As interest rates drop to historically low rates amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Bar of California continues to work with banks to maintain and maximize the interest income that supports free legal services for vulnerable Californians through the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. This week, the State Bar announced that eight more financial institutions have agreed to become Leadership Banks, using their financial wherewithal to support access to justice for low-income Californians.
A newly established State Bar working group charged with developing recommendations for the creation of a paraprofessional licensure/certification program to increase access to legal services holds its first meeting on April 21. Meeting Agenda.
At its April 16 virtual meeting, the State Bar Board of Trustees approved several emergency rule changes to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on licensees, program participants, members of the public, and State Bar staff. The Board also approved the Memoranda of Understanding with the State Bar’s represented staff for 2020–2022.
On April 15, the State Bar Board of Trustees wrote to the California Supreme Court offering options and recommendations for the June First-Year Law Students’ Exam and the July Bar Exam in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What address should I use as my address of record for State Bar purposes?
The office address of the attorney's employer (qualifying institution for in-house counsel and qualifying legal services provider for legal services attorney) will be considered your address of record. If your current employer changes its address, you must submit a written notice to:
Office of Admissions (MJP) The State Bar of California 845 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
If your address change is due to new employment, you must submit a Change of Employment Form for registration with the State Bar.
MJP attorneys are not allowed to practice law with other institutions without registration by the State Bar.
May I provide personal or individual representation to anyone other than through my employer?
No. You must practice law exclusively on behalf of the qualifying legal services provider (with the exception that you may practice simultaneously as registered in-house counsel).
Do I need to identify myself in any particular way?
Yes. When providing legal services pursuant to rule 9.46, you must use the title "Registered In-House Counsel." That title may not be used in connection with any other activities, and you may not in any way hold yourself out as a member of the State Bar of California.
How long does my registration last?
You may practice as registered in-house counsel as long as you remain eligible and your registration remains current.
