The California Application Registered In Counsel form is a necessary document for out-of-state attorneys seeking to register as in-house counsel in California. This form is part of the process to ensure that attorneys meet specific eligibility criteria and comply with the state's legal standards. For those ready to take the next step, fill out the form by clicking the button below.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form is an essential document for out-of-state attorneys seeking to practice law in-house within California. This form is part of the Registered In-House Counsel Program, designed to streamline the process for qualified attorneys to provide legal services exclusively for a single qualifying institution. To begin, applicants must register with the State Bar's Office of Admissions and ensure they meet specific eligibility requirements, such as being a member in good standing in at least one jurisdiction in the U.S. The form requires personal information, including the applicant's name, contact details, and employment history, alongside declarations affirming their commitment to adhere to California's legal standards. Additionally, it includes attachments that necessitate the completion of an attorney declaration, a declaration from the qualifying institution, and an admissions/standing list. The application process involves submitting a fee, which covers both the application and moral character determination, ensuring that applicants are vetted thoroughly. Understanding the nuances of this form is crucial for any attorney looking to navigate California's legal landscape effectively.
The State Bar of California
Office of Admissions – MJP Program
845 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515 (213) 765-1500
Out-of-State Attorney Registered In-House Counsel Program Application
You must register as an Attorney Applicant with the State Bar’s Office of Admissions prior to submitting this application.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
$_______
No Payment
9.46
ID #: ___________________________
File #: __________________________
Registrant Information:
Type or Print Clearly
Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Name:
Date of Employment as an In-House Counsel:
Employer (Institution): *Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Undergraduate School:
City, State:
Law School:
*As a registered In-House Counsel, your address of record is public information subject to disclosure upon request and also posted on the State Bar’s Web site. List your employer’s California office address.
Employer Contact:
Phone:Fax:E-mail:
Application Attachments:
A: Attorney Declaration
B: Declaration of Qualifying Institution
C: Admissions/Standing List
The Determination of Moral Character (MC) application must be completed and paid for online. A printed hard copy of the online MC application must be submitted with the MJP application.
$635 Application Fee
Current original Certificate of Good Standing from all out-of-state jurisdictions.
RIHC Application 2017_R
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Acceptable forms of payment: credit card authorization form, cashier’s check, travelers’ check or money order made payable to “State Bar of California.”
Personal checks will not be accepted.
MAIL TO:
Office of Admissions
MJP Program
845 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
Attachment A – Attorney Declaration
a.I am currently a member in good standing of and eligible to practice law in at least one jurisdiction in the United States.
b.I am not suspended, disbarred or resigned with charges pending from any professional occupational disciplinary agency or licensing board.
c.I agree to be subject to the disciplinary authority of The Supreme Court of California and The State Bar of California with respect to the law of The State of California governing the conduct of attorneys, to the same extent as a member of The State Bar of California.
d.As Registered In-House Counsel, I will practice law for a SINGLE Qualifying Institution in California which employs me.
e.I understand that I may qualify to simultaneously practice law under the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program.
f.I currently reside in California.
g.I will not provide personal or individual representation to any customers, shareholders, owners, partners, officers, employees, servants, or agents of the Qualifying Institution.
h.I will not make court appearances in California state courts or engage in any other activities for which Pro Hac Vice admission is required.
i.I agree that in my first year of practice under the Registered In-House Counsel Program, I will satisfy all of the Minimum Continuing Legal Education requirements that members of The State Bar of California must complete every 3 years and thereafter satisfy the Minimum Continuing Legal Education Requirements applicable to all members of The State Bar of California.
j.I will notify The State Bar of California in writing within 30 days of a change in any information provided in my application, including my address, employment at a qualifying institution, or eligibility to practice law in another jurisdiction. Eligibility would be changed by a suspension, resignation with or without charges pending, disbarment, or its functional equivalent.
k.I will provide The State Bar of California with a forwarding address to which any notices or papers may be mailed within 30 days of cessation of employment by the Qualifying Institution.
l.I am aware that filing a certificate containing false information or otherwise failing to comply with the standards of professional conduct required of members of The State Bar of California or the rules governing Registered In-House Counsel will subject me to the disciplinary jurisdiction of The State Bar of California.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of The State of California that the foregoing application and any attachments to it are true and correct.
Date:
Print Name:
Signature:
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Out-of-State Attorney Registered In-House Counsel Program Application Attachment B – Declaration of Qualifying Institution
Eligibility Status: Type or Print Clearly
I am a(n):
Officer
of Institution Name:
Director
General Counsel
Name (Individual Referenced Above):
Title:
Address:
Applicant Name:
is employed as In-House Counsel for the
institution reference above.
The Effective Date of Applicant’s Employment:
The institution referenced above is a Qualifying Institution which is defined by California Rules of Court, rule
9.46as a corporation, a partnership, an association, or other legal entity and is not a government agency and DOES NOT provide legal services to others.
This institution employs at least 10 full-time employees in the State of California.
(# of employees:
)
OR
This institution employs the following California attorney who is an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
Name:
Bar Number:
I will notify the State Bar within 30 days if the eligibility status listed above changes or if the applicant’s employment ceases.
To the best of my knowledge and after reasonable inquiry, I believe that the applicant is of good moral character and qualifies for registration under California Rules of Court, rule 9.46 and the Registered In- House Counsel Program Rules.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
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Attachment C – Admissions/Standing List
Date
Member
State/Court
Status
Prior Discipline Record
Admitted
Number
(e.g., Ohio or USDC or 9th Circuit)
(e.g., Active)
If ‘Yes’ Attached Details
Yes
No
Check here if additional sheets listing details of prior record of discipline are attached.
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Completing the California Application for Registered In-House Counsel requires careful attention to detail. After submitting this form, you will await confirmation from the State Bar of California regarding your application status. Ensuring accuracy and completeness will facilitate a smoother processing experience.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form is a document that allows out-of-state attorneys to register as in-house counsel in California. This registration is necessary for attorneys who wish to practice law for a single qualifying institution within the state. By completing this form, applicants declare their eligibility and compliance with California's legal standards.
To be eligible, you must be a member in good standing of a state bar in the United States and not facing any disciplinary actions such as suspension or disbarment. Additionally, you need to be employed by a qualifying institution in California that does not provide legal services to others. This institution must have at least ten full-time employees or employ an active California attorney in good standing.
Along with the application form, you will need to include several attachments:
Additionally, there are fees associated with the application process, which include a $550 application fee and a $500 moral character determination fee.
You should mail your completed application and all required documents to:
The State Bar of California Office of Admissions MJP Program 845 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
Be sure to make your payment using a cashier's check, traveler's check, or money order made out to "State Bar of California." Personal checks are not accepted.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the State Bar of California. If everything is in order, you will receive confirmation of your registration. Keep in mind that you must notify the State Bar of any changes to your employment or eligibility status within 30 days. This includes changes in your address or any disciplinary actions taken against you in another jurisdiction.
Inaccurate Personal Information: Many applicants fail to provide accurate or complete personal details, such as their full name, date of birth, or employment information. This can lead to delays in processing the application.
Improper Payment Method: Some individuals mistakenly submit personal checks instead of the required cashier's check, traveler's check, or money order. The State Bar of California does not accept personal checks, which can result in the application being returned.
Missing Attachments: Applicants often overlook the necessity of including all required attachments, such as the Attorney Declaration and the Declaration of Qualifying Institution. Omitting these documents can lead to a denial of the application.
Failure to Update Information: It is crucial to notify the State Bar of any changes in employment or eligibility to practice law. Many applicants neglect to do this within the 30-day timeframe, which can jeopardize their registration status.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form is an essential document for out-of-state attorneys wishing to practice law in-house in California. However, several other forms and documents are often required to accompany this application. Here is a brief overview of those additional documents.
Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that the application process is thorough and that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice law in California as in-house counsel. Being well-prepared with all required forms can help streamline the registration process.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form shares similarities with the Bar Admission Application used by prospective attorneys seeking admission to practice law in California. Both documents require detailed personal information, including the applicant's educational background and professional history. Additionally, both forms necessitate a declaration of good moral character, ensuring that applicants meet ethical standards. The Bar Admission Application, however, is broader in scope, covering all aspects of an applicant's qualifications to practice law, while the Registered In-House Counsel form is more focused on those specifically looking to practice law within a single organization.
Another document that aligns with the California Application Registered In Counsel form is the Certificate of Good Standing. This certificate is often required by various legal entities to confirm that an attorney is licensed and in good standing with their respective state bar. Like the application form, the Certificate of Good Standing provides verification of the attorney's status and compliance with ethical obligations. However, while the application form is a request for permission to practice under specific conditions, the Certificate serves as proof of the attorney's qualifications and standing in their jurisdiction.
The Moral Character Determination Application is also similar in purpose and content to the Registered In-House Counsel form. Both documents require an assessment of the applicant's moral character as a prerequisite for legal practice. The Moral Character Determination Application involves a thorough review of the applicant’s background, including any past legal issues or disciplinary actions. While the Registered In-House Counsel form includes a declaration of moral character as part of its requirements, the Moral Character Determination Application is a separate, more extensive process that focuses solely on this aspect of an applicant's qualifications.
The Application for Pro Hac Vice Admission is another related document. This application allows attorneys from other jurisdictions to participate in specific cases in California courts. Like the Registered In-House Counsel form, it requires verification of the attorney's standing in their home jurisdiction. Both applications emphasize compliance with California's legal standards and ethical practices. However, the Pro Hac Vice Admission is case-specific, whereas the Registered In-House Counsel application is broader, allowing for ongoing legal practice within a single institution.
Lastly, the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program Application bears resemblance to the California Application Registered In Counsel form. Both applications cater to attorneys who wish to practice law in a limited capacity, focusing on specific legal services within designated institutions. They share similar eligibility criteria, including the requirement for good moral character and a declaration of compliance with the relevant legal and ethical standards. The key distinction lies in the scope of practice; the Registered Legal Services Attorney Program is tailored for those providing legal services in a more limited context compared to the broader in-house counsel provisions.
When filling out the California Application Registered In Counsel form, it's crucial to approach the process with care. Here are nine essential dos and don'ts to guide you.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother application process. Take your time, and remember that attention to detail is key.
Many believe they can directly submit the California Application Registered In Counsel form without first registering as an Attorney Applicant with the State Bar’s Office of Admissions. However, registration is a necessary step that must be completed before the application can be considered.
Some applicants assume they can use personal checks to pay the application fees. In reality, only cashier's checks, traveler's checks, or money orders made out to the "State Bar of California" are acceptable. This policy ensures that payments are processed efficiently.
It is a common belief that the address of record remains private. In truth, this address is public information. It may be disclosed upon request and is also posted on the State Bar’s website, making it accessible to the public.
Some applicants think that once they are registered, they do not need to fulfill any further educational requirements. However, registered In-House Counsel must complete Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements, just like other members of the State Bar of California.
While the application may seem simple at first glance, the process can be lengthy. Applicants must gather various documents, including declarations and proof of good moral character, which can take time to compile and submit. Patience and thoroughness are essential to navigate this process successfully.
Filling out the California Application Registered In Counsel form can be a straightforward process if you keep a few key points in mind. Here are some essential takeaways to guide you through:
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the application process more effectively and ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.