APEC economy: United States of America; Jurisdiction: Tennessee
Temporary practice ('fly-in, fly-out' practice)
There is no express rule allowing temporary practice by foreign lawyers.
Limited licensing of foreign lawyers (foreign legal consultant rules)
A foreign lawyer cannot obtain a limited licence entitling them to offer advisory services in foreign and international law (ie become a foreign legal consultant).
Full licensing
A foreign lawyer can obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction.
The relevant legislation is Rule 7 of the Tennessee Supreme Court Rules.
In order to obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction, foreign lawyers must meet educational requirements of the Tennessee Supreme Court Rule No 7, sections 7.01 and 2.01 and pass the Tennessee Bar examination.
These rules are different from the rules applicable to a local applicant. They differ in that local lawyers must meet the educational requirements of Rule 7, section 2.01 and pass the Tennessee Bar examination.
Commercial association between lawyers and law firms
In this jurisdiction:
- local lawyers may be employed by another local lawyer of a local firm;
- foreign firms are not permitted to establish a commercial presence (a permanent office) to offer advisory services in foreign and international law.
Other regulatory issues
In this jurisdiction:
- foreign lawyers cannot establish an office in the absence of enabling legislation;
- there are specific rules in relation to advertising;
- there are no specific rules in relation to use of names by lawyers or law firms.
Contacts
| Category | Name | Website or other contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation(s) that controls licensing of lawyers | Tennessee Board of Law Examiners | www.tennessee.gov/lawexaminers |
| Peak professional association representing the legal profession | Tennessee Bar Association | www.tba.org |
| Other associations playing a significant role in developing policy for the legal profession | Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility | fx@tbpr.org |
Other issues
As of August 1, 2010, the rule for foreign educated applicants for the Bar will change to require 27 credits from an ABA approved law school or one approved by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners, in addition to an equivalent education.