New York Enacts In-House Counsel Registration Rule

Lee Braem

Joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and most States, New York has finally enacted special in-house licensing rules.  Under the rules, a counsel working for a corporation or other business in the State, who does not have a plenary law license from New York, will need to register to avoid engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.  The new Rules, codified as 22 NYCRR Part 522, took effect on April 20th.  

As with most other in-house licensing schemes, the in-house counsel applicant must be admitted in at least one other state, be in good standing, and submit all required proof of eligibility.  A registered in-house counsel would still need to be admitted pro hac for appearances before any tribunal, must pay the biennial registration fee of $375, and must meet the State's legal CLE requirements.