Hawaii House Counsel

Hawaii does not maintain an authorized-house-counsel registration and has not adopted a full ABA Model Rule 5.5(d) safe harbor allowing continuous in-state employer practice solely on an out-of-state license. Confirm current Hawai‘i Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 5.5 and comments before practicing.

Out-of-state lawyers generally must be admitted in Hawaii (or otherwise authorized, such as pro hac vice for a particular matter) to provide legal services in Hawaii. Remote work for matters centered elsewhere may raise different issues under Rule 5.5 comments; it is not a substitute for Hawaii admission when practicing Hawaii law for a Hawaii employer.

Hawaii does not offer traditional Admission on Motion. See Hawaii MJP and Hawaii Pro Hac Vice.