The general rule is a lawyer can only practice law in a state court when they have been admitted to the bar of that state. An exception would be when the attorney is admitted on a pro hac vice basis, where the out-of-state lawyer can practice with an in-state attorney acting as local counsel.
In order to be licensed in Texas without taking the Texas Bar Examination, you must demonstrate that you: Hold a J.D. from an ABA-approved U.S. law school or satisfy each element of a Rule 13 exemption from the law study requirement. Are licensed to practice law in another state.
Attorneys licensed to practice law in another state or jurisdiction may seek full licensure in California or seek to practice law in California under limited circumstances through one of several State Bar special admissions programs.
In most cases, your attorney must be admitted to the bar in the state with jurisdiction. Most states have a process for an out of state attorney to be admitted to represent a client for one case only. The Latin phrase “pro hac vice” or “for this occasion only” describes this process.
The process in Texas is not based on reciprocity with other jurisdictions. Attorneys meeting the requirements may apply for admission.
If you're considering a career in law, but don't want to be necessarily tied down to a specific state, then you do have options. Your first option is to take the bar exam in multiple states, which may be something you'll have to do if the state you're moving to does not have any reciprocal agreements in place.
Illinois has reciprocity agreements with: AK, CO, CT, DC, GA, GU, IN, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NMI, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, USVI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.
Texas's additional reciprocity requirements include: Law Degree. A law degree from an ABA approved law school (determined at the time of enrollment or graduation and not at a later date). Character and Fitness.
Ing to the ABA, the most common attorney discipline complaints filed with the bar association involve: Neglect. Lack of communication. Misrepresentation or dishonesty. Scope of representation. Fee disputes.
ILLINOIS: Has reciprocity agreements with the following states: AK, CO, CT, DC, GA, GU, IN, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NMI, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, USVI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.