When you need legal representation in more than one state, it’s important to find a lawyer who is licensed in both. Lawyers can’t just practice anywhere—they need a license for each state they work in. So, if your legal issue involves matters that cross state lines, you’ll want to make sure your lawyer is licensed in two states to handle your case properly.
This guide will walk you through how to find a lawyer licensed in two states, why it’s important to have this type of lawyer, and what to expect when hiring one.
What Does It Mean to Be Licensed in Two States?
Before diving into how to find a lawyer licensed in two states, it’s helpful to understand what being “licensed” in a state means. In the United States, lawyers must pass the bar exam in each state where they want to practice law. This is a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of state and federal laws. Once they pass, they receive a license to practice in that state.
Some lawyers, however, choose to get licensed in multiple states. This allows them to represent clients in legal matters across state lines. These lawyers are especially useful if your case involves multiple jurisdictions, such as a business dispute spanning two states or a family law matter that involves custody in different states.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer Licensed in Two States?
You may need a lawyer licensed in two states if your legal issue involves laws or courts in more than one state. Here are some common situations where this might happen:
1. Business Operations in Multiple States
If you own a business that operates in two or more states, you may need a lawyer who can handle legal matters in all of those locations. A lawyer licensed in both states can help you navigate contracts, employee issues, or regulatory requirements without having to hire separate attorneys for each state.
2. Family Law Issues
Divorce or child custody matters can become complicated if parents live in different states. A lawyer licensed in two states can represent you in both jurisdictions, ensuring that your legal matters are handled consistently across state lines.
3. Real Estate Transactions
Real estate deals can involve properties or legal matters in more than one state. For example, you may own property in one state but live in another. Having a lawyer licensed in both states ensures that your transaction goes smoothly and legally in each state.
4. Criminal Defense Across State Lines
If you’re facing criminal charges in multiple states, having a lawyer who is licensed in both can be essential. This ensures your defense is consistent, and you won’t have to hire separate attorneys in each state.
How to Find a Lawyer Licensed in Two States
Now that you know why it’s important to hire a lawyer licensed in two states, let’s explore how to find one. The process is similar to finding any lawyer, but with an added focus on checking their licensing in multiple states.
1. Check Online Lawyer Directories
One of the easiest ways to find a lawyer licensed in two states is by using online lawyer directories. Websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and the American Bar Association (ABA) offer searchable databases of licensed attorneys. You can filter your search by state and legal specialty.
When searching for a lawyer, make sure to check their profile to confirm they are licensed in both states you need. Most profiles will list the states where they are licensed to practice.
2. Ask for Recommendations
If you already have a lawyer you trust, ask them if they can recommend someone who is licensed in both states. Lawyers often have networks of colleagues in different areas of law and different states, so they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Additionally, you can ask friends, family members, or business associates who have dealt with multi-state legal issues for recommendations.
3. Check State Bar Websites
Each state has a bar association that maintains a list of licensed attorneys. You can visit the websites of the state bar associations for the states where you need legal help. Use their search tools to look up lawyers who are licensed in that state, and then verify whether they are also licensed in the second state.
Some state bar websites also allow you to see if a lawyer has been licensed in other states, making it easier to find someone who can practice in both places.
4. Search for Law Firms with Multi-State Practices
Some law firms specialize in handling cases that span multiple states. These firms often have attorneys who are licensed in more than one state. If you find a law firm with a strong presence in both states, there’s a good chance they have lawyers who are licensed in both places.
Look for larger law firms or boutique firms that advertise multi-state legal services. These firms often have the resources and experience to handle complex cases involving more than one state’s laws.
5. Verify Licensing on Lawyer Websites
Most lawyers list their state licenses on their professional websites. Once you find a lawyer you’re interested in, visit their website to confirm whether they are licensed in both states. It’s common for lawyers to mention their state bar admissions in their biography or credentials section.
If the information isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to call the lawyer’s office and ask directly. They should be able to tell you if they’re licensed in both states you need.
What to Expect When Hiring a Lawyer Licensed in Two States
Hiring a lawyer licensed in two states can offer many advantages, but it’s important to know what to expect during the process. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Higher Legal Fees
Because lawyers licensed in two states have more expertise and flexibility, they may charge higher fees than lawyers licensed in just one state. However, hiring a lawyer with licenses in multiple states can save you money in the long run because you won’t need to hire two separate lawyers for different states.
2. Expertise in Multi-State Law
A lawyer licensed in two states brings a deeper understanding of multi-state legal issues. This can be crucial for cases involving interstate disputes, such as business contracts or family law matters. Their knowledge of how laws differ between states can help you navigate complex legal situations more easily.
3. Consistency in Legal Representation
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a lawyer licensed in two states is that you’ll have consistent legal representation across both states. This ensures that your case is handled uniformly, reducing the chances of conflicting advice or strategies from different lawyers.
4. Licensing and Legal Ethics
Lawyers are required to follow the legal and ethical rules of each state in which they are licensed. A lawyer practicing in two states must comply with the rules of both state bar associations, ensuring they meet the highest ethical standards in both jurisdictions.
Why Multi-State Licensing Matters
Multi-state licensing is important because legal issues can easily cross state lines. Whether it’s a business deal, a family law dispute, or a criminal matter, having a lawyer who can practice in both states gives you peace of mind that your case will be handled properly. Here’s why multi-state licensing matters:
1. Navigating State Laws
Each state has its own set of laws, and what is legal in one state might not be legal in another. A lawyer licensed in two states understands the differences between state laws and can provide better legal advice that fits your unique situation.
2. Handling Legal Paperwork
Certain legal documents, such as contracts or real estate transactions, may need to be prepared or filed in both states. A lawyer licensed in both states ensures that your paperwork is legally sound in both jurisdictions.
3. Court Representation
If your case requires court appearances in both states, you’ll need a lawyer who is licensed to represent you in court in both places. Hiring a lawyer with multi-state licenses ensures that you won’t have to find separate lawyers for each state, saving you time and stress.
Conclusion
Finding a lawyer licensed in two states is essential for handling legal matters that span multiple jurisdictions. Whether you’re dealing with business operations, family law issues, or real estate transactions, hiring a lawyer with multi-state licensing ensures you get consistent and effective legal representation across both states.
To find a lawyer licensed in two states, start by checking online directories, asking for recommendations, and verifying licenses on state bar websites. Once you find the right lawyer, you can trust that they will handle your legal matters smoothly and professionally, no matter which state you’re in.
FAQ
1. How can I find a lawyer licensed in two states?
You can find a lawyer licensed in two states by searching online lawyer directories, checking state bar websites, and looking for law firms with multi-state practices.
2. Why do I need a lawyer licensed in two states?
You may need a lawyer licensed in two states if your legal matter involves laws or courts in more than one state, such as business deals or family law disputes across state lines.
3. Do lawyers need separate licenses for each state?
Yes, lawyers must pass the bar exam in each state where they want to practice law, and they need separate licenses for each state.
4. Can I ask my current lawyer for a referral to someone licensed in two states?
Yes, you can ask your current lawyer for a referral to a lawyer who is licensed in both states. Lawyers often have professional networks that can help you find the right person.