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 application allows qualified individuals to practice law for a single qualifying institution within the state. To begin the process, please fill out the form by clicking the button below.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form is a crucial document for out-of-state attorneys wishing to practice in-house law within California. This form is part of the Registered In-House Counsel Program, which allows qualified attorneys to provide legal services exclusively for a single qualifying institution. Before submitting the application, attorneys must first register with the State Bar of California's Office of Admissions. The form requires detailed registrant information, including personal and professional details such as name, date of birth, employment history, and educational background. Additionally, applicants must provide declarations confirming their good standing in their respective jurisdictions, their compliance with California's legal standards, and their commitment to continuing legal education. The application also necessitates the inclusion of supporting documents, such as an attorney declaration, a declaration from the qualifying institution, and an admissions/standing list. A fee structure is outlined, which includes a $550 application fee and a $500 moral character determination fee. The information provided in this form becomes public and is subject to disclosure, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and honesty in the application process.
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 Registered In Counsel form requires careful attention to detail. After submitting the application, the State Bar will review it as part of the registration process. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
What is the California Application Registered In Counsel form?
The California Application Registered In Counsel form is a document that out-of-state attorneys must complete to register as in-house counsel in California. This registration allows attorneys to provide legal services exclusively for a single qualifying institution within the state. It is important for those who want to practice law in California without obtaining a full California law license.
Who is eligible to apply for the Registered In-House Counsel program?
To be eligible, you must be a member in good standing of a bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. You should not be suspended or disbarred from any professional disciplinary agency. Additionally, you must agree to comply with California's legal standards and practice law only for a single qualifying institution, which must employ at least ten full-time employees in California.
What documents are required to submit with the application?
Your application must include several attachments: an Attorney Declaration, a Declaration of Qualifying Institution, an Admissions/Standing List, and an application for Determination of Moral Character. You will also need to provide a Certificate of Good Standing in a sealed envelope. Additionally, you must pay the application and moral character determination fees.
What are the fees associated with the application?
The application requires a $550 fee and a $500 fee for the moral character determination, totaling $1,050. Payments should be made via cashier's check, traveler's check, or money order, made out to the "State Bar of California." Personal checks are not accepted.
Where should I send my completed application?
You must mail your completed application and all attachments to the State Bar of California, Office of Admissions, MJP Program, located at 845 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515. Ensure that everything is included and properly filled out before mailing it to avoid delays.
What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, the State Bar will review your application and attachments. They will assess your eligibility and moral character. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your registration, allowing you to practice as in-house counsel for your qualifying institution in California.
Can I provide legal services to clients outside of my qualifying institution?
No, as a registered in-house counsel, you are only permitted to provide legal services to the single qualifying institution that employs you. You cannot represent individual clients or make court appearances in California state courts. This limitation helps maintain the focus of your legal practice within the confines of your employer.
What should I do if my employment status changes?
If there is any change in your employment status or your eligibility to practice law, you must notify the State Bar of California in writing within 30 days. This includes changes to your address, employment at a qualifying institution, or any disciplinary actions taken against you in other jurisdictions.
Filling out the California Application Registered In Counsel form can be a daunting task, and many applicants inadvertently make mistakes that can delay their registration. One common error is failing to register as an Attorney Applicant with the State Bar’s Office of Admissions before submitting the application. This step is crucial, as it establishes the applicant’s eligibility to proceed with the in-house counsel application. Without this initial registration, the entire application may be rejected, leading to unnecessary delays.
Another frequent mistake involves providing incomplete or unclear information. The form requires applicants to type or print clearly, yet many individuals overlook this instruction. Illegible handwriting or missing details can result in misunderstandings or the need for additional clarification from the State Bar. It is essential to ensure that all sections of the application are filled out completely and clearly, as this facilitates a smoother review process.
Applicants often misinterpret the requirements for attachments as well. The application specifies several necessary documents, including the Attorney Declaration and the Declaration of Qualifying Institution. Failing to include any of these documents, or submitting them in an incorrect format, can lead to application denial. It’s important to double-check that all required attachments are included and formatted according to the guidelines provided.
Additionally, many applicants neglect to pay the correct fees or miscalculate the total amount due. The application requires a $550 fee along with a $500 Moral Character Determination Fee, which can be paid with a single check. However, some individuals mistakenly submit personal checks, which are not accepted, or fail to include the correct payment altogether. Ensuring that the payment method and amount are accurate is vital to avoid processing delays.
Another area where applicants stumble is in their declarations regarding moral character. The form requires a clear affirmation of good standing in other jurisdictions and a commitment to notify the State Bar of any changes in eligibility. Some applicants either fail to disclose prior disciplinary actions or misunderstand the implications of their statements. It is crucial to provide honest and comprehensive information, as any discrepancies can lead to serious repercussions.
Finally, many individuals overlook the importance of providing a forwarding address. The application stipulates that applicants must notify the State Bar within 30 days of any changes in their employment or contact information. Failing to do so can result in missed communications and potential issues with their registration status. Keeping the State Bar informed ensures that all notices are received promptly, allowing for a smoother transition into the in-house counsel role.
When applying for the California Application Registered In Counsel form, several other documents are often required or recommended. Each of these forms plays a crucial role in ensuring that the application process is thorough and compliant with California's legal standards. Below is a list of these essential documents, along with brief descriptions of their purpose.
Each of these documents serves to validate the applicant's qualifications and adherence to the legal standards set forth by the State Bar of California. Ensuring that all required forms are accurately completed and submitted can facilitate a smoother application process.
The California Application Registered In Counsel form shares similarities with several other important documents in the legal field. Understanding these can help streamline the application process and ensure compliance with necessary regulations. Here’s a breakdown of seven documents that are akin to the California Application Registered In Counsel form:
Each of these documents plays a vital role in the legal profession, ensuring that attorneys maintain high standards of practice and comply with state regulations. Understanding their similarities can help navigate the complexities of legal applications more effectively.
When filling out the California Application for Registered In-House Counsel, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:
Many believe that only California residents can apply. However, the form is specifically designed for out-of-state attorneys who wish to practice in-house law for a qualifying institution in California.
Some think they can send in the application directly. In reality, applicants must first register with the State Bar's Office of Admissions before submitting this form.
It’s a common misunderstanding that personal checks are acceptable. The application clearly states that only cashier's checks, traveler's checks, or money orders are allowed for payment.
Some believe that registering as in-house counsel allows them to represent individual clients. This is incorrect; applicants can only practice law for their employer and cannot provide personal representation.
While the form may seem straightforward, gathering all required documents and fulfilling eligibility criteria can be time-consuming. Applicants must ensure they meet all requirements before submission.
It is a misconception that no further communication is necessary after registration. Applicants must notify the State Bar of any changes in employment or eligibility within 30 days.
Filling out the California Application Registered In-House Counsel form is a crucial step for out-of-state attorneys looking to practice in California. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
By following these guidelines, you can streamline the application process and increase your chances of successful registration as In-House Counsel in California.