<h3 style="text-align:center;">RULES OF SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA<br /></h3><h4 style="text-align:center;">PART B. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES</h4><p><strong style="font-size:1em;"> </strong></p><h4><strong>Rule XVII. ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA</strong><br /></h4><p><strong>SECTION 1. Committee on Bar Admissions.</strong> The Court's constitutional authority to regulate the admission of qualified applicants to the Bar of this state shall be administered by the Committee on Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana.<br /><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Composition and Terms</span>. The Committee shall consist of nineteen (19) members of the Bar appointed by the Court on recommendation of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Every member of the Committee shall have been admitted to the Bar of this state for a minimum of five years and shall be a member in good standing during their term of office. The members of the Committee shall be appointed for a term of five years, and may be reappointed for one additional term of five years. No member of the Committee may serve for more than ten years, whether or not such years are consecutive. Subject to this limitation, each member of the Committee shall continue to serve after the expiration of his or her term until a successor has been appointed.<br /><br />Notwithstanding the aforementioned limitation on reappointment terms and length of service, Committee members who are elected or chosen to the following positions may be reappointed to a third term of five years:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Committee Chair; <br /><br />(2)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Director of Character and Fitness; <br /><br />(3)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Director of Accommodations; <br /><br />(4)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Director of Testing; and <br /><br />(5)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Members of the Testing Committee.<br /></p><p>In addition, the Committee Chair may be reappointed to serve an additional one-year term as the Immediate Past Chair following his or her service as Committee Chair.<br /><br /><strong>[Rule XVII, Section 1(A) amended effective May 29, 2014]</strong><br /><br />(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Powers of the Committee</span>. The Committee shall elect its own chair and such other officers as it deems necessary to carry out its duties. All officers shall serve at the pleasure of the Committee. The Committee may adopt internal operating rules and procedures which shall be effective upon approval of the Court.<br /><br />(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Assistant Examiners</span>. Upon request of the Committee, the Court may appoint such assistant examiners as the Committee may require. Every assistant examiner shall have been admitted to the Bar of this state for a minimum of five years and shall be a member in good standing during their appointment. Assistant examiners shall serve at the pleasure of the Court.<br /><br />(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Representation of the Committee</span>. The Attorney for Character and Fitness may act as counsel for the Committee relative to any investigative, Commissioner, Court or other proceeding. <strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(E) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Conflicts of Interest; Law School Faculty; Bar Review Courses</span>. Members of the Committee and Assistant Examiners should not have adverse interests, conflicting duties or inconsistent obligations that will in any way interfere with the proper and impartial administration of their duties. No full time member of any law school faculty shall serve as a member of the Committee or as an Assistant Examiner. No member of the adjunct faculty of any law school shall serve as an Examiner or Assistant Examiner for any examination subject that such person teaches in law school. No person who owns a financial interest in, or who participates in the management of, or who provides instruction or materials for any Bar Review Course shall serve as a member of the Committee or as an Assistant Examiner. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(F) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Immunity</span>. Without limiting, restricting or waiving any privilege or immunity otherwise available under state or federal law:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) Members of the Committee, Assistant Examiners, Equivalency Panel Members, Commissioners, the Attorney for Character and Fitness, and their respective employees, consultants and agents shall be immune from suit for any act or failure to act, if taken or omitted or made in the course of their official duties or reasonably related to their official duties, including, without limitation, any communications made in an official capacity.<br /><br />(2) Communications to the Court, the Committee or its members, Assistant Examiners, Equivalency Panel Members, Commissioners, the Attorney for Character and Fitness, and their respective employees, consultants or agents, and testimony given regarding an applicant, potential applicant or conditionally admitted lawyer, shall be absolutely privileged, and no lawsuit predicated thereon may be instituted against any person or entity supplying such communication or testimony. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /></p><p>(G) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Confidentiality</span>. The files of applicants for admission and the internal proceedings of the Committee concerning an applicant for admission shall be kept confidential, except as otherwise provided in this Rule or by Order of the Court. Upon written request, the Committee may release information which would otherwise be confidential to licensing, disciplinary or law enforcement agencies of any jurisdiction, or to any person or party at the request of the applicant, provided a written authorization for release is supplied by the applicant. Disclosure may be made to the Lawyer’s Assistance Program and to any other person or entity to the extent deemed necessary by the Committee for the purpose of investigating and evaluating the character and fitness of applicants. Statistical information not identified with any particular applicant and information relating to whether and when an applicant has been admitted is not confidential and may be publicized or released to any person. <strong>[Enacted effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /><br />(H) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Application</span>. The confidentiality provisions of this rule shall be applicable to all proceedings filed or pending on or after February 1, 2014. Any published orders, judgments or opinions rendered by this court prior to February 1, 2014 shall remain public; however, the records of those proceedings shall be maintained under seal subject to the exceptions set forth in this rule. <strong>[Enacted effective February 1, 2014]</strong></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>SECTION 2. Duties of the Committee. The Committee shall:</strong><br /><br />(A) Receive and review applications for admission to the Bar of this state and the application fee(s) therefor as fixed by the Committee with approval of the Court. The form of such application shall be designated by the Committee.<br /><br />(B) Inquire into the qualifications of applicants for admission to the Bar of this state, including whether each applicant possesses the good moral character and fitness required to practice law in this state.<br /><br />(C) Conduct regular written examinations, at least twice per year on dates designated by the chair of the Committee, on such subjects as may be designated by the Committee and approved by the Court.<br /><br />(D) Report to the Court, in writing, the names of all applicants whom the Committee finds to have met all requirements for admission to the Bar of this state.<br /><br />(E) Publish, in a manner it deems appropriate, the requirements for admission to the Bar of this state, the dates on which the written examination will be administered each year, the subject(s) of the written examination and the scope of such written examination, and the results of each examination.<br /><br /><strong>SECTION 3. Requisites for Admission to the Bar.</strong> Every applicant for admission to the Bar of this state shall meet all of the following requirements:<br /><br />(A) Have reached the age of 18 years as of the date of admission.<br /><br />(B) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien otherwise authorized to work lawfully in the United States. <strong>[Amended effective January 1, 2009]</strong><br /><br />(C) Have demonstrated sound mind, good moral character and fitness to practice law in accordance with Section 5 of this Rule.<br /><br />(D) Be a graduate of a law school located in the United States or its territories that is accredited by the American Bar Association as of the date on which a juris doctorate or its equivalent is conferred on the applicant. If an applicant is a graduate of a law school that is not located in the United States or its territories, such applicant must submit an application for an equivalency determination in accordance with Section 6 of this Rule.<br /><br />(E) Have submitted a written certification of graduation and fitness by the dean or chancellor of the law school from which the applicant graduated.<br /><br />(F) Satisfactorily complete the written examination as provided in Sections 7 and 8 of this Rule.<br /><br />(G) Submit an application for admission to the Bar, request the preparation of a character report in accordance with Section 4 of this Rule, and pay the applicable fees as provided in the Appendix of this Rule. <strong>[Amended effective August 1, 2008]</strong></p><p>(H)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Upon satisfactorily fulfilling all requisites outlined in (A) through (G) above, have been administered the oath in person by a sitting justice, the clerk, or deputy clerk of the Louisiana Supreme Court. <strong>[Enacted effective November 30, 2022]</strong></p><p><strong></strong>The requirements outlined in (D), (E) and (G) above shall be met before an applicant sits for Part I of the written examination outlined in (F) above and Sections 7 and 8 below. <strong>[Amended effective October 25, 2018]</strong></p><p><strong></strong>If the requirement outlined in (C) above is satisfied by an applicant who is an alien authorized to work lawfully in the United States for a period of less than five (5) years, after fulfilling all other requisites for admission set forth above, such applicant shall be required to provide proof of continued authorization to work lawfully in the United States on an annual basis to the Louisiana State Bar Association in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 16 of this Rule.<strong> </strong><strong>[Amended effective November 2, 2022]</strong><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 4. The Application Process</strong>. Any person seeking admission to the Louisiana Bar shall apply to the Committee and shall request that the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) prepare a character report, as more fully described below and in accordance with instructions posted at <a href="http://www.lascba.org" target="_blank">http://www.lascba.org</a>. Bar Admission fees approved by the Court are set forth in the Appendix of this Rule. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Law Student Registration Program</span>.<br />Every prospective applicant for admission to the Bar of this state who is enrolled in one of the ABA accredited law schools located in this state, shall participate in the Law Student Registration Program administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). Each prospective applicant shall submit an application to the NCBE and pay the prescribed fee no later than October 1 st of the fall semester of the second academic year of law school. The NCBE shall conduct an investigation into the applicant's character and fitness and submit to the Committee a preliminary report of its findings. Any prospective applicant for admission to the Bar of the state who is enrolled in an ABA accredited law school located outside of the state may participate in the Law Student Registration Program administered by the NCBE, in which case the above rule shall apply to said student. <strong>[Amended effective November 19, 2002]</strong><br /><br />(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Preliminary Report of Adverse Information</span>. Upon receipt of a preliminary report from the NCBE reflecting adversely upon the character and fitness of the applicant to practice law in this state, the Committee shall notify the applicant that, based upon such report, it has made a preliminary determination that, if the applicant applies for admission to the Bar, it may not certify the applicant to the Court for admission, and advise the applicant of the adverse information received. Within 30 days of receipt of such notice the applicant may submit a written response to the information received by the Committee. Within 45 days of receipt of any such response, the Committee shall notify the prospective applicant whether the information submitted has caused the Committee to make a preliminary determination that it may certify the prospective applicant for admission. Within 30 days of such notice the applicant may submit a written response or materials to the Committee pertinent to the adverse information.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">(C) Application for Admission to the Bar: Supplemental Investigation by National Conference of Bar Examiners</span>. An applicant applying for the examination administered in July shall on or before February 1st submit a Bar Examination Application and payment of the applicable fees to the Committee on Bar Admissions and a request for the preparation of a character report and payment to the NCBE.<br /><br />An applicant may apply for the July examination after the February 1st deadline, provided the Bar Examination Application and Request for Preparation of a Character Report are received no later than May 15th. Late applicants shall submit a late filing fee to the Committee in addition to all other applicable fees. Under no circumstances will the Committee process an application to take the July examination, and under no circumstances will the Court grant a petition to take the July examination, if the application is received by the Committee after May 15th.<br /><br />An applicant applying for the examination administered in February shall on or before November 1st of the year preceding the February bar exam submit a Bar Examination Application along with payment of the applicable fees to the Committee on Bar Admissions and a Request for the Preparation of a Character Report and payment to the NCBE.<br /><br />An applicant may apply for the February examination after the November 1st deadline, provided the Bar Examination Application and Request for Preparation of a Character Report are received no later than December 15th. Late applicants shall submit a late filing fee to the Committee in addition to all other applicable fees. Under no circumstances will the Committee process an application to take the February examination, and under no circumstances will the Court grant a petition to take the February examination, if the application is received after December 15th.<br /><br />An applicant who is applying for re-examination in accordance with Section 8 may apply for a waiver of the foregoing provisions requiring a Request for the Preparation of a Character Report by certifying no change in circumstances on a form prescribed by the Committee; however, in no instance shall a waiver be granted more than two years after the date of the applicant’s most recent Request for the Preparation of a Character Report. Furthermore, notwithstanding the other application deadlines set forth above in this Section 4(C), applications for re-examination pursuant to Section 8 will be accepted by the Committee if filed on or before December 15 for the February examination, and on or before May 15 for the July examination. Under no circumstances will the Committee process an application for re-examination, and under no circumstances will the Court grant a petition to re-take the examination, if the application for re-examination is received by the Committee after December 15 for the February examination, or after May 15 for the July examination.<br /><br />If the applicant has participated in the Law Student Registration Program, the applicant shall submit to the Committee a Bar Examination Application and payment of the applicable fees to the Committee, in accordance with the deadlines established above. The applicant shall also submit a request for a supplemental report on a form prescribed by the NCBE, and payment of the applicable fee to the NCBE, in accordance with the deadlines established above.<br /><br />No applicant shall be admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana until a final, satisfactory report of investigation has been received from the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and the Committee certifies the applicant’s character and fitness to practice law.<br /><strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Notice of Failure to Meet Requirements</span>. If the Committee determines that the applicant does not meet the requirements of Section 3 of this Rule and that the applicant will not be certified to the Court for admission to the Bar of this state, it shall notify the applicant in writing of such determination and the reason(s) therefor. The applicant may appeal the Committee’s determination under the provisions of Section 9. <strong>[Amended effective August 1, 2008] </strong><br /></p><p>(E) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Request for Accommodation; Americans with Disabilities Act</span>. Any applicant who requests special accommodations for the written examination under the Americans with Disabilities Act shall make such request, in writing, to the Committee on or before November 1st for the February Bar examination, or on or before February 1st for the July examination and shall thereafter provide promptly to the Committee such supporting or corroborating information as the Committee may request. The Committee shall advise the applicant of its decision not less than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the written examination. Information obtained by the Committee in conjunction with a request for testing accommodations may be used by the Committee to carry out any and all of its duties, including its duty to investigate the character and fitness of the applicant. <strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008] </strong><br /></p><p>(F) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Notice of Approval to Sit for the Bar Examination</span>. No less than thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the written bar examination, the Committee shall notify the applicant whether it has approved the applicant to sit for the written examination. The notice may also provide that the applicant has met all other requirements for admission or that the application is deficient due to the lack of receipt by the Committee of a Character Report from the NCBE, the continuing investigation of an applicant’s character and fitness, the lack of a reported passing MPRE score or any other deficiency which must be addressed in order to meet the requirements for admission. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong> <br /></p><p>(G) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Candor in the Application Process</span>. Lack of candor during the application process may be independent grounds for a finding of lack of good moral character by the Committee and refusal to certify the applicant to the Court for admission. Such lack of candor, if discovered after admission, may serve as the basis for disciplinary action by the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. Applicants shall provide complete and candid responses to all inquiries, whether on the Bar Examination Application, the NCBE’s Request for the Preparation of a Character Report or Supplemental Report, or as part of any investigation, inquiry or proceeding. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(H) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Duty to Keep Application Current</span>. Until admitted to the Bar, an applicant is under a continuing obligation to keep his or her application current and must update responses whenever there is an addition to or a change to information previously provided to the Committee or to the NCBE. Those updates must be made in writing and must include all relevant documentation. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(I) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Preliminary Approval</span>. In all instances, any indication of approval or certification by the Committee of an applicant for admission to the Bar is preliminary until the applicant has taken the oath of office and been admitted as a member of the Bar. Changes in circumstance, or discovery of previously unknown information, or reconsideration of previously known information, may result in refusal by the Committee to certify an applicant for admission, or in the withdrawal of a previously indicated approval of certification if the applicant has not yet been admitted to the Bar. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 5. Character and Fitness.</strong><br /><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Public Policy</span>. The primary purpose of character and fitness screening before admission to the Louisiana State Bar is to assure the protection of the public and to safeguard the administration of justice. The attorney licensing process is incomplete if only testing for minimal legal competence is undertaken. The public is adequately protected only by a system that evaluates character and fitness as those elements relate to the practice of law. The public interest requires that the public be secure in its expectation that those who are admitted to the Bar are worthy of the trust and confidence clients may reasonably place in their attorneys.<br /><br />(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Good Moral Character and Fitness; Definitions</span>. The term "good moral character" includes, but is not limited to, the qualities of honesty, fairness, candor, trustworthiness, observances of fiduciary responsibility and of the laws of the State of Louisiana and of the United States of America, and a respect for the rights of other persons. The term "fitness" includes, but is not limited to, the mental or emotional suitability of the applicant to practice law in this state. </p><p>In satisfying the requirements of good moral character and fitness, applicants should be persons whose record of conduct justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts and others with respect to the professional duties owed to them. A record manifesting a significant deficiency in the honesty, trustworthiness, diligence or reliability of an applicant may constitute a basis for denial of admission.<br /><br />(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Panel on Character and Fitness</span>. On behalf of the Committee, character and fitness determinations shall be made by the Panel on Character and Fitness. The Panel shall consist of the Director of Character and Fitness and two other members of the Committee. <strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Good Moral Character and Fitness; Burden of Proof</span>. The applicant bears the burden of proving his or her good moral character and fitness to practice law by clear and convincing evidence. <strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(E) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Good Moral Character and Fitness; Factors and Considerations</span>. While the Panel on Character and Fitness may consider any factor or circumstance in determining whether or not an applicant possesses the requisite moral character and fitness to practice law in this state, any of the following should be considered to be a basis for investigation and inquiry before recommending admission:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) Arrests or criminal charges, whether or not resulting in a conviction.<br />(2) Any unlawful conduct.<br />(3) Making or procuring any false or misleading statement or omission of relevant information including any false or misleading statement or omission during the application process for admission to the Bar of this state or any other state.<br />(4) Misconduct in employment.<br />(5) Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.<br />(6) Commission of an act constituting the unauthorized practice of law.<br />(7) Violation of the honor code of the applicant’s law school or any other academic misconduct, including undergraduate misconduct.<br />(8) Membership in an organization which advocates that the United States Government be overthrown by force, if the applicant indicates a present intent that such be done.<br />(9) Abuse of process.<br />(10) Litigation.<br />(11) Neglect of financial responsibilities.<br />(12) Neglect of professional obligations.<br />(13) Violation of an order of a Court, including child support orders.<br />(14) Military misconduct.<br />(15) Evidence of mental or emotional instability.<br />(16) Evidence of any substance use disorder.<br />(17) Denial of admission to the Bar in any other jurisdiction on character and/or fitness grounds.<br />(18) Disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction.<br />(19) Disciplinary action by a disciplinary agency or governing body of a profession or organization of which the applicant is or was a member.<br />(20) Conduct of a kind which has been considered by the Court as grounds for suspension or revocation of the privilege to practice law in Louisiana.<br />(21) Conviction or a plea of guilty or “no contest” to any misdemeanor or felony, including juvenile proceedings.<br />(22) Any other conduct which reflects adversely upon the character or fitness of the applicant.</p><p><strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008; amended effective April 11, 2017] </strong><br /></p><p>(F) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Good Moral Character and Fitness; Past Conduct; Rehabilitation</span>. The Panel on Character and Fitness shall consider whether or not the past conduct of the applicant is likely to be repeated in the future and whether the applicant’s past conduct evidences the applicant’s character and fitness to practice law. If the applicant is found to have engaged in conduct which at that time would have constituted grounds for an unfavorable recommendation, then the applicant must show by clear and convincing evidence that his or her character has been rehabilitated and that such conduct is unlikely to recur in the future. The mere fact that there has been no repeat of any such conduct shall not in and of itself be sufficient to constitute rehabilitation or proof of good moral character and fitness.<br /><br />While the Panel is not limited to the factors it considers or weight it will give to prior incidents reflecting upon an applicant’s character or fitness, the following factors are deemed important by the Panel in assigning the weight and significance given to prior conduct:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) The applicant’s age at the time of the conduct.<br />(2) The amount of time which has elapsed since the occurrence of such conduct.<br />(3) The reliability of the information concerning the conduct.<br />(4) The seriousness of the conduct.<br />(5) The factors underlying the conduct.<br />(6) The cumulative effect of the conduct or information.<br />(7) The applicant’s positive social contributions since the conduct.<br />(8) The applicant’s candor and cooperation in the admissions process.<br />(9) The materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations.<br />(10) The evidence of rehabilitation.<br /></p><p><strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008; amended effective April 11, 2017]</strong><br /><br />(G) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Investigation</span>. The Panel on Character and Fitness shall make or cause to be made an investigation of the character and fitness of all applicants. The Panel shall have the authority and power to take all steps necessary to investigate any relevant information pertaining to an applicant’s character and fitness to practice law including, but not limited to, issuing investigatory subpoenas, obtaining pertinent documentary evidence, directing that an applicant submit to an independent medical, psychiatric or psychological examination and conducting interviews and obtaining sworn statements. All documents filed with, and evidence and proceedings before the Panel on Character and Fitness are confidential, except as otherwise provided by this Rule. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /><br />(H) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Factors Not Considered</span>. In determining an applicant’s character and fitness to practice law in this state, the Panel shall not consider factors which do not directly bear a reasonable relationship to the practice of law, including, but not limited to, the following impermissible factors:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) The age, sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation of the applicant; or<br /><br />(2) A physical disability of the applicant that does not prevent the applicant from performing the essential functions of an attorney.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(I) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cooperation</span>. An applicant whose character and fitness is under investigation shall cooperate with the investigation. An applicant who fails to cooperate in the investigation may be denied admission due to his or her lack of cooperation. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(J) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Communications with the Committee</span>. In all communications by applicants with the Committee or its staff, applicants shall be courteous and respectful. Discourteous or disrespectful behavior may be considered by the Panel in its investigation of the character and fitness of the applicant. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(K) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Notice of Failure to Meet Requirements</span>. If the Panel determines that the applicant does not possess the requisite good moral character and fitness to practice law in the state and that the applicant will not be certified to the Court for admission to the Bar, it shall notify the applicant in writing of such determination and the reason(s) therefor. The Notice of Failure to Meet Requirements shall be served upon the applicant as described in Section 9 of this Rule. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(L) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Petition to the Court</span>. Any applicant aggrieved by the determination of the Panel may petition the Louisiana Supreme Court within thirty (30) days of the date of the Notification of Failure to Meet Requirements as described in Section 9 of this Rule. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(M) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Conditional Admission</span>. The Panel, with the consent of the applicant, may recommend to the Court that the applicant be admitted on a conditional basis.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Circumstances Warranting Conditional Admission</span>. An applicant whose record shows conduct that may otherwise warrant denial due to present or past substance misuse, abuse or dependency, physical, mental or emotional disability or instability, or neglect of financial responsibilities, may consent to be admitted subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in a conditional admission consent agreement. Only an applicant whose record of conduct evidences a commitment to rehabilitation and an ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements of the practice of law may be considered for conditional admission.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Consent Agreement</span>. The consent agreement shall set forth the terms of conditional admission, be approved by the Panel and be signed by the Director of Character and Fitness and by the applicant. In confecting the consent agreement, the Director of Character and Fitness may confer with the Lawyer’s Assistance Program and/or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to create appropriate terms, conditions and monitoring criteria. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(3) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Terms of Consent Agreement</span>. The consent agreement shall contain specific conditions of admission to be fulfilled at the applicant’s expense, including but not limited to, requiring alcohol or drug treatment, medical care, psychological or psychiatric care, random chemical screening, professional office practice or management counseling, practice supervision, payment plans and debt management counseling, participation in the Lawyer’s Assistance Program, and/or professional audits or reports, and in all cases, the assignment of a probation monitor. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(4) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Joint Petition</span>. The Director of Character and Fitness and the applicant shall jointly file with the Court a Petition Seeking Conditional Admission, attaching the consent agreement. The Joint Petition shall be confidential as to the applicant’s identity and shall only identify the applicant by the file number assigned by the Committee. Any medical or other sensitive information shall be filed under seal. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(5) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Court Action Required</span>. No conditional admission shall be effective unless and until approved by the Court. The Court may in its discretion, approve, modify or reject the conditional admission or remand the conditional admission to the Panel for further action as the Court instructs, or appoint a Commissioner to take evidence and make a recommendation to the Court. Should the Court appoint a Commissioner, the procedure shall conform with the procedures set forth in Section 9.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(6) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Monitoring of Consent Agreement by the Lawyers Assistance Program or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel</span>. If the Court approves the conditional admission, the conditionally admitted lawyer’s compliance with the terms of the consent agreement shall be monitored by a probation monitor assigned by (i) the Lawyers Assistance Program, in cases involving substance abuse, physical, mental or emotional disability or instability; or (ii) Office of Disciplinary Counsel, in cases involving neglect of financial responsibility. Cooperation with the probation monitor is required and failure of the conditionally admitted lawyer to cooperate may be grounds for the revocation of the conditional admission. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(7) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Failure to Fulfill the Conditional Terms</span>. Failure to fulfill the terms of the consent agreement may result in the suspension or revocation of the conditional admission or such other action as is appropriate under the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct and Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX.<br /><br />(8) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Confidentiality</span>. The fact that an individual is conditionally admitted and the terms of the consent agreement shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the Lawyer’s Assistance Program, or in any of the following circumstances:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(a)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>With the express consent of the person conditionally admitted.<br /><br />(b)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>When required as a condition for monitoring as set forth in the consent agreement.<br /><br />(c)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>When reporting is mandated by other law.<br /><br />(d)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>When disclosure is ordered by the Court.<br /><br />(e)<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>If the applicant applies for admission to practice law in another jurisdiction, the applicant shall disclose the entry of any conditional admission agreement to the admission authority of that jurisdiction.<br /><br />(f) If the applicant violates a condition of admission and a proceeding for revocation of conditional admission is instituted pursuant to Rule XIX, section 25.1.<br /><strong>[Enacted effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /></p><p><strong>[Rule XVII, Section 5(M) amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /><br /></p><p>(N) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Probation Imposed by the Court</span>. Regardless of any recommendation made by the Panel, in any matter in which the Court deems it appropriate, the Court may admit an applicant on a conditional basis subject to a probationary period. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 6. Equivalency Determinations.</strong><br /></p><p>(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Application</span>. An applicant who has graduated from a law school that is not located in the United States or its territories must submit an application to the Committee for an equivalency determination. Such application shall be in addition to all other applications required by this Rule. Equivalency applicants who wish to sit for the July bar examination shall submit an equivalency application to the Committee no later than December 1 of the calendar year preceding the July bar examination. Applicants who wish to sit for the February bar examination shall submit an equivalency application no later than August 1 of the calendar year preceding the February bar examination. <strong>[Effective November 15, 2000]</strong> <br /></p><p>(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Standard; Burden of Proof</span>. The applicant shall bear the burden of proving that the legal education of the applicant is equivalent to that of the legal education offered in the United States or its territories by a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. The American Bar Association standards for accreditation of law schools shall be relevant to any equivalency determination.<br /><br />In addition, the applicant shall bear the burden of proving that the applicant has successfully completed a minimum of 14 semester hours of credit, in professional law subjects in any of the following categories from an American law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Corporations or Business Organizations, Evidence, Federal Jurisdiction, Federal Civil Procedure, Intellectual Property, Legal Research and Writing, Louisiana Civil Procedure, Louisiana Family Law, Louisiana Obligations Law, Louisiana Successions, Donations and Trusts, Professional Responsibility, Property, Sale and Lease, Security Rights, Taxation, and Torts, provided that no more than 4 credit hours in any one subject shall be counted toward this requirement. <strong>[Amended effective January 8, 2009; amended effective January 22, 2018]</strong><br /><br />(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Equivalency Determination Panel</span>. Subsequent to receiving recommendations from the dean or chancellor of each ABA accredited law school in this state, the Court shall appoint one faculty member from each law school to serve on the Equivalency Determination Panel. Initial appointments shall be for one, two, three, or four year terms of office. Thereafter, terms of office for panel members shall be for four years. No panel member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.<br /><br />The Committee shall also appoint one of its own members to the panel. The Committee members shall chair the work of the panel, but shall only vote on equivalency applications in the event of a tie vote among the other equivalency determination panel members as to whether or not the applicant has met the burden of proof.<br /><br />The panel shall consider all requests for equivalency determinations and make recommendations to the Committee as to whether an applicant has met the burden of proof. The panel may require such information from an applicant as it desires to consider each application.<br /><br />The panel shall not be required to hold hearings or personally interview any equivalency applicant. However, the panel may in its discretion require an applicant to make a personal appearance in order for the panel to analyze the equivalency application.<br /><br />The panel shall consider and act upon all pending equivalency applications for the July bar examination no later than January 15. The panel shall consider and act upon all pending equivalency applications for the February bar examination no later than October 15. The Committee shall notify each applicant, in writing, of the recommendation of the panel and the Committee's decision thereon. <strong>[Effective November 15, 2000]</strong><br /><br />[(D) deleted effective November 19, 2002]<br /><br /><strong>SECTION 7. Written Examination. [Amended effective July 1, 2012; Amended effective October 25, 2018]</strong><br /></p><p>The Committee shall administer a written examination, consisting of two parts: the nine-part written examination (Part I) and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (Part II).<br /><br />(A) The multi-part written examination (Part I) shall consist of separate examinations in the following subjects:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. Civil Code I<br /><br />2. Civil Code II<br /><br />3. Civil Code III<br /><br />4. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure<br /><br />5. Torts<br /><br />6. Business Entities<br /><br />7. Constitutional Law<br /><br />8. Criminal Law, Procedure and Evidence<br /><br />9. Federal Jurisdiction and Procedure<br /></p><p>Examinations 1-5 are "Code" examinations; examinations 6-9 are"Non-Code" examinations. The Committee shall designate and publish the scope of each examination and provide such information to each applicant.<br /><br />Each subject examination shall have a maximum score of 100 points. Code subjects shall carry twice as much weight as the Non-Code subjects in determining an applicant’s total score. The total score required for passing is 650 out of a possible 900. All total scores are rounded to the nearest whole number.<br /><br />An applicant shall sit for all subject examinations and make a good faith effort to pass each subject examination. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.<br /><br />(B) The Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is administered by the NCBE. An applicant may take the MPRE at any time after successfully completing his/her required law school course work in legal ethics or professional responsibility, and must complete the examination with a passing score prior to and as a condition precedent to admission to the Bar of this state.<br /><br />An applicant must receive a scaled score of 80 or higher to have passed the MPRE.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 8. Re-examination/Time Limits. [Amended effective February 4, 2014; Amended effective October 25, 2018]</strong><br /><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Failure.</span> An applicant who fails Part I may reapply to take Part I, but shall not receive credit for any separate subject examination passed during any prior examination. </p><p>Any applicant who fails to pass Part II of the written examination (MPRE) shall be required to take and pass the examination prior to and as a condition precedent to admission to the Bar of this state.<br /><br />(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Reapplication</span>. Every applicant who fails Part I and who desires to re-take the examination must submit the application(s) and pay the fee(s) 2 required by this Rule. After failing to pass five examinations, an applicant shall never be permitted to reapply.<strong></strong><br /><br />(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Time Limitations.</span> A passing score for the multi-part written examination (Part I) shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of the examination. </p><p>A passing score for the MPRE (Part II) shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of the examination. However, an applicant who (i) during the period of five years immediately preceding his application, has been admitted in good standing to the Bar of another state, (ii) passed the MPRE in fulfillment of the Bar admissions requirement(s) of the applicant's state(s) of admission, and (iii) complied with the continuing legal education requirements of the applicant's state(s) of admission during such five-year period will be considered to have satisfied the requirement. <br /><br />(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cheating on the Written Examination.</span> In the event the Court determines that an applicant cheated, aided or assisted another applicant in cheating on the written examination, or attempts to cheat or aid or assist another in cheating, the applicant shall fail the examination and the Court may permanently prohibit the applicant from reapplying. If the applicant has already been admitted, the Court may order that disciplinary proceedings under La. S. Ct. Rule XIX be commenced.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 9. Failure to Meet Requirements; Review. [Amended effective August 1, 2008], [Amended effective July 29, 2022]</strong><br />[Opening paragraph repealed effective August 1, 2008]<br /><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Failure to Meet Requirements: Notice</span>. In every instance in which the Committee determines that it will not certify an applicant for admission due to the applicant’s failure to meet the requisites for admission as described in Section 3, the Committee shall notify the applicant in writing of such determination and the reasons therefor. Service of the Notice of Failure to Meet Requirements shall be made by mailing the notice to the applicant at the address provided in his or her application for admission to the Bar or such address as has been furnished by the applicant in writing to the Committee. The notice shall contain a certificate stating the date of mailing. As a courtesy to the applicant, and in addition to notice by mail, the Committee may also notify the applicant by e-mail, return receipt requested, at the e-mail address provided to the Committee by the applicant in his or her application for admission. <strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong> </p><p>(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Review by the Court</span>. An applicant who is aggrieved by the determination of the Committee may file a Petition for Admission to the Bar with the Court within thirty (30) days from the date of mailing of the notice. Such Petition shall be confidential as to the applicant’s identity and shall only identify the applicant by the file number designated by the Committee. Any medical or other sensitive information shall be filed under seal. Failure to seek review within that thirty day period shall have the same effect as denial of admission by the Court under Subsection (D)(13). No appeal lies from an applicant’s failure to satisfactorily complete the written examination as described in Sections 7 and 8 of this Rule, and the determination of the Committee relative to an applicant’s test scores is final. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /><br />(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Service on Committee</span>. A copy of the Petition for Admission shall be served on the Committee through its Chair. Service shall be accomplished by certified mail, return receipt requested. Proof of service shall be filed in the record. <strong>[Enacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br />(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Procedure in Supreme Court</span>. The Court may, in its discretion, without taking further evidence, approve, modify or reject the Committee’s determination, remand to the Committee for further action as the Court instructs, or appoint a Commissioner to take evidence and report to the Court. All documents filed with, and evidence and proceedings before the Commissioner (including any recordings thereof) are confidential, unless the applicant requests that the proceeding be public. The Commissioner shall include in the report a recommendation as to whether the applicant has met the requirements for admission to the Bar. If the petition is filed prior to the applicant sitting for the written examination, the Court may allow the applicant to sit for the written examination and upon satisfactorily passing same, to apply to the Court for the appointment of a Commissioner. Should the Court appoint a Commissioner, the procedure shall be as follows:</p><p> </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Commissioner; Qualifications; Powers</span>. The Court may appoint as a Commissioner any sitting or retired judge or any lawyer who has been engaged in the active practice of law as a member in good standing of the Bar for not less than ten (10) years. The Commissioner shall regulate the proceedings and shall have full authority to examine the parties in the cause upon oath, touching any matter whatsoever that is germane to the question of the applicant’s good moral character and fitness. The Commissioner may require, by subpoena duces tecum, the production of all books, papers, writings, and other documents applicable thereto, and examine on oath all witnesses produced by the parties. He or she may cause the testimony of absent witnesses to be taken, as hereinafter provided, and direct the place where and the manner in which the matters requiring evidence shall be proved. He or she shall have the right to compel, by subpoena, the attendance of witnesses from any part of the state and, generally, to do all other acts and direct all other inquiries and proceedings in the matters which the Commissioner may deem necessary and proper to the justice and merits of the matter and the rights of the parties. The Commissioner shall have the right to certify parties, members of the Bar, or witnesses, to the Supreme Court for contempt of the Commissioner’s authority.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Representation of Committee by the Attorney for Character and Fitness</span>. In all matters in which a Commissioner is appointed by the Court, the Attorney for Character and Fitness shall represent the Committee in the proceedings before the Commissioner.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(3) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Status Conference</span>. Upon the appointment of a Commissioner, a status conference including the Commissioner, the applicant and the Attorney for Character and Fitness shall be scheduled. At the conference the parties shall select a hearing date, discovery deadlines and dates to exchange witness and exhibit lists. The Commissioner may also address any other pre-hearing procedural matters and stipulations.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(4) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Notice of Hearing</span>. The Commissioner shall issue or cause to be issued a Notice of Hearing to the parties which notice shall include the date, time and place of the hearing. The Notice of Hearing shall also notify the parties that the applicant bears the burden of proof at the hearing to establish by clear and convincing evidence that he or she meets the requirements for admission to the Bar of the State of Louisiana, that the applicant may be represented by counsel, may present evidence and may examine and cross-examine witnesses. The Notice shall also require that the parties submit pre-hearing memoranda.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(5) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Pre-Hearing Memoranda</span>. Not less than ten days prior to the hearing the parties shall submit to the Commissioner pre-hearing memoranda which shall set forth the following information:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(a) The names and addresses of witnesses and whether the testimony will be in person or by deposition;</p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(b) A list of exhibits that will likely be introduced at the hearing;<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(c) Any anticipated evidentiary or legal issues which may be presented at the hearing;<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(d) Proposed findings of fact; and<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(e) Stipulations.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(6) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Hearing</span>. The applicant bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that he or she meets the requirements for admission to the Bar. The Commissioner shall conduct a hearing at which all matters which bear upon the applicant’s eligibility may be considered de novo. At the hearing, no deference shall be afforded to the findings of the Panel. The hearing shall not be limited to those matters raised in the Petition for Admission filed with the Court or the Notice of Failure to Meet Requirements issued by the Committee.<br /><br />(7) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Procedure and Evidence</span>. Strict adherence to the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and the Louisiana Code of Evidence is not required. The Commissioner may admit any material and relevant evidence which, in the judgment of the Commissioner, is probative and which may be useful to the Court for its consideration and review. Any evidence that is excluded by the Commissioner may be proffered for review by the Court.<br /><br />(8) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Testimony of Out-of-State, Absent, or Unavailable Witnesses</span>. If a witness whose testimony is material to the cause resides out of the parish in which the hearing is to take place, the testimony of the witness may be taken according to the forms prescribed by law for the taking of such testimony in civil cases in the district courts of the state; or if the witness resides out of the state or is absent from the state, his or her testimony may be taken in the form of depositions in answer to written interrogatories and cross-interrogatories under a commission, issued by the Commissioner, and directed to a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths and take depositions; provided that if the testimony is taken in the form of depositions in answer to written interrogatories, the attorney for the applicant on appeal shall have the right to attend the taking of the testimony and to cross-examine or re-examine the witnesses orally; and provided further, that whether the testimony is to be taken in the form of deposition or written interrogatories, the Commissioner shall fix the time and the place for taking of the testimony. By agreement of the parties, or by decision of the Commissioner, telephonic testimony may be taken at the hearing, or telephonic depositions may be introduced at the hearing.<br /><br />(9) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Hearing Recorded</span>. All hearings shall be recorded in a manner which will allow a verbatim transcript to be prepared.<br /><br />(10) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Report of the Commissioner</span>. Within ninety (90) days of the termination of the proceedings, the Commissioner shall file with the Supreme Court his or her written report, wherein the Commissioner shall state findings of fact and conclusions of law and recommendations as to appropriate action by the Court. The Commissioner shall also file the record of the proceeding with the Court. The Commissioner shall mail or deliver his or her written report to the Committee and the applicant. Such filings shall be confidential as to the applicant’s identity and shall only identify the applicant by the file number assigned by the Committee. Any medical or other sensitive information shall be filed under seal. A copy of the Commissioner’s Report shall be provided to the Committee and to the applicant, each of whom may file exceptions thereto. If no exceptions are filed by either party, the report may be confirmed by the Court and adopted as its judgment. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014], [Amended effective July 29, 2022]</strong><br /><br />(11) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Exceptions to Report of the Commissioner</span>. Within thirty (30) days of the filing of the Commissioner’s Report with the Court, the applicant or the Committee may file exceptions thereto. If exceptions are filed, the matter shall then be set on the Court’s summary docket and heard as the Court directs, unless both the Committee and the applicant file a joint motion to waive oral argument. Oral arguments shall be conducted in open court. <strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /><br />(12) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Record of Hearing</span>. The record of the hearing shall consist of the transcript of the hearing, the petition, notice of hearing, stipulations, depositions and exhibits admitted into evidence, pre-hearing memoranda, any authorized post-hearing submission, and the recommendation of the Commissioner.<br /><br />(13) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Denial and Reapplication</span>. In the event the Court issues an order finding that an applicant lacks the requisite good moral character and fitness to be admitted to the Bar, an applicant is precluded from seeking admission for a period of one year from the date of the Court’s order, unless the Court expressly provides otherwise.<br /></p><p><strong>[Amended effective February 1, 2014]</strong><br /></p><p><strong>SECTION 10. Bar Admissions Advisory Committee.</strong><br /></p><p>(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Composition</span>. The dean or chancellor of each law school located in this state shall nominate one member of its full time faculty to serve on the Bar Admissions Advisory Committee. The nominees shall be appointed to the Bar Admissions Advisory Committee by order of the Court.<br /><br />(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Powers and Duties</span>. The members of the committee shall select one of their number to serve as chair, who shall serve as principal liaison to the Committee on Bar Admissions. The Bar Admissions Advisory Committee shall advise and assist the Committee on Bar Admissions. Within one week following the administration of the written bar examination, the Committee on Bar Admissions shall mail or email the examination to the members of the Bar Admissions Advisory Committee. Members of the Bar Admissions Advisory Committee shall solicit written critiques of each examination from their faculty colleagues and shall provide such critiques to the Committee on Bar Admissions within twenty-one (21) days after the mailing of the examination. The Bar Admissions Advisory Committee shall attend the regular meetings of the Testing Panel of the Committee on Bar Admissions and shall perform such other duties as may be requested by the Committee on Bar Admissions or directed by the Court. <strong>[Amended effective August 1, 2008; amended effective January 22, 2018]</strong> </p><p><strong>SECTION 11. Reciprocity</strong>. No person shall be admitted to the Bar of this state based solely upon the fact that such person is admitted to the Bar of another state or because the laws of another state would grant admission to a member of the Bar of this state. The temporary practice of law in this state by visiting attorneys is governed by statute and by Supreme Court Rule XVII, Section 13. The Committee shall have no authority with regard to the practice of law by visiting attorneys. <strong>[Amended effective August 1, 2008]</strong> <br /><br /><strong>SECTION 12. Review Procedure for Part I of the Louisiana State Bar Examination.</strong><br />(A) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Representative Good Answers</span>. Each Examiner shall designate a representative good answer for each question on the Part I examination subject for which he or she is responsible. Such representative good answers shall be chosen from the answers of the applicants who sat for the applicable examination subject. Representative good answers will be made available to applicants who received a failing score on the applicable examination subject but only during the review process described in this Section. Neither the real nor the fictitious name of the author of a representative good answer will be revealed.<br /></p><p>(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Review</span>. All failing Part I subject examination booklets will be retained by the Bar Admissions Administrator. Any applicant who fails Part I shall have the right to review his or her failing examination booklets and the representative good answers for the failed examinations after making a written request in accordance with this Section. <strong>[Amended effective October 19, 2011]</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) The Committee shall designate a deadline after each administration of the Part I examination by which applicants may request a review of their failed examination booklets and the representative good answers.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) The Bar Admissions Administrator shall send a notice to each applicant who submitted a written request for review by the applicable deadline, which notice will set forth the date and time on which the applicant may review his or her failed examination booklets. The Bar Admissions Administrator shall also designate one makeup day for those unable to review failed examination booklets at the assigned time.<br /><strong>[Amended effective October 19, 2011]</strong><br /><br />(3) All reviews shall take place at the offices of the Committee on Bar Admissions, or at any other location designated by the Committee. Reviews will be conducted between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon and between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Applicants must complete their review before the close of each session. Applicants must sign a receipt for all examination booklets and representative good answers received for review. Applicants will not be allowed to copy or remove any Part I failed examination booklets or representative good answers. No person other than the applicant will be allowed to review his or her failed examination booklets or representative good answers. No person other than the applicant will be allowed to participate in the review. Applicants must return all examination booklets and representative good answers to the monitor before being allowed to sign out. Failure to comply with review procedures will be reported to the Director of Character and Fitness, and may be considered by the Panel on Character and Fitness in its investigation of the character and fitness of the applicant.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(4) The decision of the Committee on Bar Admissions as to whether an applicant has passed or failed Part I shall be final.<br /><strong>[Amended effective July 1, 2012]</strong><br /><br />(5) All failing Part I examination booklets may be destroyed by the Committee at any time following the scheduled date of the next Part I examination.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(6) No cause of action shall arise in favor of an applicant as a result of the applicant’s exercise of the review rights conferred in this Section.<br /></p><p><strong>[Repealed and reenacted effective August 1, 2008]</strong><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 13. <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission</strong><br /><br />A. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Admission in Pending Litigation Before a Court or Agency</span></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Definitions</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(i) An "out-of-state" attorney is a person not admitted to the bar of this state but who is a member in good standing of the bar of any United States District Court or of the highest court of any state, territory, or insular possession of the United States or of the District of Columbia.<br /><br />(ii) An out-of-state attorney is "eligible" for admission <em>pro hac vice</em> if the attorney acts in association with an attorney duly licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of this state as required under Louisiana Revised Statute 37:214 and the out-of-state attorney:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">a. lawfully practices solely on behalf of the attorney's employer and its commonly owned organizational affiliates, regardless of where such attorney may reside or work; or<br /><br />b. neither resides nor is regularly employed at an office in this state; or<br /><br />c. resides in this state but (i) lawfully practices from offices in one or more other states and (ii) practices no more than temporarily in this state, whether pursuant to admission <em>pro hac vice</em> or in other lawful ways.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(iii) A "client" is a person or entity for which the out-of-state attorney has rendered services or by whom the attorney has been retained prior to the attorney's performance of services in this state.<br /><br />(iv) An "alternate dispute resolution" ("ADR") proceeding includes all types of arbitration or mediation, and all other forms of alternative dispute resolution, whether arranged by the parties or otherwise.<br /><br />(v) "This state" refers to the State of Louisiana. This rule does not govern proceedings before a federal court or federal agency located in this state unless that body adopts this rule.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">2. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Authority of Court or Agency to Permit Appearance By Out-of-State Attorney and In-State Lawyer's Duties Generally</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(i) </strong><strong>Court Proceeding</strong>. A court of this state may, in its discretion, admit an eligible out-of-state attorney retained to appear in a particular proceeding pending before such court to appear <em>pro hac vice</em> as counsel in that proceeding.<br /><br /><strong>(ii) </strong><strong>Administrative Agency Proceeding</strong>. If representation of a person in a matter before an agency of this state is limited to licensed attorneys, the agency may, using the same standards and procedures as a court, admit an eligible out-of-state lawyer who has been retained to appear in a particular agency proceeding to appear as counsel in that proceeding <em>pro hac vice</em>.<br /><br /><strong>(iii) </strong><strong>In-State Lawyer's Duties</strong>. When an out-of-state attorney appears for a client in a proceeding pending in this state, either in the role as an attorney of record, or in an advisory or consultative role, any in-state lawyer for that client in the proceeding remains responsible to the client and remains responsible for the conduct of the proceeding before the court or agency. It is the duty of the in-state lawyer to advise the client in the suit of the in-state lawyer's independent judgment on contemplated actions in the proceeding if that judgment differs from that of the out-of-state attorney.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Procedure</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(i) Application</strong>. The out-of-state attorney seeking <em>pro hac vice</em> admission shall first file the “Application for <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission” described in subpart A4(i) below with the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. The Application shall be verified by both the out-of-state counsel and the in-state counsel and shall include the fee required by subpart A4(ii). The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board shall forward the Application for review to the Disciplinary Counsel who shall issue a letter either approving or disapproving the Application. Any letter disapproving the Application shall state the reasons for such disapproval therein.<br /><br /><strong>(ii) Motion</strong>. Following the receipt of a letter from the Disciplinary Counsel acting upon the Application for <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission, the attorney licensed in this state and who thereafter chooses to pursue the <em>pro hac vice</em> admission shall file a written ex parte motion with the court or agency where the proceeding is pending, requesting that the out-of-state attorney be admitted <em>pro hac vice</em>. Absent extraordinary circumstances which are fully explained and described in the motion for <em>pro hac vice</em> admission, courts and agencies shall not entertain a motion for <em>pro hac vice</em> admission which is filed within 30 days of the scheduled trial or hearing date.<br /><br />Appended to any such motion shall be the letter from the Disciplinary Counsel approving or disapproving the Application for <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission. The motion and letter shall be served on all parties who have appeared in the matter and shall include proof of service. Where the Disciplinary Counsel has disapproved the application, the subsequent ex parte motion for <em>pro hac vice</em> admission shall also be served upon the Disciplinary Counsel. The court or agency has the discretion to grant or deny the motion and application summarily.<br /><br /><strong>(iii) Objection to Motion</strong>. Within twenty days of service, the Disciplinary Counsel or any party to the proceeding may file an objection to the motion. The objecting party must file with its objection a verified affidavit containing or describing information establishing a factual basis for the objection. The Disciplinary Counsel or other objecting party may seek denial of the motion or modification of it, and may request a hearing on the matter. If the motion has already been granted, any party may move that the <em>pro hac vice</em> admission be withdrawn.<br /><br /><strong>(iv) Standard for Admission and Revocation of Admission</strong>. The courts and agencies of this state have discretion as to whether to grant motions and applications for admission <em>pro hac vice</em>. A motion seeking <em>pro hac vice</em> admission ordinarily should be granted unless the court or agency finds reason to believe:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">(a) the admission may be detrimental to the prompt, fair and efficient administration of justice;<br /><br />(b) the admission may be detrimental to legitimate interests of the parties to the proceedings other than the client(s) the applicant proposes to represent;<br /><br />(c) one or more of the clients the applicant proposes to represent may be at risk of receiving inadequate representation and cannot adequately appreciate that risk;<br /><br />(d) the applicant has engaged in frequent appearances as to constitute regular practice in this state;<br /><br />(e) the applicant attorney is not competent or ethically fit to practice; or<br /><br />(f) the applicant has failed to otherwise comply with the requirements of these rules.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(v) Revocation of Admission</strong>. Admission to appear as counsel <em>pro hac vice</em> in a suit may be revoked for any of the reasons listed in subpart A(3)(iv) above, or for any other reason the court or agency, in its discretion, deems appropriate.<br /><strong>[Amended effective June 30, 2009]</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;"> </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">4. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Application</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(i) Required Information</strong>. An application shall include the information listed in the form Application for <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission , which is hereby approved for use in applying for <em>pro hac vice</em> admission. The form application is included as Part C of the Appendix to this rule. The applicant may also include any other matters supporting admission <em>pro hac vice</em>.<br /><br /><strong>(ii) Application Fee</strong>. An applicant for permission to appear as counsel <em>pro hac vice</em> under this rule shall pay a non-refundable fee of $450.00 to the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. This fee shall be separate and distinct from any fee which is assessed by the Court or agency in which the application is filed. <strong>[amended effective July 1, 2015]</strong><br /><br /><strong>(iii) Exemption for Pro Bono Representation</strong>. An applicant shall not be required to pay the fee required by subpart A(4)(ii), above, if the applicant will not charge an attorney fee to the client(s) and is:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">a. Employed or associated with a pro bono project or nonprofit legal services organization in a civil case involving the client(s) of such programs; or<br /><br />b. Involved in a criminal case or a habeas proceeding for an indigent defendant.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">5. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Authority of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and Court: Application of Ethical Rules, Discipline, Contempt and Sanctions</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(i) Authority Over Out-of-State Attorney and Applicant.</strong><br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">a. During pendency of an application for admission <em>pro hac vice</em> and upon the granting of such application, an out-of-state attorney submits to the authority of the courts and the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board of this state for all conduct relating in any way to the proceeding in which out-of-state attorney seeks to appear. The applicant or out-of-state attorney who has obtained <em>pro hac vice</em> admission in a proceeding submits to this authority for all that attorney' s conduct (i) within the state while the proceeding is pending or (ii) arising out of or relating to the application or the proceeding. An applicant or out-of-state attorney who has <em>pro hac vice</em> authority for a proceeding may be disciplined in the same manner as an in-state lawyer.<br /><br />b. The authority of the Courts and the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board referred to in the foregoing section includes, without limitation, the authority under Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, the Rules of Professional Conduct, rules of discipline, contempt and sanctions orders, local court rules, and court policies and procedures.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(ii) Familiarity With Rules</strong>. An applicant shall become familiar with the Rules of Professional Conduct, rules of discipline of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, local court rules, and policies and procedures of the court or agency before which the applicant seeks to practice.<br /></p><p>B. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Out-of-State Proceedings, Potential In-State and Out-of-State Proceedings, and All ADR</span><br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">1. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">In-State Ancillary Proceeding Related to Pending Out-of-State Proceeding</span>. In connection with proceedings pending outside this state, an out-of-state attorney admitted to appear in that proceeding may render in this state legal services regarding or in aid of such proceeding.<br /><br />2. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Consultation by Out-of-State Attorney</span></p><p style="margin-left:60px;"><strong>(i) Consultation with In-State Lawyer</strong>. An out-of-state attorney may consult in this state with an in-state lawyer concerning the in-state lawyer's client's pending or potential proceeding in this state.<br /><br /><strong>(ii) Consultation with Potential Client</strong>. At the request of a person in this state contemplating a proceeding or involved in a pending proceeding, irrespective of where the proceeding is located, an out-of-state attorney may consult in this state with that person about that person's possible retention of the out-of-state lawyer in connection with the proceeding.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">3. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Preparation for In-State Proceeding</span>. On behalf of a client in this state or elsewhere, the out-of-state attorney may render legal services in this state in preparation for a potential proceeding to be filed in this state, provided that the out-of-state attorney reasonably believes he/she is eligible for admission <em>pro hac vice</em> in this state.<br /><br />4. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Preparation for Out-of-State Proceeding</span>. In connection with a potential proceeding to be filed outside this state, an out-of-state attorney may render legal services in this state for a client or potential client located in this state, provided that the out-of-state attorney is admitted or reasonably believes he/she is eligible for admission generally or <em>pro hac vice</em> in the jurisdiction where the proceeding is anticipated to be filed.<br /><br />5. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Services Rendered Outside This State for In-State Client</span>. An out-of-state attorney may render legal services while the attorney is physically outside this state when requested by a client located within this state in connection with a potential or pending proceeding filed or to be filed in or outside this state.<br /><br />6. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR") Procedures</span>. An out-of-state attorney may render legal services to prepare for and participate in an ADR procedure regardless of where the ADR procedure is expected to take or actually takes place.<br /><br />7. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">No Solicitation</span>. An out-of-state attorney rendering services in this state in compliance with this rule or here for other reasons is not authorized by anything in this rule to hold himself or herself out, to non-lawyers who have not requested the out-of-state lawyer's presence, as available to assist in potential suits. Nothing in this rule authorizes out-of-state attorneys to solicit, advertise, or otherwise hold themselves out in publications directed solely to this state as available to assist in litigation in this state.<br /><br />8. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Temporary Practice</span>. An out-of-state attorney will only be eligible for admission <em>pro hac vice</em> or to practice in another lawful way no more than temporarily in this state.<br /></p><p>C. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Not the Unauthorized Practice of Law</span>. The foregoing rendition of legal or other services shall not be deemed the unauthorized practice of law by the out-of-state attorney, even if ultimately no proceeding is filed or if <em>pro hac vice</em> admission is ultimately denied. An out-of-state attorney rendering services in this state in compliance with this rule or here for other reasons is not authorized by anything in this rule to hold himself or herself out, to non-lawyers who have not requested the out-of-state lawyer's presence, as available to assist in potential suits. </p><p><strong>[Effective August 1, 2004]</strong><br /><br /><strong>SECTION 14. Limited Admission for In-House Counsel [added effective April 1, 2005] [ed. note: see transition rules in Appendix, Part D]</strong></p><p>(A) A lawyer admitted and authorized to practice law in another state or territory of the United States may receive a limited license to practice law in this state when the lawyer is employed in Louisiana as a lawyer exclusively for: a corporation, its subsidiaries or affiliates; an association; and/or a business which consists of activities other than the practice of law or the provision of legal services, if the lawyer:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) Has filed an application for a limited license pursuant to this Rule with the Committee on Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana containing the following:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(a) A written application in the form prescribed by the Committee;<br /><br />(b) A sworn statement that either:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">(i) no complaints with any disciplinary authority are pending in any jurisdiction and that no charges of professional misconduct are pending against the applicant in any jurisdiction; or<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">(ii) if any such complaints or charges are pending, full details of the complaints or charges, and the current status of same;<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(c) Information which indicates that the applicant meets the requirements of subparts (A), (B), (C), and (D) of Rule XVII, Section 3;<br /><br />(d) An affidavit from an officer, director or general counsel of the applicant's employer in this state attesting the fact that the applicant is employed as a lawyer exclusively for the employer, that the applicant is an individual of good moral character, and that the nature of the employment conforms to the requirements of this Rule;<br /><br />(e) The National Conference of Bar Examiners Character Report.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">(i) If the applicant has completed an NCBE character report within three years of the application for limited licensure, the prior report may be submitted in lieu of a new report.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:90px;">(ii) In the event a prior NCBE report is submitted, the applicant shall also append to the prior report the NCBE Supplemental Character Report.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(f) The non-refundable prescribed application fee set by the Supreme Court of Louisiana;<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) Otherwise meets the character and fitness requirements of this Rule and the Committee on Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana; and<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(3) Receives the recommendation and approval of the Committee on Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana.<br /></p><p>(B) The application, affidavits, and other materials, including the report of character and fitness, shall be reviewed by the Committee on Bar Admissions of the Supreme Court of Louisiana. The Louisiana Supreme Court, in its discretion, may issue the limited license to practice law in the State of Louisiana based on the recommendations and approval of the Committee on Bar Admissions.</p><p>(C) Licensure pursuant to the Rule is not a matter of right and shall be granted only in those cases where the public interest, considering the character, background and employment of the applicant, is furthered by issuing a license. In the event the Committee does not recommend the limited licensure of an applicant, the applicant may then appeal in accordance with Rule XVII, Section 9.<br /><br />(D) The license issued pursuant to this Rule only authorizes the lawyer to practice exclusively for the employer filing the affidavit required by subpart (A)(1)(d) of this rule. Nothing in this rule or in this subpart shall be deemed to allow court appearances by any lawyer who has been issued a limited license pursuant to this rule. Any such appearance, or contemplated appearance, by a lawyer who has been issued a limited license pursuant to this rule shall be governed by rules and procedures applicable to <em>pro hac vice</em> admission.<br /><br />(E) A limited license issued pursuant to this Rule shall be valid for four years from the date of issuance. The license is automatically terminated if the lawyer is admitted to the practice of law pursuant to any other provisions of Rule XVII. The license is automatically suspended if the lawyer's employment by the employer filing the affidavit required by subpart (A)(1)(d) of this rule is terminated. If a lawyer's employment is terminated but the lawyer is immediately thereafter employed by an employer filing the affidavit required by subpart (A)(1)(d) of this rule, the limited license shall be reinstated for the remainder of the period of four years from the date the license originally was issued.<br /><br />(F) A limited license issued pursuant to this Rule may be renewed for a successive four year period by filing the written application required by the Committee. The application shall be filed at least ninety days prior to the expiration of the current license. For good cause shown, the Court may permit the late filing of an application. The application shall include at least the following:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) The licensee's sworn statement that no complaints with any disciplinary authority are pending and that no charges of professional misconduct are pending against the licensee in any jurisdiction. Alternatively, if any such complaints or charges are pending or any disciplinary action has been taken against the licensee in any jurisdiction, full details of the complaint and charges, the current status of the complaint or charges, and the disposition thereof, if not currently pending, shall be set forth;<br /><br />(2) An affidavit from an officer, director or general counsel of the licensee's employer in this state attesting the fact that the licensee remains employed as a lawyer exclusively for the employer and that the nature of the employment continues to conform to the requirements of this Rule;<br /><br />(3) An affidavit from the licensee setting forth any changes in information from that provided in his or her immediately preceding application pursuant to this Rule or attesting that there are no such changes;<br /><br />(4) The NCBE Supplemental Character Report;<br /><br />(5) The application for renewal shall be accompanied by the non-refundable fee approved by the Court.<br /></p><p>(G) A lawyer admitted pursuant to this Rule is required to pay the annual Disciplinary Assessment required of attorneys admitted to practice three years or more pursuant to La. S. Ct. Rule XIX, Section 8; and Louisiana State Bar Association annual dues pursuant to Article V of the Articles of Incorporation of the Louisiana State Bar Association during the period of the limited license.<br /><br />(H) A lawyer admitted pursuant to this rule shall be subject to the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct and to the disciplinary authority of the courts and the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.<br /><br />(I) A lawyer admitted pursuant to this rule shall comply with the annual registration requirements contained in Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XIX, §8.<br /><br />(J) A lawyer admitted pursuant to this Rule is required to meet the continuing legal education requirements specified in La. S. Ct. Rule XXX.<br /><br /></p><p><strong>SECTION 15. Temporary Admission of Military Spouse Attorneys</strong></p><p>(A) Due to the unique mobility requirements of military families who support the defense of our nation, an attorney who is the spouse of an active duty service member of the United States Uniformed Services, as defined by the United States Department of Defense, and is stationed within Louisiana may obtain a limited license to practice law without examination pursuant to the terms of this Section.</p><p>(B) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Requirements</span> An applicant temporarily admitted under this section must:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) have been admitted to practice law in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) be a graduate of a law school located in the United States or its territories that is accredited by the American Bar Association as of the date on which a juris doctorate or its equivalent is conferred on the applicant. If an applicant is a graduate of a law school that is not located in the United States or its territories, such applicant must submit an application for an equivalency determination in accordance with Section 6 of this Rule.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(3) establish that the applicant is currently in good standing in all jurisdictions where admitted;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(4) be present in Louisiana as the spouse of an active-duty service member (i) assigned to duty in Louisiana, or (ii) assigned to duty outside the United States but whose last assignment within the United States was Louisiana;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(5) establish that the applicant is not the subject of a pending disciplinary matter in any jurisdiction;</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(6) have not been disciplined for professional misconduct by any jurisdiction within the 10 years immediately preceding filing of the Louisiana application or been disbarred at any time by any jurisdiction; and</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(7) be (i) employed and supervised by a Louisiana-licensed attorney who is in good standing and who is currently engaged in the practice of law in Louisiana; or (ii) employed by the state of Louisiana or a local government within Louisiana and supervised in that employment by a Louisiana-licensed attorney who is currently engaged in the practice of law in Louisiana.</p><p>(C) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Procedure</span> </p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) An applicant who seeks admission pursuant to this rule must submit to the Committee on Bar Admissions an affidavit confirming that the applicant satisfies the requirements of Section 15(B) above; that the applicant agrees to supplement his or her application with any information that might arise during the limited admission to practice that bears on any of the requirements of Section 15(B); that the applicant agrees to notify the Clerk of the Louisiana Supreme Court of any information that might arise during the limited admission to practice that bears on any of the requirements of Section 15(B); that the applicant has read, is familiar with and agrees to abide by the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct and the Louisiana Rules for Disciplinary Enforcement; that the applicant will comply with any obligations imposed by the Rules for Continuing Legal Education; and that the applicant submits to the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Supreme Court with respect to any and all disciplinary matters.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) An applicant must submit to the Committee on Bar Admissions an affidavit of the Louisiana attorney who will, pursuant to Section 15(B)(6), supervise the applicant if the application is granted. The supervising lawyer must confirm in the affidavit that he or she will (A) supervise the applicant in the performance of the applicant’s legal work and (B) notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in the event the applicant leaves the employ of the supervising attorney’s law firm or government entity or is otherwise no longer being supervised by that attorney.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(3) The applicant must submit to the Committee on Bar Admissions the following:</p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(a) certificates or official transcripts evidencing compliance with the provisions of Section 15(B)(2) related to legal education;</p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(b) a certificate of good standing from the highest court or the admissions authority of a state, commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia in which the applicant is currently licensed to practice law;</p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(c) a copy of the United States military orders of the applicant’s spouse establishing that the spouse is present in Louisiana because of military orders; and</p><p style="margin-left:60px;">(d) any fee required by the Committee.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(4) If an applicant satisfactorily completes the steps required by this rule and the Committee determines that the applicant is qualified under this rule, the Committee shall provide to the applicant a letter recommending admission of a spouse of an active-duty service member.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(5) At any time within six months of the receipt of a letter recommending admission of a spouse of an active-duty service member, an applicant may file a Petition with the Court seeking limited admission to the Bar of the State of Louisiana. The applicant shall submit the Petition with the letter recommending admission of a spouse of an active-duty service member along with any fee the Court may assess.</p><p>(D) <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Termination</span>. The limited admission provided by this rule shall terminate automatically upon the occurrence of any of the following:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(1) any of the provisions of Section 15(B) are no longer satisfied; or</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">(2) the attorney admitted under this rule is admitted to the Bar of the State of Louisiana under any other provision of this Rule.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">In the event Section 15(D)(1) or (2) applies as a result of the death of the spouse of the attorney admitted under this rule, the termination of the limited admission provided by this rule will be subject to a six-month grace period.</p><p><strong>[Enacted effective September 23, 2022]</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>SECTION 16. Procedures for certain non-citizens.</strong></p><p>(A) Following certification for admission to the bar, the Committee on Bar Admissions shall notify the Louisiana State Bar Association (“LSBA”) of the names of attorneys certified for admission who are aliens authorized to work lawfully in the United States for a period of less than five (5) years. Such attorneys shall be required to provide proof of continued authorization to work lawfully in the United States to the LSBA by July 1 of each year following admission to the bar. </p><p>(B) In the event an attorney fails to provide the required authorization to the LSBA by July 1, the LSBA shall mail a notice of noncompliance to the attorney’s official address of record. That attorney must, within sixty (60) days of the date the notice is mailed, furnish the LSBA with documentary proof of the required authorization to lawfully work in the United States.</p><p>(C) At the expiration of sixty (60) days from the date of notice to the attorney, the LSBA shall notify the Supreme Court of Louisiana of an attorney's failure to furnish documentation as described in Section 16(B) above, and shall request that the Court certify the attorney ineligible to practice law. </p><p>(D) At any time after notice of noncompliance to the Supreme Court, an attorney may file with the LSBA documentary proof indicating compliance with Section 16(A) of these Rules, and if satisfactory to the LSBA, it shall forthwith notify the Supreme Court for appropriate action, including reinstatement if the attorney has been certified ineligible to practice law.</p><p>(E) Any attorney adversely affected by a decision of the LSBA, including a decision to request that the Supreme Court certify the attorney ineligible to practice law, may apply for review of the decision by filing a written petition to the Supreme Court of Louisiana, with supporting materials, within thirty (30) days of such adverse decision. </p><p>(F) The LSBA shall transmit the name of an attorney who receives an Order certifying the attorney’s ineligibility to practice law to all courts in the state thirty (30) days after the Supreme Court has notified the attorney of the certification of ineligibility for failure to comply with this Rule.</p><p>(G) A Member who has been certified ineligible to practice law because of noncompliance may be reinstated by submission of proof to the LSBA that complies with the requirements and by paying a nonwaivable reinstatement fee of $100. </p><p>(H) Upon receipt of a documentation showing satisfactory compliance with the requirements of this Rule and payment of the reinstatement fee, the LSBA will notify the Clerk of the Supreme Court that the attorney has satisfied the requirements.</p><p><strong>[Enacted effective November 2, 2022]</strong></p><p> </p><p>PART II. An appendix to Rule XVII of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Louisiana is hereby enacted to read as follows:<br /><br /><strong>RULE XVII APPENDIX</strong><br /></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Part A. Bar Admission Fees </strong><br /><br /></p><p>The following fees relating to admission to the Louisiana State Bar Association are hereby approved:</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">I.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Law Student Registration Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions – $150.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">II.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Bar Examination Application Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions for first-time applicants who participated in the Law Student Registration Program – $850.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">III.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Bar Examination Application Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions for all applicants other than those listed in Section II – $975.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">IV.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Late Law Student Application Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions by bar applicants who were enrolled in one of the ABA accredited law schools in this state, and who could have, but did not participate in the Law Student Registration Program – $350.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">V. Late Bar Examination Application Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions – $850.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">VI.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Incomplete Application Administrative Fee – $375.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">VII.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Any and all fees assessed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;">VIII.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>For applicants who elect to take the Part I examination by laptop computer, any and all additional fees assessed by the Committee on Bar Admissions and/or the computer testing service provider retained by the Committee on Bar Admissions, in connection with the administration of the Part I examination by laptop computer.<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;"><strong>[Amended effective September 19, 2022]</strong><br /></p><p>All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable except as follows:<br /></p><ul><li>A member of the military who is called to service after submitting fees may request a refund.<br /><br /></li><li>Any person who has paid fees in anticipation of applying for admission but does not have a completed application for admission on file, as defined in section 3(G) above, with the offices of the Committee on Bar Admissions by May 15 for the July exam and December 15 for the February exam, is entitled to a return of any fees paid under section II, III, IV, or V, above less the Incomplete Application Administrative Fee under section VI, above, which the Committee shall retain.<br /><br /></li><li>The Committee on Bar Admissions may, for good cause shown, permit Bar Examination Application Fees (sections II, and III, above) to be transferred once to a subsequent administration of the bar exam if the applicant requests the transfer in a writing received by the Committee no later than five (5) business days before the first day of the bar exam for which the applicant originally applied; the Committee on Bar Admissions may request the applicant provide documentation to aid in its consideration of good cause. An applicant whose request is denied by the Committee on Bar Admissions may petition the Court for review of that denial.</li></ul><p><strong>[Added effective November 19, 2002, amended effective January 1, 2003, amended effective August 1, 2007; amended effective May 16, 2015; deleted and reenacted effective September 21, 2017] </strong></p><p><br /><strong>Part B. Transition Rules</strong><br /><br /><strong>1. Law Student Registration Program</strong>. Section 4(A) shall initially apply to law students entering the second year of law school in Fall 1999. An Application packet may be obtained from the Administrator of the Committee on Bar Admissions. The Application Packet must be completed and returned to the Administrator of the Committee on Bar Admissions in accordance with Section 4(A). Section 4(A) shall not be applicable to law students entering the third year of law school in Fall 1999.<br /><br /><strong>2. Application for Admission to the Bar</strong>. Section 4(C) shall initially apply to applicants for the bar examination to be administered in February, 2000. Application Packets may be obtained from the Administrator of the Committee on Bar Admissions and must be submitted to the Administrator no later than November 1, 1999. Applicants for the bar examination to be administered in July 2000 shall obtain and submit Application Packets not later than February 1, 2000. Thereafter applicants who have participated in the Law Student Registration Program shall submit a supplemental report in accordance with Section 4(C). <strong>[added May 6, 1999 to become effective August 1, 1999.]</strong><br /><br />PART III. These amendments shall become effective on August 1, 1999, and shall remain in full force and effect thereafter until amended or changed under the authority of future orders of this Court.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Part C. <a href="http://www.lasc.org/rules/supreme/ProHacViceFORM.pdf">Application for <em>Pro Hac Vice</em> Admission in Louisiana</a></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Part D. Transitional Rules Pertaining to In-House Counsel Rule [effective April 1, 2005]</strong><br /><br /><strong>Section 1</strong>. No lawyer who is acting or has acted as in-house counsel in this state on or prior to the effective date of the in-house counsel rule shall be denied admission pursuant to this rule solely because of the lawyer's failure to otherwise seek admission under this rule if an application pursuant to this rule is filed prior to July 1, 2005. Failure to apply prior to July 1, 2005 may be grounds for the denial of an application.<br /><br /><strong>Section 2</strong>. The following fees relating to the limited admission of in-house counsel in Louisiana be and are hereby approved:<br /></p><p style="margin-left:30px;">I.<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Application Fee to be paid to the Committee on Bar Admissions – $975.</p><p style="margin-left:30px;"><strong>[Amended effective September 19, 2022]</strong></p><p><strong>Section 3</strong>. Lawyers subject to the in-house counsel rule shall first be required to pay the annual disciplinary assessment, annual Bar Association dues, and comply with the annual registration requirement for the period beginning on July 1, 2005. All persons who are subject to the in-house counsel rule shall comply with continuing legal education requirements for calendar year 2005 and thereafter.<br /><br /><strong>Section 4</strong>. These Rules shall be enacted and published as Part D of the Appendix to Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XVII. </p>