how to find a lawyer that practices in multiple states

by Zoie Harris 6 min read

  1. Visit the ABA website. (See Reference 1.) Click on the "Public Resources" menu and scroll down and click on "Lawyer Locator."
  2. Make sure that "Lawyers" is selected in the "Search For" screen at the top of the "Lawyer Locator" section.
  3. Select the jurisdictions where your legal problem arises in the "U.S. State/Canadian Province" window.
  4. Select the areas of law that best cover your legal problem (s) under the "Areas of Practice" window.
  5. Click on the jurisdictions in which you need the attorneys to be licensed under the "Bar Admissions" window.
  6. Skip the "Years in Practice" and "Major Memberships" windows and click on "Go." The system will return information on attorneys who meet your search criteria.

The ABA provides a link which allows members of the public to search for an attorney licensed in more than one jurisdiction.
  1. Visit the ABA website. ...
  2. Make sure that "Lawyers" is selected in the "Search For" screen at the top of the "Lawyer Locator" section.

How to locate a dual state jurisdiction attorney?

  • find an attorney's state bar number;
  • search for an attorney's contact information by name;
  • determining whether the lawyer is authorized to practice law, licensed in the jurisdiction, active and in good standing;
  • whether the attorney was suspended, disbarred, or resigned because of serious misconduct;

More items...

Can attorneys practice law in any state?

The simple answer is no: Attorneys must be admitted to the bar in each state they wish to practice in. However, legal answers are rarely so simple, and indeed, there are exceptions that would allow an attorney from one state to practice in another state.

Can attorneys practice law without passing the bar exam?

The bar exam is a ritual, a rite of passage and a way to find out if individuals have mastered the skills necessary to be a practicing lawyer. However, in four states, people can practice law without having to pass the bar exam. The COVID-19 crisis is the primary reason the bar exam has been waived.

Are attorneys licensed by state?

There is no such thing as an Attorney License to practice law. The UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT held a long time ago that The practice of Law CANNOT be licensed by any state/State. This was so stated in a case named Schware v.

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Can lawyers specialize in more than one area?

Yes, as a member of the bar, you are permitted to practice any area of law. The reality is, who would hire you to practice in areas of your weakness and how much time would you be willing to devote in learning those areas of law.

Can law firms have multiple locations?

This can either be in a shared law office suite, executive suite, or even at another law firm's office. A basic package shouldn't cost more than $100/month (plus conference room rental fees when you need it) and the agreements are typically month-to-month.

Can California lawyers practice in other states?

CALIFORNIA: The state does not offer reciprocity, but offers a shorter bar examination for attorneys licensed in other states with good standing for at least four years prior to application. COLORADO: Other states have to reciprocate for Colorado lawyers.

Can a New York lawyer practice in California?

An attorney who passed the New York bar exam and is admitted to practice in New York, for example, cannot practice law in California without first passing the California bar exam and being admitted in California. (Some states do allow attorneys to use bar admissions in other states to “waive” into the bar.

Why do law firms have multiple offices?

It can make it easier to manage the facilities and technological issues that may exist in a law firm when there is a single location. On the other hand, if you have one location, all your clients and potential clients have to travel to this single location.

What is the sole owner of a law firm called?

Law Firm Partners Often called shareholders, they are owners and operators of the firm at the same time. The law firm can take many forms and structures. Firms with just one attorney are called sole proprietorships.

Can a lawyer practice in two states?

Indian lawyers will be able to practice in all courts and tribunals across India irrespective of which bar council they are enrolled in, after law minister Veerappa Moily said he would notify long-pending section 30 of the Advocates Act 1961.

Can a New York lawyer practice in Florida?

Florida's Bar Association does not have “reciprocity” with any other state bar association. Reciprocity means that two state bar associations have agreed that lawyers in state A can practice in state B, and vice-versa, without taking another bar exam as long as they meet the other state's admission requirements.

What state has the hardest bar exam?

California. When thinking about the hardest bar exams, it's hard not to immediately bring up California. According to popular opinion, California might have the most difficult bar exam in the country.

Can a lawyer waive into California bar?

California does not offer bar admission without taking the California Bar Exam. All attorneys must take the California bar exam in order to be admitted to the California Bar.

Can a NY lawyer practice in NJ?

Thus, a New York lawyer may do no more in New Jersey regarding federal law than any other non-lawyer could do. Even a nationally renowned patent or customs or antitrust specialist licensed in New York has no greater rights to perform services for New Jersey clients than a high school dropout.

Is California bar harder than NY?

Overall, California's new 1,390 passing score places it seventh highest in the nation. For context, New York's cut score stands at 1,330.

Thomas J. Wagner

You could google "lawyer admitted to practice Massachusetts and ___________" (insert other state. I agree that it is unlikely that local lawyers are "threatened" or afraid to take your case but simply do not believe there is a case. More

Erik Hammarlund

You can search Avvo. Generally speaking, most attorneys will list their state bar memberships. You can search Google, e.g. "Bar membership STATE1 and STATE2" or "member of the bar STATE1 and STATE2" and so on...

Rixon Charles Rafter III

One way is to use Avvo's find a lawyer tab--you can view lawyers and their profiles--many with multiple bar admissions. FWIW, if lawyers in your area are refusing your case--that is a strong indication that you don't have a case--as a general rule lawyers are NOT afraid of local courts...

How to select more than one jurisdiction?

Select the jurisdictions where your legal problem arises in the "U.S. State/Canadian Province" window. Hold down the control key to select more than one jurisdiction. The system works best if you select just one jurisdiction under this window.

Is there a bar association for attorneys in more than one state?

Attorneys are generally licensed in a single state, although a few attorneys are licensed in more than one state. There is not a bar association specifically for attorneys licensed in more than one jurisdiction. However, there are several national bar associations such as the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Bar Association (NBA). The ABA provides a link which allows members of the public to search for an attorney licensed in more than one jurisdiction.

What is the first qualification for a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem. No one you listen to and nothing you read will be able to guarantee that a particular lawyer will be the best for you; you must judge that for yourself.

What is legal group plan?

Employers or unions set up a fund to pay the employees’ legal fees, with the employee sometimes contributing a small co-payment. Legal group plans have become much more widespread in recent years. Some retail department stores and credit card companies even offer such plans to their customers.

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.

Is there a free legal aid program?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income. Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters.

Do lawyers use ads?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs. Some ads also will help you determine a lawyer’s area of expertise. Other ads will quote a fee or price range for handling a specific type of “simple” case. Keep in mind that your case may not have a simple solution. If a lawyer quotes a fee, be certain you know exactly what services and expenses the charge does and does not include.

2 attorney answers

No. Under both Choice of Laws principals and the UCJEA you only need a KY family law attorney to register the TX Judgment. Then file for custody and relocation in KY if you are seeking custody or just a modification.

Ellen Cronin Badeaux

If Kentucky has become the "home state" of the children under the UCJEA, then you may only need a Kentucky lawyer, but if you need one licensed in both states, you will probably have to use google and make several phone calls until you find one who practices custody law. More

How to get a feel for an attorney?

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

Is a lawyer an attorney?

The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" have a lot in common, but not all lawyers are attorneys.

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer?

Although an attorney isn’t always necessary when dealing with legal situations, if you’ve decided you want to hire a lawyer, you may now be wondering how you go about finding a good one. Before you begin your search to find a lawyer, remember there are different types of lawyers, from estate planning to criminal defense.

Why do I want to become a multi state lawyer?

The most obvious reason to become a multi-state lawyer is to increase the number of potential clients you can represent. This is especially true for attorneys who have a highly specialized practice and may find themselves unable to expand in their current market.

Why do litigators choose not to practice in multiple states?

This means that litigators often decide against practicing in multiple states due to the hassle of getting to the point where they are able to work.

Can I take the bar exam in multiple states?

Sitting for the Bar Exam in multiple states is the most obvious way to become a multi-state lawyer, but it is not a popular route to take. However, when a state doesn’t offer any reciprocity or accept UBE scores, there may be no alternative option. Many multi-state lawyers consider taking a second state’s bar exam to be much easier and less stressful than the first time they passed.

Is it easier to get a bar in multiple states?

As more and more work shifts into the online space, passing the bar in multiple states is becoming easier than it has ever been.

Do states have reciprocity?

Many states offer reciprocity if you meet certain conditions. States that offer reciprocity typically require a certain amount of experience practicing law, and/or may allow you to practice if you have passed the bar in a state they have deemed allowable.

Can I practice law in multiple states?

Many people have been wondering about how to be a multi-state lawyer, especially now that so many lawyers are working from home. While it’s difficult, and there are significant costs involved, there are many benefits to being a lawyer and being able to practice law in multiple jurisdictions. As more and more work shifts into the online space, passing the bar in multiple states is becoming easier than it has ever been.

Is it easier to practice in one jurisdiction or multiple states?

While it is always going to be easier to simply practice in a single jurisdiction, becoming a multi-state lawyer does have benefits. If you feel as though the advantages are worth the cost and time it would take to obtain multiple bar cards, it could give you increased opportunities and allow you to expand your business.

How to find an attorney in New York?

Search for New York Attorneys - To verify the license, good standing, or bar number of an attorney in New York, use the “attorney search” feature on the New York State Unified Court System (USC) website. To search the USC database for an attorney in New York, you must enter the attorney’s first name, middle name, last name, or sort by city, state, registration number, registration status or year admitted. The name in the USC database of attorneys corresponds to the name in the Appellate Division Admissions file.

Why is the state bar the best source of current information about an attorney?

Because the attorney is required to keep the information updated, these directories maintained by the state bar are often the best source of the most current information about the attorney.

What to know before hiring an attorney?

Before you hire an attorney, you might want to confirm whether any disciplinary action was taken against the attorney by a state bar or the court system. Most of these bar directories also allow the public to research the attorney's licensing and disciplinary history.

What is the directory of attorneys called?

The directory maintained by the state bar or its disciplinary board is sometimes called the "Roster of Attorneys" or the "Roll of Attorneys."

How to find out if an attorney is inactive?

Use the links below to select the state where the attorney practices law. Then go to the state bar site to search the attorney's name or bar number. On many of these directories, you can see if the license has ever been inactive or if the attorney was disciplined for misconduct.

What is the state bar association?

Some states have a voluntary bar association that focuses on advancing and improving the legal profession. Some states have a bar that is a government-sanctioned body charged with the regulation and licensing of attorneys. In some states, one organization serves both functions. Every state, however, has at least one entity that exists to assure confidence in and accountability for attorneys.

What information does the state bar database have?

Generally, the state bar database provides information about the attorney's name, address, phone number, email address, education, area of practice or specialty, and years in practice.

What states have good standing attorneys?

South Dakota - Call the State Bar of South Dakota (605-224-7554) to determine if a person is licensed to practice law and in good standing. Tennessee. Texas. Utah. Vermont - Select the link for "Attorneys in Good Standing". Virginia.

What states have bar associations?

Nevada. New Hampshire - Call the New Hampshire Bar Association (603-224-6942) to determine if a person is licensed to practice law and in good standing. New Jersey.

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Can Lawyers Practice in Any State?

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Mostly, no. Most practice areas are governed by state law, and those will require a State Bar license. Even fields of law that are primarily federal—bankruptcy, immigration, etc.—may require a State Bar license. However, there has been considerable litigation and debate amongst the courts on that issue. The Sixth Circuitsaid yes, but your local Sta...
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Benefits of Becoming A Multi-State Lawyer

  • More opportunities to grow your client base
    The biggest benefit of being a multistate lawyer is that you open up a larger client base. For example, for states that lack population density for your niche legal practice area, being able to take cases from the other side of the state line is big. For some practice areas(like business formation, litigation, mass torts), where venue shopping i…
  • Increased geographical flexibility
    With the law, they only offer a bar exam twice per year. Also, moving between states can throw your career off for months or even years. This is because you have to deal with licensure and character and fitness requirements. Personally, when I met my wife, I was licensed in California and had just taken the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) in Mi…
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Ethical Responsibilities of Becoming A Multi-State Lawyer

  • As mentioned, there is a great debate on whether you need multiple State Bar licenses if you are primarily practicing federal law. Some lawyers take the stance of “it’s primarily federal, so I’ll practice everywhere.” On the other hand, a lawyer who practiced bankruptcy law in Michigan while carrying only a Texas bar card wasadmitted to the federal court. Years of litigation later, the Sixth Circuit sided with himin a closedecision and the issue rema…
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Not Quite “Uniform” Bar Exam

  • It is no longer 50 states, 50 bar exams. Even the legendarily difficult New York state bar exam is now gone in favor of the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). There are even rumors that California—the state that once had the longest, most difficult exam and zero reciprocity—may move to the UBE soon. The Uniform Bar Exam is at once a welcome change and a frustrating misnomer. While each state that adopted the UBE administers the same test, the rules …
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Transactional Lawyer vs. Litigator

  • The process of gaining admission to the bar will not vary based on whether or not you like to step into a courtroom. Similarly, the advantages are similar for transactional lawyers and litigators if they stack up a couple of bar cards. For transactional lawyers, other than the cost of admission, bar dues, and CLEs, there is very little downside to being a multi-state lawyer. You can probably also expand your practiceto cover multiple states over…
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Federal Courts

  • As mentioned, there is a great debate about whether you need additional state licenses for practicing federal law out-of-state. Theoretically, if you are admitted to the federal court and the law is entirely federal, you should not need a local State Bar license. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get into trouble with the State Bar from the unauthorized practice of law. However, it is important to note that if the lawyers are practicing in a state but don’…
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Practical Considerations For Multi-State Lawyers

  • For lawyers licensed in multiple states, be prepared to put in more work upfront. Trust accounts?Some states will allow you to piggyback on another state’s trust account if you are a multi-state legal practitioner. But most states will require their own. Finding a bank that can effectively handle lawyer trust accounts is challenging in itself. Finding a bank that can successfully handle trust accounts in multiplestates is even harder.
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You Could Benefit from Getting Licensed in Multiple States

  • Admittedly, it is so much easier to just practice in one state. However, there are many benefits to becoming a multi-state lawyer, including increased flexibility and opportunities to grow your legal practice. Today, with reciprocity and uniform bar admission, becoming a multi-state lawyer is a lot less challenging than before. If your circumstances require it or if you find it advantageous for your law firm to practice law in another state, adding …
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