Vermont Bar Reciprocity for Maine Attorneys

Vermont Admission on Motion for Maine Attorneys

Rule 7(e) of the Vermont Rules on Admission governs admission to the Vermont Bar for attorneys licensed in Maine. Attorneys must be active members of the Maine Bar and 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

Vermont’s reciprocity remains in effect so long as Maine has an equivalent rule in effect.

Additional Requirements

Vermont’s additional reciprocity requirements for Maine attorneys include:

CLE Requirement. Maine attorneys must complete and certify prior to admission that he or she has attended at least 15 hours of approved Continuing Legal Education on Vermont practice and procedure. The CLE credits must be achieved within one year of the application for admission. At least six of the 15 CLE credits must be achieved through personal attendance.

Vermont Clerkship. The CLE Requirements replace the Vermont clerkship requirement.

Law Degree. Attorneys do not have to be graduates of an ABA approved law school.

Character and Fitness. Attorneys must meet the applicable character and fitness standards.

Good Standing and Prior Bar Exam. Attorneys must be currently licensed to practice and cannot be under suspension or revocation in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.

Practice of Law. Attorneys must be active members of the Maine Bar and must have been engaged in the active practice of law in Maine for not less than three years immediately preceding the application for admission. “Practice of law” is 25 hours of qualifying work in a seven-day period and includes:

  • Private Practice (representation of one or more clients)
  • Judges (local, state, or federal court of record)
  • Judicial Law Clerks
  • Military Attorneys
  • Corporate Counsel, Partnership, Trust, Individual or Other Entity (provided such practice was subsequent to being admitted to the practice of law in a jurisdiction where the practice occurred) (involved the primary duties of furnishing legal counsel, drafting documents and pleadings, interpreting and giving advice regarding the law, or preparing, trying or presenting cases before courts, executive departments, administrative bureaus, or agencies)

Not specifically enumerated and not included: Law Professors

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. There Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) is not required.

Vermont Bar Reciprocity Application Procedure

Maine attorneys eligible for Admission Without Exam in Vermont must complete the Application. Applications may be filed at any time. Applications take at least three months to process.