Supreme Court approves limited, temporary practice for Gulf Coast lawyers

The California Supreme Court approved an order last month to permit attorneys displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to practice law from a California location as if they were working in their home state.

The order is good for one year, beginning Nov. 10, and applies to lawyers from Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi who are unable to practice in their home jurisdiction due to hurricane damage. The court left open the possibility that it could extend the order.

Lawyers from the affected states are limited to representing existing or new clients with respect to actions or matters arising in their home jurisdictions.

Those who choose to practice in California must register with the State Bar.