Oregon State Bar Proposes Rule Change for Reciprocity Admission

Brief Summary
The Oregon State Bar Board of Bar Examiners has proposed a change to Rule 15.05 of the Oregon Supreme Court Rules for Admission, governing reciprocity admission to the Oregon Supreme Court. Under the proposed rule, reciprocal admission would be available to lawyers who are licensed and in good standing in one of 37 potentially qualifying jurisdictions.

Complete Summary
Under the proposed rule, reciprocal admission would be available to lawyers duly licensed and in good standing in potentially 37 qualifying jurisdictions. The proposed rule would require applicants for reciprocal admission to Oregon to meet the following criteria:

(1) A degree from an ABA-approved law school or compliance with the alternative Rule 3.05 qualifications;

(2) Good moral character and fitness. See Oregon Revised State 9.220 and Rules 6.05, 6.10, 6.15, 9.05 to 9.60;

(3) Licensure and good standing in a qualifying jurisdiction;

(4) Continuous active practice of law for at least five of the seven years immediately preceding application; and

(5) Attendance at 15 hours of continuing legal eduction on Oregon practice and procedure and ethics.

Significance of Opinion
Within the last eight years, 11 states have adopted similar types of reciprocal admission. Oregon’s broadening of its reciprocal admission rule would align it with the current movement towards multijurisdictional practice.