North Carolina Supreme Court Approves Military Spouse Licensing Law

North Carolina continues their legacy as one of the most military-friendly states in the country by becoming the fourth state to pass a rule modifying the requirements of comity licensure for military spouse attorneys who can prove that they reside in the state due to their spouse’s military orders.

Through the dedicated support of the legal community and the work of MSJDN’s North Carolina State Rule Team, the state has helped address the unique challenges faced by military spouse attorneys while continuing to ensure the protections in place for the public through the professional competence and moral character requirements.

What you need to know about the new North Carolina rule:

• eliminates the bar exam requirement for military spouses who are licensed, active and in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction and meet all additional requirements;
• expands the required time in practice from four out of six years to four out of eight years;
• gives military spouse applications priority;
• reduces the application fee;
• allows applicants to practice under supervision while waiting for approval; and
• available to milspouse attorneys who live in NC, or intend to live in NC within the next six months, based on your servicemember spouse’s PCS orders.

MSJDN would like to thank both the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners and the North Carolina State Bar for their assistance and dedication to the admission of military attorney spouses in North Carolina. Additional thanks goes to former Governor Bev Perdue and the National Military Family Association for their support of MSJDN’s efforts in North Carolina.

For additional information on the NC Military Spouse Comity Rule, or for information about MSJDN’s rule change efforts in other states, please contact MSJDN Vice President Rachel Winkler at Rachel.Winkler@msjdn.org.

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The Military Spouse JD Network is an international network of legal professionals improving the lives of military families. We advocate for licensing accommodations for military spouses, including bar membership without additional examination. MSJDN has over 700 members all across the globe, and includes military spouses and partners from all branches of the United States military, as well as spouses of retired service members and legal and military organizations who support our mission.

PRESS RELEASE 12-Apr-2013 North Carolina Offers Military Spouses Path to Law License

North Carolina Rule Requirements for Military Spouse Comity Applicants