Mashantucket court drops mandatory lawyers test

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) — Lawyers no longer must pass an exam to practice in Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court in eastern Connecticut.

The court, which hears civil and criminal cases among tribal members and involving claims by nontribal members against Foxwoods Resort Casino, has abandoned its requirement that attorneys pass a written test.

Edward Gasser, president of the tribal court bar association, said Monday that the move opens the court to more attorneys.

The Day of New London reports that Gasser said the test had become increasingly burdensome and that fewer lawyers prepared for it. The change was previously reported in the Connecticut Law Tribune.

The tribal court dates to 1992 when the casino opened.

The Mohegan court system, which includes the Mohegan Tribal Court and Mohegan Gaming Disputes Court, requires lawyers to pass a test.

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Information from: The Day