Rule 402 - Investigation of Applicants (a) Admissions Staff Review. All applications for admission to the Bar shall be reviewed by the Admissions Director for purposes of determining whether the applicant possesses good moral character and fitness to practice law. Applications which establish to the satisfaction of the Admissions Director the applicant possesses good moral character and fitness to practice law shall be forwarded to the Committee for approval or for such further proceedings as the Committee deems appropriate. (b) Referral to Bar Counsel. All applications which raise a substantial question whether the applicant possesses the requisite good moral character and fitness to practice law shall be referred to Bar Counsel for review. (c) Review by Bar Counsel. Upon receiving a referral, Bar Counsel may conduct such further investigation as is reasonably deemed necessary into matters which may demonstrate the inability of an applicant to meet one or more of the essential eligibility requirements, including without limitation investigation of a health diagnosis, alcohol or drug dependence, or treatment. In connection with such investigation, Bar Counsel may issue subpoenas to compel the deposition testimony of witnesses, including the applicant, and the production of pertinent books, papers, documents, or other evidence. All such subpoenas shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 45, W.R.C.P. Any challenge to the power to subpoena as exercised pursuant to this Rule shall be directed to the Committee chair. If Bar Counsel, after conducting such investigation, concludes that the applicant possesses good moral character and fitness to practice law, the application shall be forwarded to the Committee for approval or for such further proceedings as the Committee deems appropriate. The failure of an applicant to cooperate with Bar Counsel's investigation may result in a recommendation to the Court that the applicant's application be denied. (d) Referral for Hearing. Bar Counsel shall refer to the Committee for hearing any applicant about whom there is a substantial question whether the applicant possesses the requisite good moral character and fitness to practice law. At the time of making such referral, Bar Counsel shall notify the applicant of the referral and shall provide the applicant with all documents and information relied upon by Bar Counsel in concluding that a substantial question exists about whether the applicant possesses the requisite good moral character and fitness to practice law. In determining whether a substantial question exists, Bar Counsel shall apply the factors and considerations set forth in Rule 401 and shall review the material evidence in the light most favorable to the Bar's obligation to recommend the admission to the practice of law of only those persons who possess good moral character and fitness to practice law. Wyo. R. State Bar, Att'y Cond. & Prac. 402
Amended August 27, 2014, effective October 1, 2014; amended June 2, 2015, effective July 1, 2015; March 6, 2016; effective April 15, 2016; amended March 13, 2018, effective June 1, 2018.