A state-by-state guide for in-house counsel practicing in a state where they have not been admitted.
While we aim to maintain the accuracy of this information, rules can change unexpectedly. Consult with your state's bar admission agency to ensure you have the most current information. Please let us know if you find any updates. The information on these pages is not legal advice and is meant only as a guide for your convenience.
Lawyers serving as house counsel in Alabama and not licensed members of the Alabama State Bar must register to become authorized house counsel. The purpose of the rule is to facilitate the relocation of individuals who are employed by and provide legal services exclusively for business organizations in Alabama without the necessity of taking and passing the Alabama bar exam.
The requirements of the authorized house counsel rule promulgated by the Alabama Supreme Court are covered under Rule VIII of the Alabama State Bar Rules Governing Admission.
For more info, application, and checklist check the Rule VIII web pages.
Rules and Comments to Rule 5.5
For information and applications contact:
The Alabama State Bar
Pro Hac Vice Admissions
(334) 269-1515
E-mail: phv@alabar.org
You may practice and be admitted to the Alabama State Bar without sitting for the Alabama State Bar exam by complying with the requirements of Rule III of the Rules Governing Admission to the Alabama State Bar.
Alabama State Bar
415 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone (334) 269-1515
(800) 354-6154
Last Updated 14 February 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
Under Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 81(a)(2), an attorney may appear pro hac vice upon filing a Rule 81 Motion to Participate. For further information see the Alaska Bar Association’s Page on pro hac vice.
Applicants must have actively practiced in a U.S. state, territory, or D.C. for at least five of seven years immediately preceding application, and have passed a written bar examination in a U.S. jurisdiction offering reciprocity to Alaska attorneys under conditions no more demanding than Alaska’s reciprocity rules. For more information please see Rule 2(2). See also the page on admission by reciprocity.
Alaska Bar Association
P.O. Box 100279
Anchorage, AK 99510
Street Address:
840 K Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone (907) 272-7469
Fax (907) 272-2932
Email: info@alaskabar.org
Last Updated 5 March 2023.
Pursuant to Rule 38(a), Ariz. R. Sup. Ct., A lawyer who is not a member of the State Bar of Arizona who has been admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction may apply for an Arizona Certificate of Registration of In-House Counsel within 90 days of commencement of their employment.
In-house counsel registration is for those lawyers not admitted to practice in Arizona who are employed within the State of Arizona as in-house counsel or a related position for a single for profit or non profit corporation, association, or other organizational entity, which can include its parents, subsidiaries and/or affiliates, the business of which is lawful
In-house counsel registrants are subject to the disciplinary and disability jurisdiction of the Arizona Supreme Court and the State Bar of Arizona, with the same benefits and responsibilities of active members of the State Bar.
See more here.
The Arizona Supreme Court allows admission on motion, allowing eligible candidates to bypass the examination and substitute years of successful, ethical active practice as evidence they meet educational criteria. Candidates must meet specific requirements. See more here.
Arizona Supreme Court Rule 39, Pro Hac Vice, became effective May 1, 2020. An attorney who is not a member of the State Bar of Arizona but is currently a member in good standing of the bar of another state or non-U.S. jurisdiction and eligible to practice before the highest court in any state, territory or insular possession of the United States or foreign jurisdiction may appear as counsel pro hac vice in any case before any state or local court board or administrative agency in the State of Arizona upon compliance with this rule. See more here.
State Bar of Arizona
4201 N. 24th Street Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85016-6266
Phone: 602.252.4804
Toll Free: 866.48.AZBAR
Fax: 602.271.4930
Last Updated 20 March 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
Rule XIV of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Arkansas allows admission pro hac vice for non-resident attorneys. Please find the required form here.
Admission on the Motion in Arkansas is governed by Rule XVI of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Arkansas.
CONTACT
Arkansas Bar Association
2224 Cottondale Lane
Little Rock, AR 72202
Phone (501) 375-4606
Last Updated 20 March 2023.
Rule 9.46 permits in house counsel to practice in California only to the qualifying institution that employs the attorney. An attorney practicing under Rule 9.46 cannot make court appearances in California state courts or engage in any activities for which pro hac vice admission is required if they are performed in California by an attorney who is not a member of the State Bar of California and the attorney may not provide personal or individual representation to any customers, shareholders, owners, partners, officers, employees, servants, or agents of the qualifying institution. Please see subsections (c), (d) and (f) for eligibility and application requirements. In-House counsel must renew his/her registration annually and there is no limitation on the number of years house counsel may register under this rule except that you must remain employed by the same qualifying institution that provided the declaration in support of your application. If registered house counsel leaves he employment he/she must notify the State Bar of California within 30 days. To practice as house counsel for a new employer, you must first register as in-house counsel for that employer.
Other Rules
(1) Rule 9.45 - Registered legal aid attorneys
An attorney practicing under Rule 9.45 may practice law in California only while working, with or without pay, at an eligible legal aid organization, and at that institution and only on behalf of its clients, may engage, under supervision, in all forms of legal practice that are permissible for a member of the State Bar of California.
(2) Rule 9.47 Attorneys practicing law temporarily in California as part of litigation
An attorney may under Rule 9.47 temporarily practice law in California as part of litigation if they meet the requirements in Rule 9.47(b) and adhere to the restrictions in 9.47(d) and abide by the conditions in 9.47(e).
(3) Rule 9.48 Nonlitigating attorneys temporarily in California to provide legal services
An attorney may practice under Rule 9.48 if they meet the requirements of 9.48(b) and adhere to the restrictions and conditions of 9.48(d)-(e). Under Rule 9.48 an attorney may provide legal assistance or legal advice in California to a client concerning a transaction or other nonlitigation matter, a material aspect of which is taking place in another jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed to provide legal services, provide legal assistance or legal advice in California on an issue of federal law or of the law of another jurisdiction to attorneys licensed to practice in California, or is an employee of a client and provide legal assistance or legal advice in California to the client or to the client’s subsidiaries or organizational affiliates.
For further information please see the State Bar of California’s Page on Multijurisdictional practice.
Rule 9.40 governs pro hac vice admission in California. If you are a resident, regularly employed in or regularly engaged in substantial business, professional, or other activities in California you are not eligible to appear as counsel pro hac vice. Further, the Rule does not condone repeated appearances as counsel pro hac vice. Please see subsection (c)-(d) for application instructions. For further information please see The State Bar of California’s Page on Pro Hac Vice.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
California does not allow admission without examination.
CONTACT
San Francisco (Main Office)
180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone (415) 538-2000
Los Angeles
845 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
(213) 765-1000
Last Updated 20 March 2023.
Colorado in-house counsel practice is governed by Single-Client Counsel Certification at C.R.C.P. Rule 204.1 The application can be found here.
An out of state attorney as defined by Rule 205.1 may be permitted to appear on a particular matter in any state court of record by meeting certain requirements pursuant to Rule 205.3. For more information, please see the pro hac vice Page.
Governed by Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 203.2.
Colorado Bar Association
1290 Broadway, Suite 1700
Denver, CO 80203
Phone (303) 860-1115
Colorado Supreme Court Board of Law Examiners
Last Updated on 21 March 2023.
Registration is required for Authorized House Counsel. See Section 2-15A of the Superior Court General Provisions.
Rule 5 in Connecticut Practice Book
Connecticut’s pro hac vice admission is governed by Section 2-16. For more information, please visit the Connecticut pro hac vice page.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Pursuant to Section 2-13, to be admitted without sitting for the Connecticut Bar Exam, the applicant must meet certain requirements.
CONTACT
Connecticut Bar Association
30 Bank Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone (860) 223-4400
Fax (860) 223-4488
Email: msc@ctbar.org
Last Updated on 21 March 2023.
See Delaware Supreme Court Rule 55.1(e).
Delaware has a number of pro hac vice rules. They include:
(1) Delaware Supreme Court Rule 71 on Admission pro hac vice with a filing fee of $300;
(2) Delaware Supreme Court Rule 72 on Admission pro hac vice before administrative agencies of this State with a filing fee of $300;
(3) Delaware Superior Court Rule 90.1 on Admission pro hac vice with a filing fee of $300; and
(4) Delaware Court of Chancery Rule 170(b) with a filing fee of $100.
Delaware does not have an admission on motion rule.
Delaware State Bar Association
405 North King Street
Suite 100
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 658-5279
Fax: (302) 658-5212
Last Updated 22 March 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in the District. D.C. Ct. App. R. 49(c)(6) excludes “internal counsel” not licensed in D.C. from the unauthorized practice of law prohibitions, provided counsel restricts legal advice to his or her corporate employer.
Rule 49(c)(7) of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals provides for the admission of out-of-jurisdiction lawyers pro hac vice in the courts of the District of Columbia. Rule 49(c)(7)(i) restricts any lawyer from applying for pro hac vice admission in the District of Columbia in more than five cases per calendar year, “except for exceptional cause shown to the court.” Applicants must complete and file an application and a sworn statement attesting under penalty of perjury to a variety of things, including that there are no disciplinary complaints pending against the lawyer for violation of the rules in the jurisdictions in which he or she is admitted, that the lawyer has not been suspended or disbarred for disciplinary reasons in any other court, that the lawyer is associating with a member of the D.C. Bar, and that the lawyer does not practice or hold him or herself out to practice in the District of Columbia. The lawyer must also acknowledge the power and jurisdiction of the D.C. courts over his or her professional conduct and agree to be bound by the District’s rules of professional conduct in the matter in which the lawyer is admitted to appear.
Please visit this Page for the necessary forms and additional information.
Pursuant to Rule 46(e), to practice without having to sit for the D.C. bar exam you must submit proof of good moral character as it relates to the practice of law, be a member of good standing of a bar of a court of general jurisdiction in any state or territory in the US for a period of five years immediately preceding the filing of the application or has been awarded a JD or LLB by an ABA approved law school at the time the degree was awarded or has been admitted to the practice of law in any state or territory of the United States upon the successful completion of a written bar examination and has received a scaled score of 133 or more on the Multistate Bar Examination which the state or territory deems to have been taken as a part of such examination, and have taken and passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination.
The District of Columbia Bar
901 4th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202.737.4700
Toll Free: 1.877.333.2227
memberservices@dcbar.org
Last Updated 22 March 2023.
Fla. Bar R. Ch. 17 allows for special registration without examination for in-house counsel licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction, provided that activities are limited to counsel’s corporate employer. Counsel may not represent the employer in state courts without authorization.
Florida has several rules governing pro hac vice, they are:
(1) Rule 2.510 of the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration allows admission pro hac vice
(2) Rules Regulating the Florida Bar Rule 1-3.11;
(3) Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure Rule 9.440.
Florida does not have a provision that allows for admission on the motion.
The Florida Bar
651 E. Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300
Phone (850) 561-5600
Last Updated 23 March 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
Pursuant to Rule 4.4 of the Uniform Superior Court Rules, applicants should serve a copy of their verified application to the Office of the General Counsel of the State Bar of Georgia. Applicants should deliver a copy of the application and the fee to:
Office of the General Counsel
State Bar of Georgia
104 Marietta St. NW
Suite 100
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Attn: Kathy Jackson
Please contact Kathy Jackson at 404-526-8603 or kathyj@gabar.org for additional information.
Application for Admission on Motion without Examination requires two separate submissions. One must complete the Petition for Admission on Motion without Examination as well as the Application for Certification of Fitness to Practice Law. Both will be submitted through an online application system.
Please visit this page for more information.
State Bar of Georgia
Atlanta Office:
104 Marietta St. NW, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (404) 527-8700
(800) 334-6865
Office of Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of Georgia
Office of Bar Admissions
Nathan Deal Judicial Center
330 Capitol Avenue, SE
Suite L200
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-3490
Last Updated on 23 March 2023.
It appears that admission to the state bar is required to be in-house counsel in Hawai'i.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
See Comment 3 to Rule 5.5 for a limited exception.
No rule.
Hawaii State Bar Association
Alakea Corporate Tower
1100 Alakea Street, Suite 1000
Honolulu, HI 96813
(800) 537-1868
Last Updated on 31 August 2023.
Idaho Bar Commission Rule 225.
See Idaho State Bar's House Counsel page.
Rule 5.5 in Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct
See the Reciprocal Admission page
Idaho State Bar
Phone: 208-334-4500
Email: isbwebsite@isb.idaho.gov
Last Updated on 6 April 2023.
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 5.5
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 707
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 705
Illinois State Bar
Illinois Bar Center
424 S. Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1779
217-525-1760
800-252-8908
Last Updated on 6 April 2023.
Indiana Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys Rule 6, Section 2
Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5
Indiana Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys Rule 3, Section 2
Indiana Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys Rule 6
Indiana State Bar Association
201 N. Illinois St., Suite 1225
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-639-5465
800-266-2581
Last Updated on 6 April 2023.
Iowa’s Rule 31.16, Registration of house counsel, governs in house counsel practice.
Rule 32.5.5 in the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct
Iowa’s pro hac vice admission is governed by Rule 31.14.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Iowa State Bar Association
625 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone (515) 243-3179
Email: isba@iowabar.org
Last Updated on 10 April 2023.
Kansas Supreme Court Rule 721 - Restricted License to Provide Legal Services for a Single Employer
Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5
Kansas Supreme Court Rule 1.10
Kansas Supreme Court Rule 719: Admission to the Bar by Reciprocity
CONTACT
Kansas Bar Association
PO Box 751080
Topeka, KS 66675-1080
Phone 785-234-5696
Fax 785-234-3813
Email: info@ksbar.org
Last Updated on 11 April 2023.
lKentucky Supreme Court Rule 2.111 Limited certificate of admission to practice law
Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.130(5.5) Unauthorized practice of law; multijurisdictional practice of law
Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.030 Membership, practice by nonmembers and classes of membership
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 2.110 Admission without examination
CONTACT
Kentucky Bar Association
514 W Main St
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3795
Fax: (502) 564-3225
Last Updated on 12 April 2023.
Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII Section 14 governs limited admission for in-house counsel. The rule allows non-admitted lawyers who are employed by corporate or associational clients to receive a limited license to allow them to perform legal work for their employers. However, the rule does not allow in-house counsel to make appearances in court as lawyers.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULES
Pro hac vice in Louisiana is governed by Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII Section 13.
There is currently no provision for admission without examination.
CONTACT
Louisiana State Bar Association
601 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130-3404
Phone (504) 566-1600
(800) 421-LSBA (5722)
Last updated: 23 March 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
Title 4 Section 802 of Maine Revised Statutes states:
Attorneys who are practicing law in other states, territories or foreign countries may be admitted on motion to try cases in any of the courts of this State by those courts, but shall not be admitted to the general practice of law in this State without complying with section 805-A.
Pursuant to Maine R. Civ. P. 89(b), on motion by a member in good standing of the Maine Bar, a visiting attorney may practice in a particular action if at all times they associate a member of the Maine Bar who signs all papers filed with the court.
Maine Bar Admission Rule 11A only allows reciprocal admission for attorneys admitted in Vermont and New Hampshire or has actively practice law in other jurisdictions for at least 5 of the 7 years immediately preceding the date of application.
Maine Board of Bar Examiners Application Procedures
Maine State Bar Association
124 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone (207) 622-7523
Fax (207) 623-0083
Email: info@mainebar.org
Last updated 24 March 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
Pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Business Occupations and Profession Article, 10-206 (d), an individual who is employed by the corporation and is admitted to the Bar of any other state may give legal advice to that corporation in this State without being admitted to the Maryland Bar. Such a person is subject to disciplinary proceedings as the Maryland Rules provide and may not represent the corporation before a unit of the State government or of a political subdivision unless a court grants the individual a special admission per Section 10-215.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
Rule 19-303.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law (5.5)
Maryland Annotated Code Section 10-215 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article allows special admission to practice law in a particular case.
Also applicable are Rules 19-214, 19-215, and 19-216 of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Rules 19-212 and 19-213 of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar allows for a special essay examination limited in scope to the Maryland Rules on practice and procedure in civil and criminal matters and the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct if eligible. If you are not qualified to take the special limited examination, like recent law school graduates, you must take the General Bar examination.
For more information please see the State Board of Law Examiners Page.
CONTACT
Maryland State Bar Association
520 W. Fayette St
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone(410) 685-7878
Last Updated 12 April 2023.
Massachusetts in house practice is governed by Rule 5.5(d). Under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 4:02, Section (9), in house counsel are required to register with the board, make customary filings, and pay the annual registration fee.
Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, Unauthorized Practice of Law; multijurisdictional practice of law Rule 5.5 with comments.
Massachusetts General Laws, Section 46A of Chapter 221
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:15 (Pro hac vice registration fee)
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Admission on Motion is governed by Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:01, section 6.
CONTACT
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Resources for Attorneys and Bar Applicants
John Adams Courthouse
1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500
Boston, MA 02108
Massachusetts Bar Association
20 West Street
Boston, MA 02111
Boston office (617) 338-0500
Springfield office (413) 731-5134
Last Updated 13 April 2023.
Rule 5(F) of the Rules for the Board of Law Examiners allows a special certificate of qualification to practice law without examination for attorneys “practicing law in an institutional setting,” provided counsel is licensed in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction. The certificate terminates if counsel leaves the institution, but he or she may reapply for a new certificate if a new position is found with another Michigan employer.
Michigan Supreme Court Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan Rule 15 Section 2 allows temporary permission to practice to foreign attorneys.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.946, applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in the high court of any U.S. state, territory, or district, have actively practiced or taught law as their principal occupation for the past three of five years immediately preceding application, and intend to maintain an office and actively practice in Michigan.
State Bar of Michigan
Michael Franck Building
306 Townsend Street
Lansing, Michigan 48933-2083
Phone (517) 346-6300
(800) 968-1442
Last Updated 19 May 2023
In-house counsel can be admitted without taking the Minnesota bar examination if they are licensed in another state, have practice law for three of the last five years, and if the practice was in Minnesota or in another jurisdiction. To be licensed house counsel temporarily refer to Rule 9 and for a permanent house counsel license refer to Rule 10.
PRO HAC VICE
Minnesota Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 143.05 and Minnesota General Rules of Practice for District Courts Rule 5.
CONTACT
Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 110
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 297-1857 Fax: (651) 297-1196
Email: ble@mbcle.state.mn.us
Mississippi amended Rule 5.5(d) as follows: "Any lawyer providing legal services in Mississippi pursuant to paragraph (d) must register with the Mississippi Bar and pay a registration fee annually to the Mississippi Bar. Such fees shall be equivalent to the enrollment fees paid by active members of the Mississippi Bar."
Rules and Comments to Rule 5.5
Mississippi pro hac vice is governed by Mississippi Code Section 73-3-39 and Mississippi Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 46(b) and comments.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
The Rules Governing Admission to the Mississippi Bar to Admission is permitted without a special written exam for experienced attorneys. See Rule VI of the Rules Governing Admission to the Mississippi Bar.
CONTACT
The Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions
Gartin Justice Building
450 High Street, Suite 2027
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone (601) 576-4620 Fax (601) 576-4730
Last Updated on 19 May 2023.
Missouri Rules Governing the Missouri Bar and Judiciary Rule 8.105 authorizes eligible and approved applicants to work as in-house counsel.
Rule and Comments to Rule 4-5.5
Pursuant to Missouri Rules Governing the Missouri Bar and the Judiciary Rule 9.03, an applicant can request authorization to participate in a particular case if eligible and once the applicant has filed his/her initial pleading with a receipt for the fee required by Rule 6.01.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
An applicant may be admitted to the Missouri Bar without examination per Rule 8.10 of the Rules Governing the Missouri Bar and the Judiciary.
CONTACT
Missouri Board of Law Examiners
1700 Jefferson Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Phone (573) 751-9814
Fax (573) 751-5335
Email: mble@courts.mo.gov
Last Updated on 19 May 2023.
In-house counsel are covered under Rule 5.5(e)(2).
2009 Amended Rules for Admission to the Bar of Montana
ADMISSION ON MOTION
According to the State Bar Admissions page, the motion and the swearing-in process are under the authority of the Supreme Court and questions should be directed to the Office of the Montana Clerk of the Supreme Court at (406)444-3858.
CONTACT
The State Bar of Montana
Street Address:
33 S. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 1B
P.O. Box 577
Helena, MT 59624
Phone (406) 442-7660 Fax (406) 442-7763
Email mailbox@montanabar.org
Last Updated 19 May 2023
In House counsel practice is governed by Rule 3-505.5(d)(1) and must register pursuant to Article 12, Rules 3-1201 to 3-1204.
Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3-505.5
Neb. Ct. R. § 3-122 allows pro hac vice admission to eligible attorneys who associate and appear with a resident attorney of Nebraska.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Nebraska Supreme Court Rules on Admission of Attorneys Neb. Ct. R. § 3-119 allows for admission on the motion if eligible, otherwise the applicant will be required to take a written examination.
CONTACT
Nebraska State Bar Commission of the Nebraska Supreme Court
2413 State Capitol, P.O. Box 98910
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone (402) 471-2834
nsc.attyadmissions@nebraska.gov
Last Updated on 24 May 2023.
Nevada Supreme Court Rule 49.10 governs the registration of in-house counsel.
Nevada Supreme Court Rule 42 allows pro hac vice admission to eligible attorneys who associate a member of the Nevada bar.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Nevada does not allow for admission on the motion however, Rule 5.5 (A) allows limited temporary work if the attorney registers with the State Bar of Nevada.
CONTACT
State Bar of Nevada
Las Vegas Contact:
3100 W. Charleston Blvd.
Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone (702) 382- 2200
Fax (702) 385- 2878
Reno Contact:
9456 Double R Blvd., Suite B
Reno, NV 89521
Phone (775) 329-4100
Fax (775) 329-0522
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
Pro hac vice in New Hampshire is governed by New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 33 and Superior Court Rule 19.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
New Hampshire allows for admission on the motion through Supreme Court Rule 42.
For further information and forms please see the New Hampshire Judicial Branch page on Admission on Motion.
CONTACT
The New Hampshire Bar Association
2 Pillsbury Street
Suite 300
Concord, NH 03301
Phone (603) 224-6942
Fax (603) 224-2910
Email: https://www.nhbar.org/contact-us/
Last updated 26 May 2023
The Supreme Court has adopted Rule 1:27-2, which governs the mandatory limited licensing of in-house counsel who work in New Jersey and who are not already members of the Bar of this State. For further supplemental information on in-house counsel practice please see the Supplemental Administrative Determinations. In-house counsel forms, such as the change of employer form and applications are available at the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners Home Page.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
PRO HAC VICE
Pro hac vice appearance is governed by Rule 1:21-2.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
1:24-4. Application for Admission by Motion
For more information on requirements and the application procedure see the Admission on Motion page for the New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners.
CONTACT
New Jersey Judiciary
New Jersey State Bar Association
One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1520
Phone (732) 249-5000
Fax (732) 249-2815
Last updated 26 May 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state, on a limited license basis.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
New Mexico Rules Annotated Rule 15-308
PRO HAC VICE
New Mexico Rules Annotated Rule 24-106
ADMISSION ON MOTION
New Mexico Rules Annotated Rule 15-107
CONTACT
The State Bar of New Mexico
Mailing Address:
PO Box 92860
Albuquerque, NM 87199
Street Address:
5121 Masthead NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone (505) 797-6000
Fax (866) 767-7281
Email: ContactUs@sbnm.org
Last Updated 30 May 2023
New York Court of Appeals Part 522 - Rules for the Registration of In-House Counsel
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
New York State Bar Association New York Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5
PRO HAC VICE
New York Court of Appeals Rule 520.11
ADMISSION ON MOTION
New York Court of Appeals Rule 520.10
CONTACT
New York State Board of Law Examiners
Corporate Plaza, Building 3
254 Washington Avenue Extension
Albany, NY 12203
Phone (518) 453-5990 Fax (518) 452-5729
Last updated 30 May 2023
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5
PRO HAC VICE
North Carolina General Statutes 84-4.1 For further instructions on how to apply please and the relevant forms, please visit here.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
North Carolina Supreme Court Rules Governing Admission to Practice Law Section .0502
CONTACT
The North Carolina State Bar
North Carolina State Bar
217 East Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Tel: (919) 828-4620
Last Updated 31 May 2023
North Dakota Supreme Court Admission to Practice Rule 3 C. Registration.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5
PRO HAC VICE
North Dakota Supreme Court Admission to Practice Rule 3 A. and B.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
North Dakota Supreme Court Rules Admission to Practice Rule 7.
CONTACT
State Board of Law Examiners
Judicial Wing, 1st Floor
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505
Telephone: (701) 328-4201 Fax: (701) 328-4480
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Ohio Supreme Court Rules for the Gov't of the Bar, Rule VI Section 6
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
Rules of Professional Conduct (includes Comments to Rule 5.5)
PRO HAC VICE
Supreme Court Rule 2.02. Pro Hac Vice Admission
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Ohio Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio Rule I Section 10,
CONTACT
Attorney Registration, Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street, 5th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone (614) 387-9320
Fax (614) 387-9323
Email: attyreg@sc.ohio.gov
Last Updated June 1, 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. A Special Temporary Permit to practice law in Oklahoma is required, see Oklahoma Rules Governing Admission to the Practice of Law in the State of Oklahoma Rule 2.
Rule 5.5(d)(1). Note that the rule is limited to jurisdictions that have reciprocity with the State of Oklahoma.
PRO HAC VICE
Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules Article II Section 5 governs pro hac vice admission and requires an associated Oklahoma attorney to sign all documents and be present at all events presence of counsel is required.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Oklahoma Rules Governing Admission to the Practice of Law in the State of Oklahoma Rule 2.
CONTACT
Oklahoma Bar Association
P.O. Box 53036
1901 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3036
Phone (405) 416-7000
Fax (405) 416-7001
Last updated 1 June 2023
IN-HOUSE REGISTRATION
This state requires registration of counsel not admitted in the state. See Oregon’s Rule 16.05 Admission of House Counsel.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(c) A lawyer admitted in another jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services on a temporary basis in this jurisdiction that: . . .
(5) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission. See Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct
PRO HAC VICE
See UTCR 3.170.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Oregon State Bar’s Site on Reciprocity Admission.
CONTACT
Oregon State Bar
16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry RD
Tigard, OR 97224
Phone (503) 620-0222
Toll-free in Oregon (800) 452-8260
Oregon State Board of Bar Examiners
5200 S. W. Meadows Road
P. O. Box 1689
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035-0889
Last Updated 1 June 2023
IN-HOUSE REGISTRATION
Requires registration of counsel admitted in another state. See PA Bar Rule 302.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may, subject to the requirements of Pa.B.A.R. 302, provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission, except that this paragraph (d) does not authorize a lawyer who is not admitted in this jurisdiction and who is employed by the Commonwealth, any of its political subdivisions or any of their organizational affiliates to provide legal services in this jurisdiction; . . .
PRO HAC VICE
PA Bar Rule 301 covers procedures for admission pro hac vice. See also Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1012.1,
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Pennsylvania Bar Rule 204 and Applications.
CONTACT
Pennsylvania Bar Association
100 South Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone (800) 932-0311
Email: info@pabar.org
Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
601 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 3600
P.O Box 62535
Harrisburg, PA 17106-2535
Phone (717) 231-3350
Last Updated 1 June 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Article II Rule 9(b).
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; . . .
RI Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct
PRO HAC VICE
See Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Article II Rule 9(a).
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules Article II Rule 2.
CONTACT
The Rhode Island Bar Association
41 Sharpe Dr.
Cranston, RI 02920
T: 401-421-5740
F: 401-421-2703
E: info@ribar.com
Last Updated 1 June 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 405.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; or . . . See Rule 5.5
PRO HAC VICE
See South Carolina Appellate Court Rule 404 and Rule 403.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
South Carolina does not permit admission on motion. However, some exceptions are made for law professors. For further information please contact:
South Carolina Office of Bar Admissions
Supreme Court Building
1231 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Mailing Address:
Office of Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of South Carolina
P.O. Box 11330
Columbia, SC 29211
Phone (803) 734-1080
CONTACT
South Carolina Bar
950 Taylor Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone (803) 799-6653
Fax (803) 799-4118
Email: scbar-info@scbar.org
Last Updated 2 June 2023
IN-HOUSE REGISTRATION
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction or the equivalent thereof, or a person otherwise lawfully practicing as an in-house counsel under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction, may provide legal services through an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction that:
(1) Are provided to the lawyer's employer or its organizational affiliates, are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission, and when performed by a foreign lawyer and requires advice on the law of this or another U.S. jurisdiction or of the United States, such advice shall be based upon the advice of a lawyer who is duly licensed and authorized by the jurisdiction to provide such advice; or . . .
(e) For purposes of paragraph (d):
(1) The foreign lawyer must be a member in good standing of a recognized legal profession in a foreign jurisdiction, the members of which are admitted to practice as lawyers or counselors at law or the equivalent, and subject to effective regulation and discipline by a duly constituted professional body or a public authority; or
(2) The person otherwise lawfully practicing as an in-house counsel under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction must be authorized to practice under this rule by, in the exercise of its discretion, the South Dakota Supreme Court.
PRO HAC VICE
See South Dakota Code Section 16-18-2.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See South Dakota Codified Laws 16-16-12.1.
CONTACT
State Bar of South Dakota
111 W Capitol Ave. #1
Pierre, SD 57501
P: 605-224-7554
F: 605-224-0282
Disciplinary Board
The State Bar of South Dakota
111 W Capitol Ave. #1
Pierre, SD 57501
South Dakota Supreme Court
500 East Capitol Avenue
Piere, South Dakota 57501
Phone (605) 773-3511
Fax (605) 773-6128
Supreme Court Clerks Contact
Last Updated 2 June 2023.
IN-HOUSE REGISTRATION
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. Rule 7, Article X Special or Limited Practice § 10.01
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL RULE
(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services through an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer's employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; or
(2) are services that the lawyer is authorized to provide by federal law or other law or rule of this jurisdiction.
(3) A lawyer providing legal services pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) is subject to registration pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R.7, § 10.01, and may be subject to other requirements, including assessments for client protection funds and mandatory continuing legal education. Failure to register in a timely manner may preclude the lawyer from later seeking admission in this jurisdiction.
(e) A lawyer authorized to provide legal services in this jurisdiction pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this Rule may also provide pro bono legal services in this jurisdiction, provided that these services are offered through an established not-for-profit bar association, pro bono program or legal services program or through such organization(s) specifically authorized in this jurisdiction and provided that these are services for which the forum does not require pro hac vice admission.
(f) A lawyer providing legal services in Tennessee pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) shall advise the lawyer's client that the lawyer is not admitted to practice in Tennessee and shall obtain the client's informed consent to such representation.
(g) A lawyer providing legal services in Tennessee pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) shall be deemed to have submitted himself or herself to personal jurisdiction in Tennessee for claims arising out of the lawyer's actions in providing such services in this state.
PRO HAC VICE
See Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 19.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Article I, Section 1.04 allows the waiver of examination pursuant to the requirements in Rule 7.
CONTACT
Tennessee Bar Association
3310 West End Ave. #590
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-383-7421
Email: email@tnbar.org
Last Updated 2 June 2023
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
The State Bar of Texas has advised that in-house counsel cannot work in the state without being admitted in the state, and referred us to the Texas Board of Bar Examiners. The Texas Board of Bar Examiners advised that "Texas does not currently have a policy in place for registering/licensing in-house counsel." They referred us to the Texas Supreme Court's Committee on Unlicensed Practice of Law. We will post when we get a reply.
Under Rule 14, in-house counsel may be certified to practice for their employer (see §3(e)(2)) as a Foreign Legal Consultant if they are licensed in another state for three of the last 5 years (see §1(b)(1)(B)) .
UNAUTORIZED PRACTICE RULE
A lawyer shall not:
(a) practice law in a jurisdiction where doing so violates the regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction; or
(b) assist a person who is not a member of the bar in the performance of activity that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law.
Note that there is no exception for in-house counsel.
PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION
See Texas Supreme Court Rule XIX.
For further information and application materials please see the Texas Board of Law Examiner’s Page on pro hac vice admission.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Texas Supreme Court Rule Governing Admission to the Bar Rule 13 and 14.
CONTACT
The State Bar of Texas
Street Address:
1414 Colorado
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone 512.427.1463
(800) 204-2222
Mailing Address:
PO Box 12487
Austin, TX 78711
Mailing Address:
Board of Law Examiners
PO Box 13486
Austin, TX 78711
Delivery Address:
Board of Law Examiners
205 West 14th Street, 5th Floor
Austin, Texas 78701
Last Updated on 20 September 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Rule 14-719 here.
5.5(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction may provide legal services through an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction without admission to the Utah State Bar if:
(d)(1) the services are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates while the lawyer has a pending application for admission to the Utah State Bar and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; . . . .
PRO HAC VICE
See Utah Judicial Council Code of Judicial Administration, Rule 14-806.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Rule 14-705 allows admission by motion.
CONTACT
Utah State Bar
645 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone (801) 531-9044
Fax (801) 531-0660
Email: info@utahbar.org
Office of Professional Conduct
Last Updated 26 May 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
5.5(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; or . . .
See Administrative Order No. 41 Section 16.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
See Rules 14 and 15 at RULES OF ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF THE VERMONT SUPREME COURT
CONTACT
Vermont Bar Association
PO Box 100
Montpelier, VT 05601-0100
Phone (802) 223-2020
Fax (802) 223-1573
The Board of Bar Examiners
Office of Attorney Licensing
Costello Courthouse
32 Cherry St., Suite 213
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 859-3000
Fax: (802) 859-3003
Last Updated 26 May 2023
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Virginia Corporate Counsel Registration.
See Rule 5.5
PRO HAC VICE
Pro hac vice is governed by Rule 1A:4.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
For information, please see the Virginia Board of Bar Examiner’s site on Admission Without Examination.
CONTACT
Virginia State Bar
1111 E. Main Street
Suite 700
Richmond, Virginia 23219-0026
Phone (804) 775-0500
Virginia Board of Bar Examiners
2201 West Broad Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone (804) 367-0412
Fax (804) 367-0416
Last Updated 26 May 2023.
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See Admission to Practice Rule 8(f).
5.5 (d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates and are
(i) provided on a temporary basis and
(ii) not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; and,
when performed by a foreign lawyer and requires advice on the law of this or another jurisdiction or of the United States, such advice shall be based on the advice of a lawyer who is duly licensed and authorized by the jurisdiction to provide such advice; or . . .
(e) For purposes of paragraph (d), the foreign lawyer must be a member in good standing of a recognized legal profession in a foreign jurisdiction, the members of which are admitted to practice as lawyers or counselors at law or the equivalent, and are subject to effective regulation and discipline by a duly constituted professional body or a public authority.
Pro hac vice admission is governed by Admission to practice Rule 8(b) which requires a fee of $488 and association with a Washington lawyer.
For further information please see the Washington State Bar Association’s Page on Pro hac vice admission.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Admission to Practice Rule 3(c)(1):
For application and further information please see Washington State Bar Association’s page on Admission on Motion.
CONTACT
Washington State Bar Association
1325 4th Avenue
Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone (206) 443- WSBA (9722)
Toll-free (800) 945-WSBA (9722)
Email: questions@wsba.org
Last Updated 26 May 2023
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
5.5(d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction or in a foreign jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction or the equivalent thereof, may provide legal services through an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer’s employer or its organizational affiliates; are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; and, when performed by a foreign lawyer and requires advice on the law of this or another jurisdiction or of the United States, such advice shall be based upon the advice of a lawyer who is duly licensed and authorized by the jurisdiction to provide such advice; or
(2) are services that the lawyer is authorized by federal or other law or rule to provide in this jurisdiction.
(e) For purposes of paragraph (d), the foreign lawyer must be a member in good standing of a recognized legal profession in a foreign jurisdiction, the members of which are admitted to practice as lawyers or counselors at law or the equivalent, and are subject to effective regulation and discipline by a duly constituted professional body or a public authority.
(f) Before providing any legal services set forth in paragraph (c) or (d) a lawyer must make an affirmative disclosure to the client that the lawyer is not admitted to practice in West Virginia.
PRO HAC VICE
Rules for admission Pro Hac Vice are found on the West Virginia State Bar Pro Hac Vice page.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Rules are found on the West Virgina Supreme Court of Appeals Rules for Admission page at Practice of Law Rules 4.0- 4.5.
CONTACT
The West Virginia State Bar
2000 Deitrick Blvd.
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: 304-553-7220
Toll Free: 866-989-8227
West Virginia Court System Supreme Court of Appeals
Contact Information
Last Updated 26 May 2023.
Registration is required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state. See the Wisconsin Court System's page on in-house registration.
20:5.5 (d) A lawyer admitted to practice in another United States jurisdiction or in a foreign jurisdiction, who is not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons or medical incapacity, may provide legal services through an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction that:
(1) are provided to the lawyer's employer or its organizational affiliates after compliance with SCR 10.03 (4) (f), and are not services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; or
(2) are services that the lawyer is authorized to provide by federal law or other law or other rule of this jurisdiction.
See SCR 20:5.5 and comments.
Wisconsin allows pro hac vice admission. See the Wisconsin Court System's page on pro hac vice admission.
Some Circuit Courts in Wisconsin have their own pro hac vice rules.
Admission on motion is allowed. See Rule 40.05
For further information and forms please see the Wisconsin Court System’s Page on Admission
State Bar of Wisconsin
5302 Eastpark Blvd.
Madison, WI 53718-2101
Phone (608) 257-3838
(800) 728-7788
Fax (608) 250-6020
Email: service@wisbar.org
Mailing Address:
PO Box 7158
Madison, WI 53707
Ethics Hotline
(800) 444-9404 ext. 6168
(608) 250-6168
Board of Bar Examiners
110 East Main Street, Suite 715
P.O. Box 2748
Madison, WI 53701-2748
Phone (608) 266-9760
Fax (608) 266-1196
Email: bbe@wicourts.gov
Last Updated 26 May 2023.
Registration is not required for in-house counsel not admitted in-state.
5.5 (d) A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction or the equivalent of, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that:
Wyoming Rules of Professional Conduct and Comments
Pro hac vice admission is permitted. For information and application instructions see Wyoming State Bar’s Page on Pro hac vice.
ADMISSION ON MOTION
Admission on motion is permitted. Click for more information.
CONTACT
Wyoming State Bar
4124 Laramie Street
PO Box 109
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone (307) 632-9061
Fax (307) 632-3737
Last Updated 26 May 2023.