The Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law received an inquiry asking whether an out-of-state lawyer, representing an out-of-state buyer, may prepare a contract for purchase of New Jersey commercial real estate. The Committee has also received numerous inquiries on the attorney ethics research assistance hotline regarding multijurisdictional or crossborder practice. Accordingly, the Committee decided to issue this Opinion to provide guidance on the scope of permitted New Jersey practice by out-of-state lawyers.
Rule of Professional Conduct 5.5(b)(3) permits an out-of-state lawyer to engage in the practice of New Jersey law in certain limited circumstances. The Rule provides:
