Lawyer Question

[Anthill]

Can a lawyer who passed the bar exam in a specific state represent a client anywhere in that state? I always thought that each State had an exam and you passed it and then say you can practice law in as many states that you passed the exam for. So i thought that as long as you passed the exam you can practice anywhere w/ in that state. I guess my example would be if I took the exam and passed in Philadelphia PA I could practice and help a client that needed help and representation in Lancaster county. Does anyone understand my question? Please help. Thanks

[pepperpot]

My opinion/understanding, if they pass in that State, they can practice anywhere in that state. So if they pass PA bar, they cannot, for example, practice in NJ unless they pass the NJ bar, but they can practice anywhere in PA. :shrug If it's a state exam, it means 'state' (not just county within that state).

[Quaker_Parrots]

The only way the can practice in another state is if that state reciprocates the license from the other state or states they have taken the bar and are licensed in. Example, my bosses dd is a lawyer (we live in MI) she lives and practices in California. She took the bar in Illinois as well because that Bar is one of the hardest in the country and several states reciprocate it, so if she ever decides to move back to MI, she is covered and can practice here, or if her firm has a case in say Chicago, she is covered.

[buglebe]

Was your question answered?

[Anthill]

yes it was I finally got a chance to get back on here. Thanks for all your replies. I thought it was a state thing and not a county thing. My BIL told my MIL that he has to get a new lawyer because his ex is fighting him for sole custody and some other type of custody and he said that his lawyer couldn't help because it was in a different county (Same state but a different county) And I thought that doesn't make sense it is a bar exam for the STATE not county or city. And When I said something to my MIL she snapped at me as if I didn't have a brain in my head saying: well that is what his lawyer told him. OK so i shut up and then thought I am going to investigate this. So thanks everyone!!!!

[justme23]

Maybe he misunderstood and his lawyer told him to get one that specializes in custody cases?

[Anthill]

I don't think he misunderstood anything I think he is trying to get more money out of my MIL and is tellling her that. he had a lawyer when he got divorced and then when my SIL started to go after him for more money and was challenging the terms of the custody he had to get a different lawyer that he could help him. And again he needed money for the retainer. Both my BIL and SIL are not playing nicely in this divorce and are both doing stuff to piss each other off instead of what is best for the kids. And even my MIL gets in the mix by telling my BIL bad advice and then tries to tell me how "Wonderful" she was when she divoreced my DH's father. yeah whatever. She told me last night that the money that thier father gave her in child support she banked it and when my Dh turned 18 she gave him the money. I asked him about that he said he never recieved any money. Did she think I wouldn't ask him??? I try not to get involved, it was just that when she told me that the lawyer couldn't help him that county I thought the thing was hokey so for my piece of mind I wanted to check it out. I would never tell them because I don't know anything, I am just the stupid daughter in law, who's parents never got divorced, I have never been thru a divorce, etc. So how could I know anything it's not like I read books, the newspaper, watch the news etc. They think I am stupid so I walk away. thanks for your help in this. Have a great day

[pepperpot]

Could it be that the filings have to be done in a certain county and the lawyer is too lazy or just doesn't go to the other county to file? Not that he isn't allowed, but he'd rather not travel, etc.? To me, that sounds more like it. He may have suggested getting another attorney in that county who would be more familiar with those judges and have easier access to the courts? :shrug (Attorneys also charge $$$$ for travel time.)

[jasmine]

I would call your BIL's lawyer and act like a potential client..... and just ask if he performs divorces or whatever in so and so county and see what he says. LOL

[buglebe]

I think if an attorney is practicing in one part of the state and wants to practice in another part of the state, that out of professional courtesy he attaches himself to a firm in that new area. Possibly the lawyer didn't want to be bothered by doing that.
So he chose not to make more money on this case and let someone else handle it.