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Replacing Geographic Lines With Conceptual Lines: A Proposal For Limited Authorization Of Multijurisdictional Practice Of Law, Patrick Medley

Washington Law Review

State regulations have created substantial barriers to lawyers who engage in multijurisdictional practice of law. Applying the amorphous concept of practice of law to modern society results in many lawyers who knowingly or unknowingly practice in multiple states—including states where they are not admitted to the bar. Yet there is no simple means by which a lawyer can obtain permission to engage in multijurisdictional practice in the United States. This Comment proposes a way for Congress to authorize multijurisdictional practice for some aspects of legal practice without completely displacing the role of state bars. Drawing on analogies to the division …