Supreme Judicial Court Temporarily Modifies Rules in Practice of Law
for Attorneys Displaced by Hurricane Katrina

 

 

Boston, MA — To assist attorneys who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court have temporarily modified the rules governing the practice of law in the Commonwealth. After consulting with those involved with the bar admissions process, the Justices issued an order that allows attorneys who have been admitted to practice in the highest courts of law in Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi, to temporarily practice in Massachusetts subject to certain conditions. The temporary authorization is effective until September 1, 2006, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. 

          “This is a challenging time for lawyers and others whose lives have been disrupted by the extreme devastation caused by the hurricane. I am delighted that Massachusetts is joining other states in extending support to the legal community to ensure that the judicial system functions well during this difficult transition period,” said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall.

          The American Bar Association and the Conference of Chief Justices have urged state courts to consider ways to help clients and attorneys in the states that were affected by the hurricane, and a number of states have responded by temporarily modifying their rules of practice to accommodate the displaced attorneys.

          A copy of the Supreme Judicial Court Order, effective October 6, 2005, is attached.