Even with multijurisdictional practice looming on the horizon, State Bar spokesmen testified vehemently at a public hearing last Tuesday in Atlantic City that New Jersey should retain the “bona fide office” rule, lest the future be bleak.

Outgoing State Bar President Daniel Waldman told the state Supreme Court Commission on the Rules of Professional Conduct that weakening the rule to make it easier for lawyers to cross state lines to practice here may well extend choice for clients. But, he said, “There has been no public outcry that there are not enough lawyers in this state.”