Foreign Legal Consultants (Rule 11)

Under Rule 11 of the Rules for Admission to the Bar, a person who has been admitted to practice in a foreign country as a lawyer or counselor at law may apply for a license as a foreign legal consultant in the State of Minnesota.

Requirements

You must meet the following minimum requirements to apply under Rule 11:

  • Have been admitted to practice in a foreign country as a lawyer or counselor at law
  • Have been engaged in the practice of law of that country as your principal occupation for at least five of the seven years immediately preceding the application
  • Be able to provide documentation that you are in good standing as a lawyer or counselor at law or the equivalent in that country, and that you have remained in good standing throughout the period of your practice
  • Receive a good character and fitness recommendation from the Minnesota Board of Law Examiners
  • Have a post-secondary degree in law
  • Intend to practice as a foreign legal consultant in this state
  • Maintain an office in this state for the purpose of practicing as a foreign legal consultant
  • Provide evidence that you have professional liability insurance in an amount deemed sufficient by Director

See Rule 11 for additional guidance.

Limitations

  • You must maintain an office in this state for the purpose of practicing as a foreign legal consultant
  • You may not practice U.S. law
  • You may only render services in this state respecting the laws of the country in which you are licensed to practice law
  • You must re-certify every three years with the Board of Law Examiners
  • You must pay an annual registration fee to the Minnesota Supreme Court Lawyer Registration Office

See Rule 11 for additional guidance.

Apply

Motion applicants who have already begun completing the paper version of the bar application prior to the Online Bar Application’s launch on June 3, 2022, will be permitted to submit a paper application until October 1, 2022. If you intend to submit your application after October 1, 2022, you must use the online application. No paper applications will be accepted after that date.

Click here to begin the application process.

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