Rule 8 of the Rules for Admission to the Bar allows attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions to be admitted under a temporary license to practice law in Minnesota when employed in Minnesota as a lawyer for a legal services program (Minnesota pro bono attorneys)
Time spent practicing under either Minnesota house counsel license qualifies towards these practice of law requirements.
Applications by Attorneys under Minnesota Pro Bono Laws
Attorneys seeking to be a Minnesota pro bono attorney or assist with a legal organization must file an application to work for a legal organization with the clerk of the Supreme Court of Minnesota. 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 15 years or the foreseeable future
- Proof of being up to date with CLE requirements
- An affidavit from their employer that they have obtained the position
- An affidavit signed by the attorney that they have read the Minnesota rules on professional conduct, and understands they must report any disciplinary actions against them to the Texas courts.
Applicants will have their authorization terminate by the court if they no longer work for the legal services organization, (if they are no longer doing Minnesota pro bono work) and must submit a notification to the Clerk of the Minnesota Supreme Court and the bar within 10-14 days.
Termination
The temporary license is valid for 15 months from the issuing date.
The Board may revoke the temporary license (if it was acquired based upon Minnesota pro bono work) upon the following events:
- Termination of employment.
- Admission to practice law in Minnesota pursuant to Admission by Exam, Admission Without Exam, or Admission by Eligible Test Score.
- The lapse of 15 months.
- Failing the Minnesota bar exam.
- Issuance of an adverse determination related to an applicant’s character and fitness.