MSJDN has drafted a Model Rule to assist jurisdictions interested in supporting military families. When adopted, the rule allows military spouse attorneys to practice in their new jurisdiction if they are present due to their spouse’s military orders and maintain a license in good standing in another state.

Email statelicensing@msjdn.org with any questions or to become involved in our ongoing efforts!

History of MSJDN’s Licensing Efforts

The ABA takes a look back at Resolution 108, celebrating the impact of military spouse reciprocity over the past ten years!

  In February 2012, with the support of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession, the ABA House of Delegates adopted a ABA Resolution 108 (2012) supporting changes in state licensing rules for military spouses with law degrees.

In April 2012, Idaho became the first state to approve a military spouse licensing accommodation.

Then in July 2012, the Conference of Chief Justices voted to support a resolution for admission of military spouse attorneys without examination. You can read the resolution here, which was accompanied by a detailed report drafted by MSJDN.

December 2012 saw the second state, Arizona, adopt a licensing rule specifically addressed the challenges faced by military spouse attorneys. Since then, other states have joined in the efforts to reduce barriers to employment for military spouses in the legal profession.

In the years since, MSJDN has seen more than 40 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands pass common sense license reciprocity rules for military spouse attorneys. Our efforts continue as we work to reach all 50 states. MSJDN has also begun to petition the nine states which passed license reciprocity for military spouses but included harmful supervision requirements which have rendered the rules unduly burdensome and ineffective in practice.

Email statelicensing@msjdn.org to learn how you and your organization can help support licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys in your state!