Iowa Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct (Court Rules, Chapter 32) and Iowa Court Rules (Chapter 31 admissions provisions) address unauthorized and multijurisdictional practice. See the MJP hub for general background.

Iowa generally follows ABA Model Rule 5.5 concepts. Out-of-state lawyers with a systematic and continuous Iowa presence for employer practice must register under Rule 31.16. Other temporary practice may be permitted under Rule 5.5(c) when requirements are met.

Temporary practice

Temporary services typically include association with Iowa 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 (Rule 31.14).

Confirm current Iowa Court Rules and RPC text on the Iowa Judicial Branch / Iowa Legislature sites before relying on a particular safe harbor.