California House Counsel

California’s Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC) program (California Rules of Court rule 9.46 and State Bar Rules, Title 3, Division 3, Chapter 1, Article 3) allows eligible out-of-state lawyers to practice law in California exclusively for a qualifying employer without full California Bar admission. Confirm current forms, fees, and checklists on the State Bar Admissions portal.

Eligibility
Applicants generally must be licensed and in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction; reside in California; and work for a qualifying institution in California that employs at least five full-time employees in California or employs an active California Bar licensee. Applicants must also meet moral-character requirements (practice may begin while the moral-character application is pending, subject to termination if that application is denied, withdrawn, or abandoned).

Practice
RIHC practice is limited to the qualifying employer (and permitted pro bono under supervision of a California attorney for an eligible legal aid organization or the employer, when authorized). Court appearances and other activities that require pro hac vice remain restricted. Use the title “Registered In-House Counsel” only; do not claim California Bar membership.

Application, renewal, and termination
Submit the RIHC Application and Application for Determination of Moral Character through the Applicant Portal, with a Declaration of Qualifying Institution and certificates of good standing. Annual renewal and MCLE compliance are required. Registration may be suspended or terminated for missed renewal/MCLE, status changes in other jurisdictions, employment changes, or other rule violations. Notify the State Bar of employment changes within the rule’s deadlines. See also California MJP.