ND HCR3023

Encourages the judicial branch to form a task force to study retention of University of North Dakota School of Law graduates in the state and evaluate alternative pathways to bar admission.

Identifies North Dakota's shortage of attorneys, particularly in rural areas, and notes that UND School of Law is the only institution in the state granting the juris doctor degree.

Requires any alternative bar admission assessments to ensure attorney competence is not compromised while potentially incentivizing more UND law graduates to practice in North Dakota.

Task force may include representatives from the judicial branch, State Board of Law Examiners, legislative branch, University of North Dakota School of Law, and State Bar Association of North Dakota.

Judicial branch is encouraged to report findings and recommendations to the Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly, and the Secretary of State must distribute copies to relevant officials.