Upon recommendation of the bar examining committee, an applicant may be licensed to practice as a foreign legal consultant, without examination, who:
Section 2-17.Foreign Legal Consultants; Licensing Requirements
Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule lets a lawyer admitted and in good standing in a foreign country practice in Connecticut as a foreign legal consultant, without taking the bar exam, if they meet minimum experience, character, and age requirements.
Full Text of Section 2-17
(1) has been admitted to practice (or has obtained the equivalent of admission) in a foreign country, and has engaged in the practice of law in that country, and has been in good standing as an attorney or counselor at law (or the equivalent of either) in that country, for a period of not less than five of the seven years immediately preceding the date of application;
(2) possesses the good moral character and fitness to practice law requisite for a member of the bar of this court; and
(3) is at least twenty-six years of age.
Amendment History
(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 24B.) (Amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011; amended June 10, 2022, to take effect Jan. 1, 2023.)
Plain-English Summary
This section creates a path into limited Connecticut practice for lawyers licensed abroad. On recommendation of the bar examining committee, an applicant can be licensed as a foreign legal consultant without sitting for the bar examination.
To qualify, the applicant must have been admitted to practice law (or its equivalent) in a foreign country and have practiced there in good standing for at least five of the seven years before applying. The applicant must also show the good moral character and fitness to practice law expected of any Connecticut bar member, and must be at least twenty-six years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the Connecticut bar exam to become a foreign legal consultant?
No. The rule licenses foreign legal consultants without examination, based instead on the bar examining committee’s recommendation and the applicant meeting the listed requirements.
How much foreign practice experience is required?
The applicant must have been in good standing as an attorney or counselor at law (or the equivalent) in the foreign country for at least five of the seven years immediately before filing the application.
Is there a minimum age to qualify?
Yes, the applicant must be at least twenty-six years old.
Does this rule cover what a foreign legal consultant is allowed to do once licensed?
No, this section covers only the licensing requirements. The scope of practice is addressed separately in Section 2-19.
Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-17). Prescribed by the Judges of the Superior Court of Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 51-14). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: foreign legal consultant ConnecticutCT foreign lawyer licensepractice law in Connecticut without bar examforeign attorney licensing requirementsforeign legal consultant eligibility