Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program Offers New Path, Tackles Statewide Attorney Shortages
The Arizona Lawyer Apprentice Program (ALAP), a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, is addressing Arizona’s critical shortage of legal professionals while offering aspiring attorneys a new pathway into the profession.
Launched by the Arizona Supreme Court earlier this fall, ALAP offers an alternative pathway to licensure for law school graduates who score just below the required threshold on the bar exam in Arizona. Rather than retaking the exam or shouldering the cost and disruption of transferring to another UBE jurisdiction like New York, Utah, or New Mexico, participants can complete a two-year supervised apprenticeship in rural or public law settings in the state. After successfully completing the program, they become eligible for full licensure in Arizona, saving both time and money while gaining valuable, hands-on legal experience. The program is designed to address two pressing issues: Arizona’s shortage of attorneys and the challenges underserved communities face in accessing legal representation.
Jessica Findley, director of Bar and Academic Success at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, helped bring ALAP from concept to reality. After studying similar programs in other states, she worked closely with the Arizona Supreme Court to design a model that fit Arizona’s unique challenges and needs.
“I analyzed programs across the country, and then developed recommendations to help the court build a pathway that fits Arizona’s specific needs,” Findley said. “It was about creating a framework that supports apprentices, supervisors, and communities alike.”
A Critical Resource for Rural Communities
With Arizona ranking 49th in the nation for its lawyer-to-resident ratio, the stakes for rural communities are especially high. Many areas lack sufficient legal representation, leaving residents without access to basic legal services. ALAP aims to fill these gaps by placing apprentice attorneys in high-need areas under the mentorship of experienced lawyers.
Findley emphasized the importance of creating a system that works for both mentors and apprentices. The program mirrors typical onboarding processes for new lawyers, ensuring that it remains manageable for employers while providing meaningful training opportunities for participants.
“Another goal of this program is to reduce barriers for law graduates who might otherwise face significant challenges entering the profession,” she explained.
Organizations such as Southern Arizona Legal Aid have already adapted their hiring practices to accommodate ALAP participants, recognizing the value of this initiative in meeting community needs.
Evaluating the Program’s Impact
In addition to her work on ALAP’s development, Findley is leading a research initiative funded by a $300,000 AccessLex grant to evaluate the program’s outcomes. Partnering with Christopher Griffin, director of Empirical & Policy Research at the College of Law, she is studying how effectively ALAP prepares apprentice attorneys for practice and how well it addresses the needs of underserved communities.
The research will track participants’ progress over the two-year apprenticeship, providing valuable data on the effectiveness of alternative licensure pathways. These findings could shape the future of legal education and licensing, both in Arizona and beyond.
“What I hope is that this can inform our state and other states who are considering similar pathways to better assess where should that line be for lawyer success and competency,” she said.
By addressing Arizona’s lawyer shortage and creating a more inclusive pathway to licensure, ALAP represents an innovative step forward in expanding access to justice and strengthening the legal profession.