North Carolina Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

North Carolina Revised Rules of Professional Conduct and Rule 8.5 address unauthorized and multijurisdictional practice. See the MJP hub for general background.

North Carolina Rule 5.5 generally tracks ABA Model Rule 5.5, including temporary practice under 5.5(c) and the house-counsel safe harbor under 5.5(d)(1).

Temporary practice

Temporary services under Rule 5.5(c) typically include association with North Carolina counsel, tribunal-related work with 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

North Carolina has no separate house-counsel registration; see RPC 5.5(d)(1) and State Bar guidance.