HARRISBURG – Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) is reminding local military families of a new rule that goes into effect next week that will remove barriers to allow military spouses who are attorneys to practice law in Pennsylvania.
The new rule allows spouses of active duty military service members to practice law in Pennsylvania without going through the traditional process.
Phillips-Hill said the new rule is the culmination of efforts in the legislature and court system to make Pennsylvania friendlier to military families.
“Serving in the military presents many unique challenges for the family member wearing the uniform, but it is also difficult for the spouse who often make their own career and personal sacrifices for the military service of their loved one,” Phillips-Hill said. “I’m hopeful this is one less burden for military families to worry about when relocating to the Commonwealth, by allowing spouses of our military members to continue to pursue their career if they are in the legal profession.”
Men and women serving in the Armed Forces may be stationed in Pennsylvania for months or up to a few years. The new rule, which takes effect on Monday, July 29, will provide guidance for spouses of active military to practice law in Pennsylvania.
The rule was approved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Board of Law Examiners in January, but took six months to implement. Parameters spelling out the process for military spouses who wish to practice law in Pennsylvania can be found here: https://www.pabarexam.org/bar_admission_rules/304.htm
As a member of the House of Representatives, Phillips-Hill spearheaded a resolution calling for the Supreme Court to make the necessary change to assist military families in Pennsylvania.
“I’m grateful the Board of Law Examiners took up this issue to benefit those families who will call Pennsylvania home while wearing the uniform to protect our freedoms,” she added.
You can listen to Phillips-Hill’s comments about this new rule here.