In re Application of McDonnell

William M. McDonnell is a physician and health law specialist seeking admission to the Nebraska bar. He filed an application with the Nebraska State Bar Commission (Commission) seeking admission without examination as a Class 1-B applicant. The Commission denied McDonnell's application on the basis that he failed to show he was "substantially engaged in the practice of law" for 3 of the 5 years preceding his application. The Commission granted McDonnell's request for a hearing, reviewed the evidence, and again denied his application. McDonnell appeals.

Based on our de novo review of the…