A rule under review by the Wisconsin Supreme Court could create a class of registered legal consultants among foreign lawyers so that they may give advice on the law of their home countries.
Feb. 11, 2009 – On Feb. 9, the Wisconsin Supreme Court took public comment and then debated the merits of a proposed rule opening the door to foreign lawyers to the limited practice of law in the state.
Proposal 8-08 would permit a foreign lawyer to offer advice on international law in Wisconsin as a “registered legal consultant.” James Huston, vice-chair of the Board of Bar Examiners, spoke on behalf of this rule change sponsored by his organization. Huston said there is a great need in the modern global economy for these services among Wisconsin businesses expanding into overseas markets and immigrants seeking counsel on legal issues arising in their countries of origin.
Justices identified areas of concern and directed the BBE to rework the draft rule. Among the issues to resolve: