Kentucky Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

Kentucky Rules of Professional Conduct (SCR 3.130) and Supreme Court admission rules address unauthorized and multijurisdictional practice. See the MJP hub for general background.

Kentucky Rule 5.5 generally tracks ABA Model Rule 5.5. Out-of-state lawyers generally may not establish a systematic and continuous presence for the practice of law or hold out as Kentucky-admitted except as authorized (including SCR 2.111 limited certificates for house counsel).

Temporary practice

Temporary services under Rule 5.5(c) typically include association with Kentucky 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 employer practice is addressed by SCR 2.111. Confirm current RPC and Supreme Court rule text before relying on a particular safe harbor.