News Post

MONTGOMERY –The Alabama State Bar on Saturday announced that recently retired Director of Admissions Dorothy Johnson has received the Bar Administrator of the Year Award from the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) during the organization’s annual meeting in Minneapolis.

The Administrator of the Year Award recognizes exemplary service by a bar admissions administrator. Individuals who receive the award are leaders within the field of bar admissions and have often contributed years of service to the profession.

“Dorothy has rendered outstanding service to the legal profession for more than 20 years, and in that time she has touched the lives of so many people,” said Alabama State Bar President Richard Raleigh of Wilmer & Lee P.A. (Huntsville). “Dorothy has assisted thousands of Alabama bar applicants during her career with the Alabama State Bar, including people who have gone on to be leaders in their local communities and our nation. She has approached every task with professionalism and grace. Dorothy has been an asset to our bar, and is most deserving of this honor.”

The recipient of the award is selected each year by the current chair of the National Conference of Bar Examiners. This year’s chair, Margaret Fuller Corneille, director of the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners, named Johnson as the recipient.

“Dorothy is the quintessential bar admission administrator,” Corneille said. “She understands the great weight of responsibility that is borne by those who administer the bar exam, but at the same time, she has a sharp eye for detail that ensures that nothing is missed.”

As director of admissions for the bar, Johnson coordinated, reviewed and administered state bar admissions. She coordinated with the Board of Bar Examiners on examination content and the administration of the exam.

Johnson began her career with the Alabama State Bar in June 1992 when she assumed the position of admissions assistant. In 1993, Johnson became the director of admissions. During her time at the bar, she served on the NCBE Character and Fitness Committee (2004-2006), NCBE Technology Committee (2006-2014) and was elected vice chair of the Council of Bar Admission Administrators (2010). After more than 22 years of service to the bar, Johnson retired effective August 1, 2014.
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The Alabama State Bar Press Office can be reached at 334-517-2212 or pressoffice@alabar.org.