Georgia Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct 5.5 and 8.5 address unauthorized and multijurisdictional practice. See the MJP hub for general background.

Georgia Rule 5.5 provides temporary-practice safe harbors for Domestic Lawyers under 5.5(c) and employer/authorized practice under 5.5(d), with separate provisions for Foreign Lawyers. Out-of-state lawyers generally may not establish a systematic and continuous presence for the practice of law or hold out as Georgia-admitted except as authorized.

Temporary practice

Temporary services typically include association with Georgia counsel, tribunal-related work with authorization or a reasonable expectation of authorization, ADR related to the lawyer’s home practice, and other services reasonably related to practice where admitted. Court appearances remain subject to pro hac vice.

House counsel

Employer/affiliate practice under Rule 5.5(d)(1) is summarized on the Georgia House Counsel page. Confirm current Bar Rules Handbook text before relying on a particular safe harbor.