The United States Armed Forces Expanded Legal Assistance Program, Rule 43.1 of the Alaska Bar Rules, governs waivers of admission for military attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions. Eligible attorneys may practice law in Alaska without formal admission to the Alaska Bar for a period of not more than two years.
Eligibility
Attorneys must be:
- Graduates of a law school approved by the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools when the attorney entered or graduated.
- In good standing and licensed to practice (or eligible for admission to practice upon taking the oath) before the courts of another state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Active duty members of the United States Armed Forces assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps or the United States Coast Guard
- Cannot have failed the Alaska bar exam.
Practice
Approved attorneys are issued a waiver and may practice law before all Alaska courts. Attorneys may practice law only as required in the course of representing military clients or their dependents, or when accepting a case under the auspices of the Alaska Pro Bono Program. Attorneys must abide by the Alaska Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
Application and Certification
The Staff Judge Advocate of the military installation where the applicant is assigned must apply to the Alaska Board of Governors on behalf of the attorney.
The executive director of the Alaska Legal Services Corporation are required to apply to the Alaska Board of Governors on behalf of the attorney. The application includes proof that the attorney is in good standing and licensed to practice (or eligible for admission to practice upon taking the oath) in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Termination
The waiver ceases upon failure to pass the Alaska bar exam.