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Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, the Supreme Court has the sole power to regulate lawyers and the practice of law throughout the Commonwealth. Several court-appointed boards assist the court in carrying out this function. The Board of Law Examiners, for example, oversees the administration of the bar examination for lawyers entering the profession. The Disciplinary Board enforces the Rules of Professional Conduct, the ethical code for lawyers. The Continuing Legal Education Board administers ongoing education programs for lawyers. The Minor Judiciary Education Board performs a similar educational function for magisterial district judges who, though not required to be lawyers, must attend regular training programs on the law. The Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security ensures that clients will be repaid when lawyers misallocate funds. The Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) board provides funds for legal aid to the poor. The Judicial Conduct Board is an independent board whose members are appointed half by the governor and half by the Supreme Court. The board investigates and prosecutes complaints of misconduct against judges.
The Boards
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