Alabama State Bar Board Of Bar Commissioners Minutes
The meeting included the approval of the agenda and recognition of special guests and new admittees. The Board received updates on pro bono activities, noting the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Volunteer Lawyers Program. Public Reprimands without General Publication were issued to attorneys Benjamin Thomas Larkin for significant failings in handling a client's expungement request over several years, and to Jim Tom Norman, III, related to a physical altercation with a client. The President reported on the Admission Ceremony and the Southern Conference of Bar Presidents meeting. The Executive Director noted the bar has exceeded 20,000 members and highlighted recent staff training and successful seminars, including one focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The General Counsel introduced new counsel and previewed the forthcoming AI policy for staff, which permits AI use for most tasks but prohibits it in legal writing, while cautioning against using confidential data on public platforms. The Finance Director reported increased revenues and decreased spending for FY2025. The Executive Council reported on staffing changes, NextGen Bar Exam progress, and moved two items to action: electing a commissioner for the 10th Judicial Circuit seat and approving the staff AI policy. Legislative Counsel outlined preparation for the 2026 Regular Session, focusing on clarifying the state bar's agency status. Discussion items included gathering input for proposed ARGA rule changes concerning the NextGen Bar Exam, where the Alabama-specific essay portion would replace a required law course, and surveying districts regarding Rule III on the 'Primary Practice of Law'. Action items included the unanimous approval of the staff AI policy, the appointment of Sharon Stuart to fill the vacant 10th Judicial Circuit seat, the approval of the proposed $7.19 million FY2027 budget, the nomination of Kristy Waldron to the Legal Services Alabama (LSA) Board, and the nomination of Christopher Lockwood and Laura Decker to committees of the Board of Bar Examiners.