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Authors

Paula Frederick

Abstract

The American Bar Association (ABA) is considering a proposal to amend Model Rule 5.5, which would allow lawyers licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction to practice law across state lines under specific conditions. This "driver's license" model aims to address current regulatory barriers by permitting lawyers to provide legal services nationwide, provided they disclose their home jurisdiction, comply with local rules, and meet certain ethical standards. Motivated by the pandemic, technological changes, and the uniform bar exam, the proposal seeks to improve access to legal services, reduce regulatory burdens, and offer clients greater choice of counsel, though it faces potential challenges in implementation and state-level approval.

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