Michigan bar reciprocity relies upon Rule 5 . This regulation, known as Admission on Motion, indicates how attorneys that are licensed in other states can be licensed in the state of Michigan. Attorneys from all the other states in the United States may be admitted without exam in Michigan. However, to be admitted to practice in Michigan attorneys in other states must also:
- Have been admitted via bar exam in another jurisdiction allowing similar admission standards to that of Michigan.
- Or have engaged in active legal practice in any of the states or territories of the United States for a minimum of 5 years out of 7 years.
- Intent to Practice Law in Michigan in good faith. Thus, Michigan attorneys must maintain an office in Michigan. An office in Michigan is considered a location where a telephone is regularly answered and provides for receipt of mail and service of pleadings. Proof must be presented to the board within 3 years.
Additional Michigan Reciprocity Requirements
- Law Degree from a ABA law school
- Good standing in all other jurisdictions where admitted before bar exam
- No failure of the bar exam within 5 years of a previous application for admission
- Passage of the MPRE is not required
- Attorneys eligible for Admission on Motion in Michigan must complete the Application.
- Active practice of law in at least one star for 5 of 7 years (active license and at least 1,000 hours per year in law practice and made at least 50% of their income not from an investment from the practice.)
- In-house counsels (can not be used for duration requirement)
- Legal Professors
- Judicial Law Clerks
- Judges
- JAG Attorneys