Remote Practice “In Georgia”

The Georgia Supreme Court has approved a Formal Advisory Opinion on remote law practice

QUESTION PRESENTED:

Under Georgia Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5, may a Domestic Lawyer or a Foreign Lawyer provide legal services by remote means from Georgia while residing in Georgia, when the services have no relationship with Georgia other than the lawyer’s physical location?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

Yes, under certain conditions. A Domestic or Foreign Lawyer residing and working in Georgia may provide legal services by remote means that have no relationship to Georgia other than the lawyer’s physical location if: (a) the lawyer does not hold out or otherwise represent that they are licensed in Georgia; (b) the lawyer takes reasonable steps to ensure that the lawyer’s Georgia location is not generally known; and (c) the lawyer takes reasonable steps to correct any misunderstanding about the lawyer’s licensure.

Limits

It is important to highlight the limits of this opinion. We conclude that a Domestic or Foreign Lawyer does not violate Rule 5.5 by providing legal services by remote means from Georgia (but not “in Georgia”) while residing in Georgia, under specific conditions. The lawyer must not misrepresent the lawyer’s lack of Georgia law license. The lawyer also must take reasonable steps to ensure that the Georgia location of the lawyer is not generally known and to correct any misunderstanding of the lawyer’s licensure. For Domestic and Foreign Lawyers who wish to practice from Georgia, this Opinion provides a safe harbor from the limits of Rule 5.5. This Opinion does not purport, however, to provide guidance beyond that. Domestic or Foreign Lawyers who provide services “in Georgia” or whose presence in Georgia becomes generally known must consult Rule 5.5 and other applicable law to determine the propriety of such activities.

(Mike Frisch)