Application for Foreign Legal Consultant Certification

Before completing this application, please review the following:

Rule I, of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar

Definitions of Essential Eligibility Requirements

Supreme Court Decisions Relating to Character and Fitness

Pursuant to Gov. Bar R. XI, an attorney who is admitted to the practice of law in foreign country may apply for permission to perform limited legal services in Ohio. Before you complete this application, please review Rule XI of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar.

Filing your Completed Application

Beginning Jan. 26, 2022, all applications for admission to the practice of law in Ohio must be filed using the Bar Admissions Portal. The Office of Bar Admissions will not accept paper applications after this date.

In order to file a Foreign Legal Consultant Application, you must submit the following:

1. Registration Application
2. Foreign Legal Consultant Applicant Questionnaire
   In accordance with Rule XI, Sec. 2(A)(1), a completed Applicant’s Character Questionnaire, properly executed.
3. Authorization Forms (7A, and if applicable,7B and 7C)
4. Certificate of Admission and Certificate of Good Standing
   In accordance with Sec. 2 (A)(2), a certificate of admission and certificate of good standing from the authority having final jurisdiction over admission to the practice of law or professional discipline in the foreign country in which you are admitted.  The certificate must certify that you have been admitted to the practice of law and in good standing in that jurisdiction for at least four of six years immediately preceding the filing of your Application.  It must also include your date of admission.
5. Letter of Recommendation from member of foreign country
   In accordance with Sec. 2 (A)(3), a letter of recommendation from one of the members or a responsible official of the executive body of the authority having final jurisdiction over admission to the practice of law or professional discipline, or from one of the judges of the highest law court of original jurisdiction of the foreign country in which you are admitted.
6. Letters of Recommendation for two admitted attorneys in the foreign country
   In accordance with Sec. 2 (A)(4), letters of recommendation from at least two attorneys or counselors of law or the equivalent admitted to and practicing in the foreign country in which you are admitted, setting forth the length of time, when, and under what circumstances they have known you, and their appraisal of your character, fitness, and moral qualifications.
7. Letter of recommendation for an Ohio admitted attorney
   In accordance with Sec. 2 (A)(5), a letter of recommendation from at least one attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio who is not registered as a Foreign Legal Consultant, setting forth the length of time, when, and under what circumstances he or she has known you, and his or her appraisal of your character, fitness, and moral qualifications.
8. Copy of Summary of Law and Customs of Foreign Country
   In accordance with Sec. 2 (A)(6), a copy or summary of the law and customs of the foreign country in which you are admitted, describing the opportunity given to members of the Bar of Ohio to establish offices for the giving of legal advice to clients in such foreign country.
9. Affidavit of Applicant
   In accordance with Rule XI, Sec. 7 (A)(3), an Affidavit of Applicant.
10. Documentation evidencing compliance with the immigration laws of the United States.
11. Evidence of professional liability insurance or other proof of financial responsibility.
12. Non-refundable application fee in the amount of $550.    
13. If applicable, supplemental documentation.
14. If applicable, petition and non-refundable fee of $30.

Renewal of Certificate

The Certificate of Registration as a Foreign Legal Consultant shall be valid for one year, unless suspended or revoked, and may be renewed upon the filing of an annual request with the Office of Bar Admissions. The annual request shall be on a form furnished by the Office of Bar Admissions and shall be accompanied by payment of an annual renewal fee of $200 and such evidence as the Supreme Court shall deem necessary to demonstrate that all requirements for the issuance of an original certificate continue to be met.

1. Annual Renewal Request
2. Annual Renewal Affidavit
3. Certificate(s) of Good Standing
4. Evidence of professional liability insurance or other proof of financial responsibility
5. Nonrefundable fee $200

Fee Payment

Applicants must pay all Supreme Court of Ohio application fees on the Bar Admissions Portal at the time an application is submitted. Supreme Court of Ohio fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The Application Process

If any of the documents you file are not in English, you must also file an authenticated English translation of the document. The completed Application should be uploaded with the Office of Bar Admissions.  Your application will not be processed or considered complete until all items listed above have been filed.

Once your application is complete the Bar Admissions Office shall forward a copy of the documents to the admissions committee in the county where the applicant resides or intends to practice as a Foreign Legal Consultant, or to such other admissions committee as the Office of Bar Admissions deems appropriate. The admissions committee shall conduct an investigation of the applicant’s character, fitness, and moral qualifications for registration as a Foreign Legal Consultant. In conducting its investigation, the admissions committee shall follow the standards and procedures required by Gov. Bar R. I, Section 12, except that a personal interview of the applicant shall not be required. The admissions committee shall report its recommendation in writing to the Office of Bar Admissions on a form prescribed by the Office. Any recommendation other than an unqualified approval shall be deemed a recommendation that the applicant not be issued a Certificate of Registration. Applicants may appeal the recommendation, pursuant to Gov. Bar R. I, Section 13. The Supreme Court shall determine from the documents filed, the report of the admissions committee and, in those instances where it is submitted, the report and recommendation of the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness, whether the applicant shall be issued a Certificate of Registration as a Foreign Legal Consultant. The Office of Bar Admissions shall notify the applicant concerning the acceptance or rejection of the application.

Applicants have a continuous reporting obligation while their application is pending. The applicant is required to notify the Office of Bar Admissions in writing of any changes or updates to an application. Applicant may amend their application on the Bar Admissions Portal or by emailing baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Bar Admissions at 614.387.9340 or baradmissions@sc.ohio.gov.