| SUMMARY OF: | A Sunset Review of the Alaska Court System, Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association |
Why DLA Performed This Audit
The audit determines whether there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether the board’s termination date should be extended. The board is set to terminate on June 30, 2021, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
The audit concludes that the board served the public’s interest by effectively admitting qualified members to the Bar and investigating complaints made against Bar members. The audit also found the mandatory three hours of continuing legal education required of Bar members was far below the standard of 12 hours required by 37 other states. (See Recommendation 3) Further, the audit identified the need for administrative improvements. (See Recommendations 1 and 2)
In accordance with AS 08.30.010(c)(2), the board is scheduled to terminate June 30, 2021. We recommend the legislature extend the board’s termination date eight years, to June 30, 2029.
Findings and Recommendations
- The executive director should encourage public participation at board meetings.
- The board should improve internal controls over the Bar’s online admissions system and case management database.
- The board should recommend an increase in mandatory continuing legal education for attorneys.