The Arizona Rules for Admission Rule 38(f) enables attorneys working for a legal service organization to practice in the state on a limited basis. Also check out for information regarding Government and Military Attorneys practicing in Arizona.
Legal Service Organization:
Attorneys that have been admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction for at least 2 years and are employed by a legal service organization that is approved by the state of Arizona can be admitted to practice in Arizona. An attorney who has not yet practiced 2 years must be supervised by a Arizona barred attorney. An approved legal service organization is any organization that is non-profit that attempts to help indigent citizens in civil matters without any financial compensation. Such organizations must file a petition to the court that includes
- Organizations structure
- Funds used to support the organization
- How indigent citizens are chosen for representation
- Types of services that the organization will be engaged in
- Names and bar numbers of all the Arizona Barred attorneys
- Malpractice insurance
Applications by the attorneys
Attorneys must file an application to work for a legal organization with the clerk of the Supreme Court of Arizona. They must include with the application
- Proof of a being barred in another state
- Proof they have not been disciplined nor are facing discipline within the past 5 years or the foreseeable future
- An affidavit from their employer that they have obtained the position
- An affidavit signed by the attorney that they have read the Arizona rules on professional conduct, and understands they must report any disciplinary actions against them to the Arizona courts.
Applicants will have their authorization terminate by the court if they no longer work for the legal services organization and must submit a notification to the Clerk of the Arizona Supreme Court and the bar within 10-14 days.
Pro Bono
Attorneys attempting to engage in pro bono services for clients must meet the same guidelines as those that are attempting to be involved with legal service organizations. Attorneys wishing to engage in pro bono services must be admitted to at least one other jurisdiction, be engaged in the active practice of law for at least 5 previous years, and must be in good standing of any of the bars in which they are considered members, and must not have had any disciplinary action against them for the previous 15 years of practice. Arizona pro bono attorneys also do not receive any compensation for their services from either the client, the legal service organization itself, or based on any contingency fees. The Arizona pro bono attorney however can seek legal fees from the opposing party if the clients consent has been given. Of course, the legal service organization can reimburse the Arizona pro bono attorney for any expenses the Arizona pro bono attorney happens to incur. Arizona pro bono attorneys must also adhere to the Arizona rules of professional conduct.
Arizona Pro Bono Application and Certification
Attorneys must file a pro bono application with the Clerk of the Arizona Supreme Court. The application must include the following:
- Proof of a being barred in another state
- Proof they have not been disciplined nor are facing discipline within the past 5 years or the foreseeable future
- An affidavit from their employer that they have obtained the position
- An affidavit signed by the attorney that they have read the Arizona rules on professional conduct, and understands they must report any disciplinary actions against them to the Arizona courts.
Like attorneys specifically working for legal services organizations, attorneys that have been admitted to practice in Arizona solely for pro bono reasons will have their ability to do so terminated if they no longer work or are in association with the pro bono service. Notification that the relationship has been terminated must be sent to the Arizona Court clerk within 10 days of the actual date of termination.