Ohio also does not require or currently have special admission rules for attorneys who are practicing law for Legal Service Organizations however attorneys that are out of state and practicing on a pro bono status generally have to abide by Ohio Pro Hac Vice Rules for admission. Rule IX of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio governs the temporary ability for attorneys to practice in Ohio.
Applications by Attorneys under Ohio Pro Bono Laws
Attorneys seeking to be a Ohio 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 Ohio. They must include with the application:
- Proof of being barred in another state
- 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 Ohio 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 and must submit a notification to the Clerk of the Ohio Supreme Court and the bar within 10-14 days.
Practice and Restrictions (Ohio Pro Bono)
Attorneys may practice law for their legal organizations or for Ohio pro bono matters only while employed by such organization or client. Attorneys must also adhere to the following:
- Can not use any other title to describe their ability to represent entities or clients other than that they are a pro bono attorney for a limited amount of time or if they are a registered legal services attorney
- Attorneys cannot claim they are a member of the Ohio bar
- Make certain their employer has indicated that they, the attorney will:
- Work without compensation
- Work solely for the employer
- Will be supervised by a Ohio barred attorney, who will be liable for the non-barred attorneys conduct.
- Has read the Ohio rules of professional responsibility
- That they are in good standing in their licensed jurisdictions