Rule 19-218 - [Effective 1/1/2025] Special Authorization for Out-of-State Attorneys Affiliated with Programs Providing Legal Services to Low-Income Individuals(a)Definition. As used in this Rule, "legal services program means a program operated by (1) an entity that provides civil legal services to low-income individuals in Maryland who meet the financial eligibility requirements of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and is on a list of such programs provided by the Corporation to the State Court Administrator and posted on the Judiciary website pursuant to Rule 19-505; (2) the Maryland Office of the Public Defender; (3) a clinic or program offering free legal services and operating in a courthouse facility; or (4) a local pro bono committee or bar association affiliated project that provides pro bono legal services.(b)Eligibility. Pursuant to this Rule, a member of the Bar of another state who is employed by or associated with a legal services program may practice in this State pursuant to that program if (1) the individual is a graduate of a law school meeting the requirements of Rule 19-201(a)(2) and (2) the individual will practice under the supervision of a member of the Bar of this State. Cross reference: For the definition of "State, see Rule 19-101(l).
(c)Proof of Eligibility. To obtain authorization to practice under this Rule, the out-of-state attorney shall file with the Clerk of the Supreme Court a written request accompanied by (1) evidence of graduation from a law school as defined in Rule 19-201(a)(2), (2) a certificate of the highest court of another state certifying that the attorney is a member in good standing of the Bar of that state, and (3) a statement signed by the Executive Director of the legal services program that includes (A) a certification that the attorney is currently employed by or associated with the program, (B) a statement as to whether the attorney is receiving any compensation other than reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses, and (C) an agreement that, within ten days after cessation of the attorney's employment or association, the Executive Director will file the Notice required by section (e) of this Rule.(d)Certificate of Authorization to Practice.(1) Issuance of Certificate Upon the filing of the proof of eligibility required by this Rule, the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall issue a certificate under the seal of the Court certifying that the attorney is authorized to practice under this Rule, subject to the automatic termination provision of section (e) of this Rule.
(2) Contents of Certificate The certificate shall state (A) the effective date, (B) whether the attorney (i) is authorized to receive compensation for the practice of law under this Rule or (ii) is authorized to practice exclusively as a pro bono attorney pursuant to Rule 19-504, and (C) pursuant to subsection (d)(3), any expiration date of the special authorization to practice.
(3) Expiration Date of Certificate (A) If Attorney Is Paid If the attorney is receiving compensation for the practice of law under this Rule, the expiration date shall be no later than four years after the effective date.
Committee note: An attorney who intends to practice law in Maryland for compensation for more than four years should apply for admission to the Maryland Bar.
(B) If Attorney is Not Paid If the attorney is receiving no compensation other than reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses, no expiration date shall be stated.
(e)Notice to Supreme Court of Automatic Termination or Status Change of Specially Authorized Attorney. Authorization to practice under this Rule is automatically terminated if the attorney ceases to be employed by or associated with the legal services program. Within ten days after cessation of the attorney's employment or association or after an attorney's status with the legal services program changes from pro bono to paid, the Executive Director of the legal services program shall file with the Clerk of the Supreme Court notice of the termination of authorization or change in status.(f)Disciplinary Proceedings in Another Jurisdiction. Promptly upon the filing of a disciplinary proceeding in another jurisdiction, an attorney authorized to practice under this Rule shall notify the Executive Director of the legal services program of the disciplinary matter. An attorney authorized to practice under this Rule who in another jurisdiction (1) is disbarred, suspended, or otherwise disciplined, (2) resigns from the bar while disciplinary or remedial action is threatened or pending in that jurisdiction, or (3) is placed on inactive status based on incapacity shall inform Bar Counsel and the Clerk of the Supreme Court promptly of the discipline, resignation, or inactive status.(g)Revocation or Suspension. At any time, the Court, in its discretion, may revoke or suspend an attorney's authorization to practice under this Rule by written notice to the attorney. By amendment or deletion of this Rule, the Court may modify, suspend, or revoke the special authorizations of all out-of-state attorneys issued pursuant to this Rule.(h)Special Authorization not Admission. Out-of-state attorneys authorized to practice under this Rule are not, and shall not represent themselves to be, members of the Bar of this State, except in connection with practice that is authorized under this Rule. They are required to make payments to the Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland and the Disciplinary Fund, except that an attorney who is receiving no compensation other than reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses is not required to make the payments.(i)Rules of Professional Conduct. An attorney authorized to practice under this Rule is subject to the Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct.(j)Reports. Upon request by the Administrative Office of the Courts, an attorney authorized to practice under this Rule shall timely file an IOLTA Compliance Report in accordance with Rule 19-409 and a Pro Bono Legal Service Report in accordance with Rule 19-503. This Rule is derived from former Rule 19-215(2018).
Formerly Rule 19-215, adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended Aug. 23, 2018, eff. 9/1/2018. Renumbered Rule 19-218 Dec. 4, 2018, eff. 3/1/2019; amended April 21, 2023, eff. 4/1/2023; amended Nov. 28, 2023, eff. 1/1/2024; amended Nov. 13, 2024, eff. 1/1/2025.HISTORICAL NOTES
2018 Orders
The August 23, 2018 order, amended subsection (d) to permit the Court to extend the expiration date for good cause shown.
The December 4, 2018 order re-numbered this rule from Rule 19-215; and conformed the Rule for implementation of the Uniform Bar Exam.