State Bar Admissions and Licensing

“Membership in the bar is a privilege burdened with conditions.”

— In re Rouss, 21 N.Y. 81, 84 (1917) (Cardozo, J.)

Herring & Panzer has advised many law students, recent graduates, and lawyers from other states who wish to become licensed to practice law in Texas, but who encounter problems in the admissions process.

Bar Licensing Applications and Character and Fitness Hearings

For students and recent graduates, proceedings before the Board of Law Examiners often involve “character and fitness” issues. For example, often an issue arises from an alleged failure to disclose a past event or legal or disciplinary problem, such as:

In these cases we can provide counsel concerning the process and options, and when a hearing is necessary, we can provide representation during the proceedings before the Board.

Lawyers From Other States and
Countries Seeking Bar Admission

Lawyers from other states or countries who are seeking admission to practice law in Texas also sometimes encounter issues before the Board of Law Examiners concerning past events or discipline in another jurisdiction. At times, an out-of-state or foreign lawyer needs to request a waiver of specific requirements set out in the rules governing admission to the Bar. These issues can include:

Exemption from the Texas law study requirements for lawyers who are already licensed
Exemption from the Texas bar examination requirement for lawyers who are already licensed and have practiced for at least five years in another jurisdiction
Revocation proceedings for probationary licenses
Requests for pro hac vice admissions
Unauthorized practice of law issues in other jurisdictions
Good-cause waivers under Board Rule XX(e)

Reinstatement After Disbarment or
Resignation In Lieu of Discipline

At Herring & Panzer, we have successfully handled petitions for reinstatement for lawyers who have been disbarred or have resigned in lieu of discipline and who seek reinstatement. Typical issues in these matters include:

Whatever the issue, Herring & Panzer can provide advice concerning both how the process works and practical considerations involved in handling these post-disbarment or post-resignation issues.