Under 9.45, may a non-California attorney register to work with more than one qualifying public interest organization?
Legal services attorneys may only register to work with a single qualifying public interest organization.
May a non-California attorney register as both a legal services attorney and in-house counsel?
Yes, if the attorney meets the eligibility requirements for each category.
Do MJP attorneys have a continuing education requirement?
Legal services attorneys and in-house counsel must comply with the same 25-hour MCLE requirement as licensed attorneys of the California bar within their first year of practice. The 25-hour requirement includes four hours of legal ethics, one hour of prevention, detection and treatment of substance abuse, and one hour of elimination of bias in the legal profession. Please refer to the appropriate rule of court and FAQ for additional information.
Do MJP attorneys have to register with the State Bar?
Legal services attorneys and in-house counsel must register with the State Bar and file an Application for Determination of Moral Character. Litigation and non-litigation attorneys eligible under rules 9.47 and 9.48 are not required to register. MJP registration applications are available online. The moral character application is available, but must be submitted with the MJP application, not separately.
Am I allowed to make court appearances in California?
No. You are not permitted to make court appearances in California state courts or engage in any other activities for which pro hac vice admission is required. The only exception is if you are also registered as a legal services attorney and provide legal services in accordance with that rule.
Do I already have to be retained by a client in the matter for which I am providing legal services in California?
Yes.
Are there any special advertising requirements?
Yes. You must indicate on any advertising accessible in California (including internet ads) either that you are not a California bar attorney or that you are admitted to practice only in the states listed in your advertising.
Am I eligible if I have resigned with charges pending, or been disbarred or suspended from the practice of law in any other jurisdiction?
No.
What constitutes a formal legal proceeding?
A formal legal proceeding refers to litigation, arbitration, mediation, or a legal action before an administrative decision-maker.
What constitutes a transaction or other non-litigation matter?
A transaction or other non-litigation matter refers to any legal matter other than litigation, arbitration, mediation, or a legal action before an administrative decision-maker.
