What is the California requirement for lawyers participating in MJP?

In California, for lawyers participating in Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP), the primary requirement is to register with the State Bar and comply with specific requirements. This includes adhering to rules concerning the temporary provision of legal services to clients in California while maintaining compliance with the applicable regulations governing out-of-state lawyers.

This approach recognizes that lawyers may occasionally need to provide legal services in different jurisdictions without the necessity of obtaining a new license for each state, which aligns with the increasing mobility of legal practice and the transient nature of certain legal matters. By requiring registration, California ensures a level of oversight and accountability for out-of-state attorneys practicing within its jurisdiction.

Other options, such as obtaining a new license for each state or only serving clients in California, do not reflect the reality of MJP regulations, as they do not align with the flexibility that MJP offers. The correct choice reinforces the framework established by California for managing legal practice that crosses state lines while ensuring that attorneys meet necessary standards.