Illinois House Counsel

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 716 permits limited admission of house counsel for lawyers licensed elsewhere who are employed exclusively in Illinois for a single qualifying organization (including parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates). Confirm current forms, fees, and deadlines with the Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar.

Eligibility
Applicants generally must meet Illinois educational and character-and-fitness requirements, be in good standing and on active status in at least one jurisdiction of admission, and (if licensed fewer than 15 years) satisfy the MPRE or approved ethics-course requirement. File within 90 days of commencing house-counsel employment in Illinois (late applications require Supreme Court waiver).

Practice and compliance
The limited license authorizes legal services for the named employer only. Register annually with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and comply with MCLE. Changing employers requires notification and new employer certification within the rule’s deadlines. See also Illinois MJP and pro hac vice.