Rule 713: Referrals and Evaluations

(a)   Generally. During a character and fitness investigation, the prior conduct of an applicant for admission to the Kansas bar may demonstrate the need for further inquiry into the applicant’s substance-abuse history or mental health. The admissions attorney, Attorney Admissions Review Committee, or Board of Law Examiners may take any of the following actions when further inquiry is needed:

(1)   refer an applicant to the Kansas Lawyers Assistance Program;

(2)   select a qualified professional to conduct a substance-abuse evaluation of the applicant; and

(3)   in an exceptional circumstance, select a qualified professional to conduct a psychological or psychiatric evaluation.

(b)   Evaluation Expense. The expense of an evaluation conducted under this rule will be paid out of the bar admission fee fund.

[History: New rule adopted effective July 1, 2022.]