Section 2-18.—Filings To Become Foreign Legal Consultant

Current through August 12, 2025 (2026 Practice Book edition) · Last verified July 9, 2026

In one sentenceThis rule lists the application materials a foreign lawyer must file to become a licensed foreign legal consultant in Connecticut, including certifications of foreign admission and recommendations, and gives the court limited power to waive strict compliance.

Full Text of Section 2-18

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

(a) An applicant for a license to practice as a foreign legal consultant shall file with the director of the bar examining committee:

(1) an application and payment of such fee as the bar examining committee shall from time to time determine;

(2) a certificate from the authority in the foreign country having final jurisdiction over professional discipline, certifying to the applicant’s admission to practice (or the equivalent of such admission) and the date thereof and to the applicant’s good standing as an attorney or counselor at law (or the equivalent of either), together with a duly authenticated English translation of such certificate if it is not in English; and

(3) two recommendations, one from a member in good standing of the Connecticut bar and another from either a member in good standing of the bar of the country in which the applicant is licensed as an attorney, or from a judge of one of the courts of original jurisdiction of said country, together with a duly authenticated English translation of each letter if it is not in English.

(b) Upon a showing that strict compliance with the provisions of Section 2-17 (1) and subdivisions (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of this section is impossible or very difficult for reasons beyond the control of the applicant, or upon a showing of exceptional professional qualifications to practice as a foreign legal consultant, the court may, in its discretion, waive or vary the application of such provisions and permit the applicant to make such other showing as may be satisfactory to the court.

(c) The bar examining committee shall investigate the qualifications, moral character, and fitness of any applicant for a license to practice as a foreign legal consultant and may in any case require the applicant to submit any additional proof or information as the committee may deem appropriate. The committee may also require the applicant to submit a report from the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and to pay the prescribed fee therefor, with respect to the applicant’s character and fitness.

End

Amendment History

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 24C.) (Amended June 21, 2010, to take effect Jan. 1, 2011; amended June 26, 2020, to take effect Jan. 1, 2021; amended June 9, 2023, to take effect Jan. 1, 2024.)

Plain-English Summary

This section spells out what an applicant for a foreign legal consultant license must submit to the director of the bar examining committee. That includes a completed application with the required fee, a certificate from the foreign country’s disciplinary authority confirming the applicant’s admission to practice and good standing (translated into English if necessary), and two recommendations — one from a Connecticut bar member and one from either a lawyer or judge in the applicant’s home country, also translated if needed.

If strict compliance with the admission or documentation requirements is impossible or very difficult through no fault of the applicant, or if the applicant has exceptional professional qualifications, the court may waive or vary those requirements and accept another form of proof. The bar examining committee investigates each applicant’s qualifications, character, and fitness, and may require additional proof, including a report from the National Conference of Bar Examiners at the applicant’s expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents does a foreign legal consultant applicant need to file?

An application with the required fee, a certificate from the foreign disciplinary authority proving admission and good standing, and two recommendation letters — one from a Connecticut bar member and one from a lawyer or judge in the applicant’s home country.

What if my foreign country’s certificate isn’t in English?

You must include a duly authenticated English translation along with the original certificate or recommendation letter.

Can the court waive any of these filing requirements?

Yes. If strict compliance is impossible or very difficult for reasons beyond the applicant’s control, or the applicant has exceptional qualifications, the court may waive or vary the requirements and accept other satisfactory proof.

Can the bar examining committee ask for more than what’s listed here?

Yes, the committee may require additional proof or information, including a character and fitness report from the National Conference of Bar Examiners, paid for by the applicant.

Source & verification. The section text is reproduced verbatim from the official Connecticut Practice Book (Conn. Practice Book § 2-18). 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

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