The Ohio Supreme Court today announced that it is accepting public comment on amendments to enable an attorney spouse of an active duty member of the U.S. military temporarily stationed in Ohio to practice law under certain conditions.

The proposed amendments to the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio outline the eligibility and application requirements, the approval process, and the limitations of the designation. The Supreme Court noted the “unique mobility requirements of military families who support the defense of our nation.” Public comment is due Jan. 18, 2017.

The Court’s Task Force on Access to Justice and the Ohio State Bar Association recommended the rule adoption. Twenty-one states have adopted a military spouse attorney program.

To account for military spouses currently in Ohio seeking to practice law on a temporary basis, the Court adopted amendments that take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

Under these amendments, out-of-state attorneys could use the existing admission process to be granted pro hac vice status by a local court or other tribunal in order to be eligible to practice law for two years. They also would be exempted from the pro hac vice participation limit of three proceedings a year.

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