Out-of-state attorneys working in California must register by May 15

Non-California lawyers employed in California as in-house counsel must register with the State Bar by May 15.

Under California Rule of Court, Rule 965 (registered in-house counsel), adopted by the California Supreme Court in March 2004, non-California attorneys employed as in-house counsel in California must register with the State Bar.

The Registered In-House Counsel program allows non-California attorneys employed as in-house or corporate counsel to practice law in California on a limited basis.

 Registrants are not required to take and pass the California bar exam and therefore will not become members of the State Bar of California.

Applicants must submit a Registered In-House Counsel Application packet and an Application for Determination of Moral Character no later than May 15. Application forms, instructions and fee information are available at calbar.ca.gov (Attorney Resources > Special Services > Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP) Program.)

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact the Office of Certification, 415-538-2325, or mjp@calbar.ca.gov.