Denied as a lawyer in Arizona but approved in Washington Why

Have you ever worried that past mistakes could affect your career in Washington? You’re not alone, and understanding the law is crucial in these situations. This article explores a recent court decision that provides guidance on overcoming such hurdles, illustrating how legal precedents can be leveraged for positive outcomes.

Situation

Situation Example

In Washington state, a man named Zachary Leroy Stevens wanted to become a lawyer. He applied to the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) to get a license to practice law. But there was a problem. Stevens had a criminal history from when he was younger. These were serious crimes he committed as a teenager. Because of this past, the Arizona State Bar had already denied his application, saying his character wasn’t fit for practicing law. The big question was whether Stevens had changed enough to be allowed to become a lawyer now.

Stevens argued that he had changed his life since those early offenses. He said he hadn’t done anything illegal since 2013. He had gone to college and law school and built a strong support group of family and friends. He admitted his past mistakes and showed he was sorry, trying to prove he was now a person of good moral character and ready to be a lawyer.

On the other side, the Washington State Bar Association had concerns. They worried about Stevens’ past crimes and the fact that Arizona had already denied him. They thought his past actions, including being required to register as a sex offender, raised big questions about whether he was fit to practice law. They argued these factors should mean he shouldn’t be allowed to become a lawyer.

Judgment

In this case, Zachary Leroy Stevens won. The court decided to let Stevens join the Washington State Bar Association. The court believed Stevens showed clear evidence that he had changed and was now a good person. They said that Stevens was more than just his past mistakes and had the qualities needed to be a lawyer. So, they allowed him to join the bar. (Case No. 201997-8)

Solution

Immediate Actions to Take

If you find yourself in a situation like Stevens, where past mistakes are a barrier, the first thing to do is gather all evidence of your rehabilitation. This means collecting documents that show you have changed, like letters from community leaders or proof of volunteer work. Being honest about your past and showing you have learned from it is crucial. You should also reflect on your journey and be ready to discuss how you’ve grown and changed.

Filing and Submitting a Petition

To start the process of applying to the bar, you need to fill out an application carefully. Make sure all the information is correct and truthful. If there are parts of your past that could be problematic, address them directly in your application. Explain what happened, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve changed. It might be helpful to get letters of support from people who can vouch for your good character now. These could be from teachers, bosses, or community members. After preparing your application, submit it to the bar association for review.

Strategies for Mediation and Settlement

Sometimes, talking things out can help. If the bar has concerns about your past, it might be possible to sit down and discuss them. This is like a meeting where you explain why you should be admitted despite your past. Showing you understand their concerns and explaining how you’ve changed can go a long way. You might also offer to do extra things to prove your worthiness, like agreeing to a probationary period where you are closely monitored. This shows you are willing to go the extra mile to prove your fitness for the profession.

FAQ

What is APR?

APR stands for Admission and Practice Rules. These are the rules that tell you what you need to do to become a lawyer in Washington State.

Who is Zachary Stevens?

Zachary Stevens is someone who applied to become a lawyer in Washington, even though he had a criminal past.

What was Stevens accused of?

Stevens had been convicted of serious crimes, including voyeurism, and had to register as a sex offender.

Why was Stevens’ application denied in Arizona?

His application was denied in Arizona because of his criminal record and concerns about whether he had changed.

What is a moral character inquiry?

A moral character inquiry is a check to see if a person is ethical and follows the law, which is important for becoming a lawyer.

What is the role of APR 21?

APR 21 outlines what factors are considered to see if someone is of good moral character and fit to be a lawyer.

How does Washington differ from Arizona?

Washington is more open to applicants with criminal histories compared to Arizona, which has stricter rules.

What are mitigating factors?

Mitigating factors are things that might make past mistakes seem less severe.

What is sex offender registration?

This is a requirement for people convicted of certain crimes to regularly update the police about where they live.

What is forum shopping?

Forum shopping is when someone chooses a legal place to apply that might be more favorable to their case, sometimes to avoid tougher rules elsewhere.