Separate comment periods are now open for several proposed changes to the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio and the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

Members of the public may weigh in on the changes being considered by the Supreme Court of Ohio until Monday, May 11.

Legal Education
The Court’s Commission on Continuing Legal Education has recommended several changes to the Rules for the Government of the Bar related to continuing legal education (CLE) and new lawyers training. These changes fall under Gov. Bar Rule X.

The proposals include making changes to the proration calculation when an attorney is active for only part of a CLE compliance period and providing clarity to the criteria for suspensions versus sanctions.

Other changes under consideration would eliminate specialty programming approved for new lawyers training so that all CLE-approved activities are available to all attorneys for credit. They would also increase the CLE hours owed by new lawyers, as well as the time to complete that requirement, and revise the course categories required for new lawyers.

An additional proposal would provide more detailed information on the process for organizations applying to be recognized as offering CLE credit for pro bono services.

Comments on the proposed amendments should be submitted in writing to:
Michel Jendretzky, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or RuleAmendments@sc.ohio.gov.

Attorney Registration
Recommendations have been made to expand the data collected from attorneys during the biennial registration process in order to help address gaps in the legal field.

The proposed changes include the addition of a questionnaire in the attorney registration process seeking trial experience and legal practice information from attorneys. Collecting this data would help connect criminal trial attorneys looking to gain the required co-counsel or second chair experience necessary to qualify for reimbursable appointments under Ohio Administrative Code Rule 120-1-10.

Another change being considered is collecting identifying numbers of each Ohio attorney who reports during registration that they are licensed title insurance agents in Ohio who handle residential real estate transactions.

It is also proposed that practice-structure data be collected from each attorney, including the attorney’s type of practice and, if they are in private practice, the size of their firm. The data could help provide insight into CLE requirements, give a stronger understanding of the Ohio attorney workforce, and identify attorney shortages within the state.

Comments on the proposed amendments should be submitted in writing to:
Michel Jendretzky, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or RuleAmendments@sc.ohio.gov.

Specialized Dockets
The Commission on Specialized Dockets is proposing adjustments to the Rules of Superintendence regarding substance monitoring for specialized dockets.

The changes being considered include reducing or eliminating drug and alcohol testing for participants who don’t have a substance use disorder. The commission advised that frequent monitoring for such participants may have a negative effect on program engagement, treatment, and recovery, especially for those in mental health specialized dockets.

Comments on the proposed amendments should be submitted in writing to:
Sam Campbell, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or SpecializedDocketsComments@sc.ohio.gov.