An amendment to S.J.C. Rule 4:02(9)(b) allows in-house counsel who are admitted in other states but who are based in Massachusetts to perform pro bono services in Massachusetts, effective March 1, 2013.
"As used in this section 9, “to engage in the practice of law as in-house counsel” means to provide on behalf of a single organization (including a governmental entity) or its organizational affiliates any legal services that constitute the practice of law. Notwithstanding this limitation, such in-house counsel may provide pro bono publico legal services without compensation or expectation of compensation as described in Rule 6.1 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct (S.J.C. Rule 3:07) under the auspices of either (1) an approved legal services organization (as defined in paragraph (8)(c) or (2) a lawyer admitted to practice and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
For additional information see the April 1, 2013 Press Release from the Public Information Office of the Supreme Judicial Court.
