Opinion
Delivered July 17, 1995
Rule I of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar is revised to include an immunity provision for the members of the State Board of Law Examiners, the Executive Secretary, and agents and employees of the Board. It has also been revised so that it is gender neutral.
The revised Rule I is adopted this date and is effective immediately.
RULE I.
COMPOSITION OF BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS
The State Board of Law Examiners, hereafter Board, is hereby constituted, before whom all applicants for license must appear.
Said Board shall consist of eleven members: Two from each Congressional District (as now or hereafter constituted), and the remainder from the State at large. Each appointment shall be for a term of three years, unless otherwise designated by the Supreme Court. Vacancies occurring from causes other than the expiration of term of office will be filled by the Supreme Court as they occur, and the person so appointed shall serve the remainder of the term of his or her predecessor. The Board, from its members, shall annually select its own chair. Absent exigent circumstances, a Board member may serve no more than two (2) consecutive full three year terms. A replacement where a vacancy occurs shall not be considered a full three year term. Members shall continue to serve beyond their designated term until such time as their successor is qualified and appointed by the Court.
The Board, its individual members, Executive Secretary and employees and agents of the Board are absolutely immune from suit or action for their activities in discharge of their duties hereunder to the full extent of judicial immunity in Arkansas. (Per Curiam Order, February 10, 1969; Amended by Per Curiam Order, May 18, 1992.)