Oppose AB-1522: Remove Federal Employment Requirement

Subject: Oppose AB-1522: Remove Federal Employment Requirement for Licensure Without Examination

My name is [Full Name], and I am writing to express my opposition to AB-1522. This bill proposes an expedited licensure process for federal attorneys, allowing them to practice law in California without taking the bar examination. While the intent to fill vacancies in vital legal positions is commendable, the bill's approach is flawed. AB-1522 arbitrarily limits eligibility to attorneys employed by the federal government, excluding many qualified professionals from state governments, nonprofits, and private practice. This exclusion undermines the principle that the bar exam is a universal measure of legal competence. By suggesting that only federal attorneys are competent without examination, the bill fails to recognize the capabilities of other experienced attorneys. Furthermore, California remains one of the few states without reciprocity or licensure by motion for experienced attorneys. AB-1522 could have been an opportunity to modernize our licensing framework by including all attorneys with a minimum of four years of active, good-standing licensure in another U.S. jurisdiction. This broader approach would better address the state's urgent legal needs. I urge you to reconsider the bill's current provisions and remove the federal employment requirement. A more inclusive approach would align with California's need for competent legal practitioners across various sectors and jurisdictions. Thank you for considering my perspective. Sincerely,