HB 2696
Relating to the West Virginia Supreme Court’s power to promulgate rules allowing for the limited practice of law by nonlawyers
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals to create rules permitting nonlawyers to practice law under a limited license. It establishes a task force composed of legal professionals and judges to study and recommend specific qualifications, certification processes, and areas of practice for these limited license legal practitioners. The task force will also consider modifications to the Rules of Professional Conduct and a process for handling complaints against these practitioners, initially focusing on child abuse and neglect and mental hygiene proceedings and limited civil litigation.
Key provisions
- The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals can create rules for limited practice by nonlawyers.
- A task force will be formed to recommend qualifications and certification for limited license legal practitioners.
- The task force will consider alternative pathways for applicants with relevant education (e.g., Master's degree, paralegal certification).
- Initial areas of practice will be limited to child abuse/neglect and mental hygiene proceedings, and limited civil litigation.
- The task force will recommend changes to the Rules of Professional Conduct.
- The task force will establish a process for handling complaints against limited license legal practitioners.
- The task force will examine the costs associated with establishing and maintaining the certification program.
- The task force will determine the validity period for examinations.
Who is affected
- West Virginia State Bar Association
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