New Hampshire Bar Reciprocity for Maine Attorneys
New Hampshire Admission on Motion for Maine Attorneys
Rule 42(X)(c) of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Rules governs admission to the New Hampshire Bar for attorneys licensed in Maine. Attorneys must be domiciled in the United States and active members of the Maine Bar. Maine attorneys must have been engaged in the active practice of law in Maine for not less than three years immediately preceding the application for admission.
Reciprocity
Maine must allow admission to New Hampshire attorneys under circumstances comparable to those set forth in the New Hampshire Rules.
Additional Requirements
New Hampshire’s additional reciprocity requirements for Maine attorneys include:
Law Degree. A law degree from an ABA approved law school. The school must have a three year course requiring students to devote substantially all of their working time to study (full-time school); a four year course equivalent to the working hours of a three year course in a full-time law school where students devote only part of their working time to their studies (part-time law school); or a combination of the two. Study in any law school permitting courses by correspondence or without attendance does not qualify.
Character and Fitness. Attorneys must meet the applicable character and fitness standards.
Good Standing and Prior Bar Exam. Attorneys must be in good standing in all jurisdictions where admitted and cannot be subject to discipline or a pending disciplinary proceeding. Attorneys cannot have resigned from the New Hampshire Bar. Attorneys are required to have passed a bar exam and cannot have failed the New Hampshire bar exam within five years of the application for admission.
Practice of Law. Maine attorneys must have engaged in the active practice of law in Maine for not less than three years immediately preceding the application for admission.
“Active practice of law” includes:
- Private Practice (representation of one or more clients)
- Judges (local, state, or federal courts of record)
- Government Attorneys (local, state, or federal)
- Judicial Clerks
- Military Attorneys
- Law Professors teaching at ABA approved law schools
- Corporate Counsel
- Not specifically enumerated: No major categories.
- Does not include: The unauthorized practice of law in a jurisdiction where it was performed or in the jurisdiction where the client was located.
MPRE. The attorney must achieve a scaled score of 79 or greater on the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (“MPRE”) prior to filing the application for admission.
CLE Requirement. Maine attorneys must complete 15 hours of Continuing Legal Education credit on New Hampshire practice and procedure prior to filing an application
for admission.
Mandatory Practice Skills Seminar. Attorneys must attend the New Hampshire practice skills course that is offered once each year. The seminar must be completed within two years of admission. Failing to meet this requirement results in a suspended license. The time period may be extended for exceptional circumstances and after a written application to the court.
The license may not be suspended if the attorney leaves New Hampshire for a military or government assignment and notifies the court in writing. The attorney must attend the first available seminar after his/her return and must complete the seminar within three years of departure. The three year period may be extended for exceptional circumstances.
Designate the New Hampshire Supreme Court Clerk for Process.
New Hampshire Bar Reciprocity Application Procedure
Maine attorneys eligible for Admission on Motion in New Hampshire must complete the Application. Applications may be filed at any time. New Hampshire advises attorneys that the process may be lengthy.