Ohio House Counsel
Rule VI, Section 3 of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio allows attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions to practice law in Ohio on behalf of a nongovernmental Ohio employer. Attorneys must register for corporate status.
Eligibility
Attorneys must be licensed in another state or in the District of Columbia and cannot be licensed in Ohio. Attorneys must be full-time employees for a nongovernmental Ohio employer.
Attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions who are employed by, or associated with, or are partners in an Ohio law firm do not qualify. Such attorneys may not practice law in Ohio, hold himself or herself out as authorized to practice law in Ohio, or practice before any nonfederal court or agency in Ohio on behalf of any person except himself or herself, unless granted leave by the court or agency. The law firm may include the name of the attorney on its letterhead only if the letterhead includes a designation that the attorney is not admitted in Ohio.
Practice
Attorneys may perform legal services in Ohio solely for a nongovernmental Ohio employer. Attorneys cannot practice before any court or agency in Ohio on behalf of the attorney’s employer or any person except himself or herself, unless granted leave by the court or agency. Attorneys have to comply with the CLE requirements.
Application and Certification
Attorneys are required to register for corporate status by filing a Certificate of Registration and Corporate Questionnaire. The Office of Attorney Services may require additional information and documents, including a certificate of admission and good standing from the jurisdiction where the attorney is admitted.
Termination
Registration may be renewed biennially so long as he or she is employed full-time. Attorneys must promptly notify the Office of Attorney Services in writing upon termination of full time employment with the Ohio employer.
Attorneys failing to register may be referred for the investigation of the unauthorized practice of law and are precluded from applying for Ohio Admission Without Exam.