satisfy the requirements and qualifications for admission but score at least 260 but less than 270 on the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), to start practicing immediately under the supervision of a qualified Arizona attorney if they agree to practice for 2 years in rural Arizona or in a public law firm. Participants in the program will receive an ALAP License to practice law issued by the Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). An ALAP Licensee who successfully completes the 2-year program and whose supervising attorney attests that they are capable of practicing law without supervision and who is recommended for admission by a judge or an outside attorney familiar with the Licensee’s work are eligible for full admission to the practice of law in Arizona.

General Questions Licensee Questions Employer Questions

Who qualifies? Does the ALAP Licensee have to be approved by the Committee on Character and Fitness? When does the 2-year supervisory period begin? Where are ALAP Licensees authorized to practice? What is a rural area? Do judicial clerkships count as public law practice? Does work as a Certified Limited Practice Graduate count as part of the 2-year supervisory period? Do other clerkships or internships in rural Arizona or in a public law practice satisfy the 2-year requirement? Does the ALAP Licensee have to practice under the supervision of an Arizona licensed attorney? May an ALAP Licensee also represent private clients or in non-rural counties? Can a relative serve as a supervisor? What does “supervision” mean in this context? Following completion of the 2-year supervisory period, what does an ALAP Licensee need to do to be fully admitted to the practice of law in Arizona? Can the ALAP Licensee take the bar exam again to become fully licensed? If the office or firm employing the ALAP Licensee determines that the ALAP Licensee is not capable of providing competent legal representation, may they terminate the employment? How does termination impact the ALAP Licensee? Are they allowed to move forward in ALAP? Is the ALAP Licensee paid? Will the ALAP Licensee receive a bar membership number? Does the ALAP Licensee pay bar dues? Is the ALAP Licensee required to carry malpractice insurance? Can a bar complaint be filed against the ALAP Licensee? If a bar complaint is filed against the ALAP Licensees, is it also filed against the supervising attorney? Is the ALAP Licensee a real attorney? Are ALAP Licensees less qualified than attorneys who are fully admitted with a score of 270? How long do I have to find a job and start the supervision process? What if there is an issue with the employer? How will that impact my obligations? Is there a way to get an exception to the requirements? Why does ALAP require two years of supervision? What activities are supervised? What is the level of oversight? I already have employment in the private sector in a non-rural area and scored a 260-269 on the UBE. I am willing to do pro bono work. Will that qualify as public law practice? If so, how many hours? Do I need to find my own job or will I be placed somewhere as part of the program? What if I don’t like my placement options? What if I change my mind about participating in the program? What about extraordinary circumstances like a health issue for me or a family member? Can I switch to another employer if my original employer is not a good fit? Do I have to hire ALAP Licensees as a government or non-profit public law firm? What if the designated supervisor is unable to perform their responsibilities? Can two supervisors be assigned? How many ALAP Licensees can a supervisor be responsible for? Can our office use our existing training program for ALAP Licensees? What if the ALAP Licensee is excelling and doesn’t need much oversight? What is my supervisory responsibility; how is it different from my other employees? Am I committed to keeping the ALAP Licensee on for the full two years? What if layoffs occur? Do I need to apply/register to be an employer or supervisor in the program? Can I supervise someone who is not an employee or works at another firm/agency? Do I have the power to discipline and fire, like I would another employee? What experiences must I give ALAP Licensees? Do I have to allow them to participate in a certain number of court appearances or depositions? Who establishes the pay? Does the state subsidize the costs?