Illinois Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

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

Illinois Rule 5.5 generally tracks ABA Model Rule 5.5 concepts for temporary practice and employer/authorized practice. Out-of-state lawyers generally may not establish a systematic and continuous presence for the practice of law or hold out as Illinois-admitted except as authorized (including Supreme Court Rules 716 and related limited-admission rules).

Temporary practice

Temporary services under Rule 5.5(c) typically include association with Illinois 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

Continuous single-employer practice is addressed by Supreme Court Rule 716. Confirm current RPC and Supreme Court rule text before relying on a particular safe harbor.