North Dakota provides three rules that do not fit into a particular admission category. The rules include: admission in an alternative dispute resolution proceeding, a temporary license for attorneys applying for admission, and a temporary license following the determination of a major disaster.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Attorneys representing clients in Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings in North Dakota must register according to North Dakota House Counsel Rules.
Temporary License for Attorneys Applying for Admission
Rule 6.1 of the North Dakota Admission to Practice Rules allows attorneys to temporarily practice in North Dakota.
Attorneys must:
- Be members in good standing of the bar of another state or the District of Columbia.
- Be applicants for admission to the North Dakota Bar through Rule 6 (North Dakota Bar Exam) or Rule 7 (North Dakota Admission on Motion).
- Cannot be subject to any suspension or disbarment proceedings in any court or the subject of any pending disciplinary complaints.
Application and Certification
Attorneys are required to file an application with the Board. The application must be sworn and state that he or she has applied for admission to the practice of law in North Dakota under Rule 6 (North Dakota Bar Exam) or Rule 7 (North Dakota Admission on Motion) and the name and address of an associate attorney admitted and licensed in North Dakota.
The application must also include a statement from the associate attorney that he or she has agreed to serve as an associate attorney, is admitted and licensed to practice law in North Dakota, and agrees to fulfill the responsibilities of an associate attorney described in Rule 3A (North Dakota Pro Hac Vice).
Termination
The temporary license is valid for no more than six months from the issuing date. If the applicant applies for the February bar exam and the exam in not administered, the temporary license is valid until the results are available from the next bar exam offered in North Dakota.
The Board will summarily revoke the temporary license if the applicant:
- Files an untruthful affidavit with the Board.
- Fails the bar exam.
- Fails to take the bar exam when eligible to do so.
- Received a negative recommendation for admission on character and fitness grounds.
- Has formal disciplinary proceedings instituted against the applicant.
- Withdraws the application for admission to practice law under Rule 6 (North Dakota Bar Exam) or Rule 7 (North Dakota Admission on Motion).
- Is admitted to the practice of law in North Dakota under Rule 6 (North Dakota Bar Exam) or Rule 7 (North Dakota Admission on Motion).
Legal Services following the Determination of a Major Disaster
Rule 3.2 of the North Dakota Admission to Practice Rules allows attorneys to practice in certain circumstances following the North Dakota Supreme Court’s determination of a major disaster.