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Registration of In-House Counsel

Effective April 20, 2011, the New York State Court of Appeals adopted a new rule (22 NYCRR 522), permitting registration as In-house Counsel by attorneys who, though not admitted to the NY bar, are employed full time in this State by a non-governmental corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity that is not itself engaged in the practice of law or the rendering of legal services outside such organization.

The complete rule, including definitions of the scope of legal services which may be performed by an In-house Counsel, can be found at: www.nycourts.gov/ctapps/522rules11.htm

To comply with the requirements of the new rule, prospective candidates must first file an application with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in which they reside, are employed, or intend to be employed as In-house Counsel. To assist in determining the appropriate court to which a candidate may apply, please review the jurisdiction of each court at: www.nycourts.gov/courts/appellatedivisions.shtml

In-House Counsel Application Forms and Instructions:

Each application must include a certificate of good standing from each jurisdiction in which the applicant is licensed to practice law, together with a letter from each jurisdiction's grievance committee or attorney disciplinary body certifying whether charges have ever been filed against the applicant, and, if so, the substance and the disposition of the charges. Further, the applicant must be admitted to at least one jurisdiction which permits attorneys admitted in New York to practice as in-house counsel. At present, New York recognizes these States and Districts for this purpose.

If the Appellate Division accepts a candidate for registration as in-house counsel, the candidate will receive further instructions by mail on how to register with the Office of Court Administration as required pursuant to Part 522.3(c) and Part 118.3.

At this time, In-house Counsel applicants are not assessed application or registration fees, nor are they required to complete NYS Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits.