Bar Reciprocity Database

California Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

California addresses multijurisdictional practice through CRPC Rule 5.5 and specific California Rules of Court authorizing limited practice by out-of-state lawyers. See the MJP hub for general background.

CRPC 5.5 is not a full adoption of ABA Model Rule 5.5’s temporary-practice safe harbors. A lawyer not admitted in California generally may not establish or maintain a resident office or other systematic/continuous presence for the practice of law, or hold out as California-admitted, except as authorized by rule or other law.

Authorized limited-practice programs

The State Bar’s Multijurisdictional Practice Program and related court rules include (among others):

  • Registered In-House Counsel (rule 9.46)
  • Registered Legal Aid Attorney (rule 9.45)
  • Registered Military Spouse Attorney (rule 9.41.1)
  • Temporary litigation practice (rule 9.47) and temporary nonlitigation practice (rule 9.48)
  • Pro hac vice (rule 9.40) and other special admissions

Confirm current eligibility, forms, and fees on the State Bar MJP Program pages and the California Rules of Court before practicing.