HARRISBURG – A new rule adopted today by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Board of Law Examiners would remove barriers that prevent military spouses who are attorneys from practicing law in Pennsylvania, according to Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York).
The new rule addresses the challenges that active duty military families face due to frequent relocations. Receiving a law license is a costly and time-consuming process which presents a significant obstacle for military spouses who may only be in the state for a matter of months or a few years.
“Moving across the country due to military service is a challenge for all families, but especially so for spouses who are unable to provide for their families due to a loss of the ability to pursue their career,” Phillips-Hill said. “Military spouses are already forced to make numerous sacrifices to honor their loved one’s military service. They shouldn’t have to give up on careers that they spent many years and many thousands of dollars to earn.”
Over the past two years, Phillips-Hill worked with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Military Spouse J.D. Network to create a new model rule that would help military spouses apply to practice on a limited basis.
As a member of the House of Representatives in 2018, Phillips-Hill also sponsored a resolution encouraging the Supreme Court to adopt rules that recognize the specific challenges facing military spouses who are attorneys.
The new rule takes effect in six months.
You can listen to Senator Phillips-Hill explain how this new rule will help military families here.