Comment on Multi-jurisdictional Practice and loosening of standards.
I am a licensed practitioner in MS, AL and TN. I have sat for and passed three (3) bar exams and have no problem with multi-jurisdiction practice so long as attorneys are licensed and qualified to practice in each such state. I pay dues in three states. I obtain CLE in three states. After being licensed in each for more than 12 years, I still practice regularly in each state. Keeping up with bar rules, local rules, rules of civil procedure, not to mention case and statutory law in each state, is a major endeavor. However, I do not see how one can ably serve the client in other jurisdictions without being so licensed, qualified and up-to-date on the nuances of each jurisdiction in which one practices.
All of that having been said, I strongly object to any loosening of the standards for multi-jurisdictional practice unless those practicing are licensed and qualified to practice in a given area. We have far too many attorneys who barely qualify to practice law in one state. I shutter to think what might happen once they begin crossing state lines to hang a shingle or put out a TV ad. The result would be more TV ads and less qualified attorneys to practice in the Courts.
Keith D.Obert
AKERS & OBERT, P.A.
P.O. Box 280
Brandon, MS 39043
ph. 601-825-4566
fax 601-825-4588