N.M. R. Prof'l. Cond. 16-505
N.M. R. Prof'l. Cond. 16-505
ANNOTATIONS ABA COMMENT: [1] A lawyer may practice law only in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is authorized to practice. A lawyer may be admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction on a regular basis or may be authorized by court rule or order or by law to practice for a limited purpose or on a restricted basis. See also Rule 24-106 NMRA. Paragraph A applies to unauthorized practice of law by a lawyer, whether through the lawyer's direct action or by the lawyer assisting another person. [2] The definition of the practice of law is established by law and varies from one jurisdiction to another. Whatever the definition, limiting the practice of law to members of the bar protects the public against rendition of legal services by unqualified persons. This rule does not prohibit a lawyer from employing the services of paraprofessionals and delegating functions to them, so long as the lawyer supervises the delegated work and retains responsibility for their work. See Rule 16-503 NMRA. [3] A lawyer may provide professional advice and instruction to nonlawyers whose employment requires knowledge of the law; for example, claims adjusters, employees of financial or commercial institutions, social workers, accountants, and persons employed in government agencies. Lawyers also may assist independent nonlawyers, such as paraprofessionals, who are authorized by the law of a jurisdiction to provide particular law-related services. In addition, a lawyer may counsel nonlawyers who wish to proceed pro se. [4] Other than as authorized by law or this rule, a lawyer who is not admitted to practice generally in this jurisdiction violates Paragraph D if the lawyer establishes an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction for the practice of law. Presence may be systematic and continuous even if the lawyer is not physically present here. Such a lawyer must not hold out to the public or otherwise represent that the lawyer is admitted to practice law in this jurisdiction. See also Rules 16-701(B), 16-705(B), and 24-106 NMRA. [5] There are occasions in which a lawyer admitted to practice in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services on a temporary basis in this jurisdiction under circumstances that do not create an unreasonable risk to the interests of their clients, the public, or the courts. Paragraphs E and F identify such circumstances. The fact that conduct is not so identified does not imply that the conduct is or is not authorized. With the exception of Subparagraphs (F)(3) and (4), this rule does not authorize a lawyer to establish an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction without being admitted to practice generally here. [6] There is no single test to determine whether a lawyer's services are provided on a "temporary basis" in this jurisdiction, and may therefore be permissible under Paragraph E. Services may be "temporary" even though the lawyer provides services in this jurisdiction on a recurring basis, or for an extended period of time, as when the lawyer is representing a client in a single lengthy negotiation or litigation. [7] Paragraphs E and F apply to lawyers who are admitted to practice law in any United States jurisdiction, which includes the District of Columbia and any state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States. The word "admitted" in Paragraphs E and F contemplates that the lawyer is authorized to practice in the jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted and excludes a lawyer who while technically admitted is not authorized to practice, because, for example, the lawyer is on inactive status. [8] Subparagraph (E)(1) recognizes that the interests of clients and the public are protected if a lawyer admitted only in another jurisdiction associates with a lawyer licensed to practice in this jurisdiction. For this paragraph to apply, however, the lawyer admitted to practice in this jurisdiction must actively participate in and share responsibility for the representation of the client. [9] Lawyers not admitted to practice generally in a jurisdiction may be authorized by law or order of a court, legislative body, administrative agency, or other tribunal to appear before the court, legislative body, administrative agency, or other tribunal. This authority may be granted pursuant to formal rules governing admission pro hac vice or pursuant to informal practice of the court, legislative body, administrative agency, or other tribunal. Under Subparagraph (E)(2), a lawyer does not violate this rule when the lawyer appears before a court, legislative body, administrative agency, or other tribunal pursuant to such authority. To the extent that a court rule or other law of this jurisdiction requires a lawyer who is not admitted to practice in this jurisdiction to obtain admission pro hac vice before appearing before a court, legislative body, administrative agency, or other tribunal, this rule requires the lawyer to obtain that authority. [10] Subparagraph (E)(2) also provides that a lawyer rendering services in this jurisdiction on a temporary basis does not violate this rule when the lawyer engages in conduct in anticipation of a proceeding or hearing in this jurisdiction in which the lawyer is authorized to practice law by Rule 24-106 NMRA. Examples of such conduct include meetings with the client, interviews of potential witnesses, and the review of documents. Similarly, a lawyer admitted only in another jurisdiction may engage in conduct temporarily in this jurisdiction in connection with pending litigation in another jurisdiction in which the lawyer is or reasonably expects to be authorized to appear, including taking depositions in this jurisdiction. [11] When a lawyer has been or reasonably expects to be admitted to appear before a court, administrative agency, or other tribunal Subparagraph (E)(2) also permits conduct by lawyers who are associated with that lawyer in the matter, but who do not expect to appear before the court, administrative agency, or other tribunal. For example, subordinate lawyers may conduct research, review documents, and attend meetings with witnesses in support of the lawyer responsible for the litigation. [12] Subparagraph (F)(1) permits a lawyer admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction to perform services on a temporary basis in this jurisdiction if those services are in or reasonably related to a pending or potential arbitration, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in this or another jurisdiction, if the services arise out of or are reasonably related to the lawyer's practice in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted to practice. The lawyer, however, must obtain admission pro hac vice in the case of a court-annexed arbitration or mediation or otherwise if court rules or law so require. [13] Subparagraph (F)(2) permits a lawyer admitted in another jurisdiction to provide certain legal services on a temporary basis in this jurisdiction that arise out of or are reasonably related to the lawyer's practice in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted but are not within Subparagraph (E)(2) or Subparagraph (F)(1). These services include both legal services and services that nonlawyers may perform but that are considered the practice of law when performed by lawyers. However, in transactions involving New Mexico specific legal issues, a lawyer admitted in another jurisdiction and not in New Mexico must associate with New Mexico counsel to provide legal services relating to those issues. [14] Subparagraphs (F)(1) and (2) require that the services arise out of or be reasonably related to the lawyer's practice in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted. A variety of factors evidence such a relationship. The lawyer's client may have been previously represented by the lawyer, or may be resident in or have substantial contacts with the jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted. The matter, although involving other jurisdictions, may have a significant connection with that jurisdiction. In other cases, significant aspects of the lawyer's work might be conducted in that jurisdiction or a significant aspect of the matter may involve the law of that jurisdiction. The necessary relationship might arise when the client's activities or the legal issues involve multiple jurisdictions, such as when the officers of a multinational corporation survey potential business sites and seek the services of their lawyer in assessing the relative merits of each. In addition, the services may draw on the lawyer's recognized expertise developed through the regular practice of law on behalf of clients in matters involving a particular body of federal, nationally-uniform, foreign, or international law. [15] Subparagraphs (F)(3) and (4) identify two circumstances in which a lawyer who is admitted to practice in another United States jurisdiction, and is not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may establish an office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction for the practice of law as well as provide legal services on a temporary basis, subject to that lawyer complying with all applicable registration requirements of the New Mexico Supreme Court. Except as provided in Subparagraphs (F)(3) and (4), a lawyer who is admitted to practice law in another jurisdiction and who establishes an office or other systematic or continuous presence in this jurisdiction must become admitted to practice law generally in this jurisdiction. [16] Subparagraph (F)(3) applies to a lawyer who is employed by a client to provide legal services to the client or its organizational affiliates, i.e., entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with the employer. This paragraph does not authorize the provision of personal legal services to the employer's officers or employees. The paragraph applies to in-house corporate lawyers, government lawyers, and others who are employed to render legal services to the employer. The lawyer's ability to represent the employer outside the jurisdiction in which the lawyer is licensed generally serves the interests of the employer and does not create an unreasonable risk to the client and others because the employer is well situated to assess the lawyer's qualifications and the quality of the lawyer's work. [17] If an employed lawyer establishes an office or other systematic presence in this jurisdiction for the purpose of rendering legal services to the employer, the lawyer may be subject to registration or other requirements, including assessments for client protection funds and mandatory continuing legal education. [18] Subparagraph (F)(4) recognizes that a lawyer may provide legal services in a jurisdiction in which the lawyer is not licensed when authorized to do so by federal or other law, which includes statute, court rule, executive regulation, or judicial precedent. [19] A lawyer who practices law in this jurisdiction pursuant to Paragraphs E or F or otherwise is subject to the disciplinary authority of this jurisdiction. See Rule 16-805 NMRA. [20] In some circumstances, a lawyer who practices law in this jurisdiction pursuant to Paragraphs E or F may have to inform the client that the lawyer is not licensed to practice law in this jurisdiction. For example, that may be required when the representation occurs primarily in this jurisdiction and requires knowledge of the law of this jurisdiction. See Rule 16-104(B) NMRA. [21] Paragraphs E and F do not authorize communications advertising legal services in this jurisdiction by lawyers who are admitted to practice in other jurisdictions. Whether and how lawyers may communicate the availability of their services in this jurisdiction is governed by Rules 16-701 to 16-705 NMRA. [As amended by Supreme Court Order No. 13-8300-040, effective December 31, 2013; as amended by Supreme Court Order No. 15-8300-007, effective December 31, 2015.] The 2015 amendment, approved by Supreme Court Order No. 15-8300-007, effective December 31, 2015, made technical changes to the ABA Comment. The 2013 amendment, approved by Supreme Court Order No. 13-8300-040, effective December 31, 2013, provided for the practice of law in New Mexico by a non-admitted lawyer with and without compliance with Rule 24-106 NMRA; in Paragraph E, after "temporary basis in this jurisdiction", deleted "that" and added the remainder of the sentence; in Paragraph F, added the introductory sentence; in Subparagraph (2), deleted "are not within Subparagraph (2) or (3) of Paragraph E and"; in Subparagraph (3), after "organizational affiliates", added "as in-house counsel subject to any registration requirements"; and deleted the former introductory sentence in Paragraph F, which provided for the practice of law in New Mexico of a non-admitted lawyer who was in compliance with applicable registration requirements. Unauthorized practice of law supported by substantial evidence. - Where the founder and benefactor of two organizations died; respondent was a board member and officer of the organizations; respondent solicited a relative of the personal representative of the founder's estate to retain respondent to pursue a lawsuit against the personal representative for mishandling of the probate of the estate; respondent represented to the personal representative that the statute of limitations had not yet run on claims respondent threatened to bring against the personal representative for breach of fiduciary duty; and at the time respondent solicited the personal representative's relative to be respondent's client and made the representations to the personal representative, respondent was not admitted to practice law in New Mexico and was on inactive statute in Virginia, substantial evidence supported the hearing committee's findings that respondent engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. In the Matter of Convisser, 2010-NMSC-037, 148 N.M. 732, 242 P.3d 299. Holding out unauthorized person as partner is violation. - If an attorney aids a person not authorized to practice law in this state to engage in practice and holds that person out as his partner in advertising, such conduct constitutes a violation of this rule (former Rule 3-101) and warrants public censure. In re Bailey, 1981-NMSC-122, 97 N.M. 88, 637 P.2d 38. Responsibility as to legal assistant. - An attorney violates this rule by hiring a legal assistant, but failing to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the assistant's conduct comports with his own professional obligations. In re Martinez, 1988-NMSC-033, 107 N.M. 171, 754 P.2d 842. Indefinite suspension warranted. - Indefinite suspension was warranted because of attorney's violation of Paragraph A of this rule and other rules, such as Rule 16-101 NMRA, by failing to provide competent representation; Rule 16-105 NMRA, by charging an excessive fee; Rule 16-302 NMRA, by failing to expedite litigation; Rule 16-303(A)(1) NMRA, by making an untrue statement of fact to a tribunal; Rule 16-304(D) NMRA, by failing to comply with a discovery request; and Rule 16-804(C), (D) and (H) NMRA, by engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, and misrepresentation, by engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and by engaging in conduct that adversely reflects upon his fitness to practice law. In re Righter, 1999-NMSC-009, 126 N.M. 730, 975 P.2d 343. Rule violated. In re Chavez, 2000-NMSC-015, 129 N.M. 035, 1 P.3d 417. Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. - 7 Am. Jur. 2d Attorneys at Law §§ 101 to 117 . Layman's assistance to party in divorce proceedings as unauthorized practice of law, 12 A.L.R.4th 656. Contracts by organizations in business of providing evidence, witness or research assistance to legal counsel in specific litigation, 15 A.L.R.4th 1255. Disciplinary action against attorney for aiding or assisting another person in unauthorized practice of law, 41 A.L.R.4th 361. Propriety and effect of corporation's appearance pro se through agent who is not attorney, 8 A.L.R.5th 653. What constitutes "unauthorized practice of law" by out-of-state counsel?, 83 A.L.R.5th 497.