House Counsel Admission - Idaho Bar Commission Rule 220
House counsel licenses are intended to permit lawyers licensed in other jurisdictions to practice law in Idaho without the requirement of taking the Bar Examination, provided that their practice is limited to internal counseling and practice limited to the business of his or her employer.
The essential elements for a House Counsel License are:
- Graduation from an ABA approved law school.
- A showing of good moral character.
- Admitted to the practice of law before the highest court of a state or of the District of Columbia whose requirements are commensurate with the State of Idaho, including passing a qualifying bar examination for such admission.
- Full-time employment with a company, association, or corporation as house counsel, which business of his or her employer is not engaged in the selling or furnishing of legal advice or services to others.
- Is in good standing in any state admitted.
- Has in full force and effect an exclusive service contract with employer.
- Maintain an office for the practice of law as house counsel within the state of Idaho on behalf of your corporate employer.