The trendy thing is for Great Lakes lawyers to dock in sault ste marie but the Great Lakes bars association are starting to catch on and it seems really risky to me. Canada =/= international waters and im aware of at least three separate ethics complaints on exactly this topic.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5753710&forum_id=2/#49125959)

even if the lawsuits are in other states, you'd just need local counsel.

it's the same way in ip lit.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5753710&forum_id=2/#49125938)

Short Answer:

Yes, a lawyer licensed in California and practicing federal environmental law can represent clients from other states without being licensed in those states, as long as the lawyer is only practicing federal law and not advising on or handling matters involving state-specific law from those other states.

Here's a breakdown:

✅ Federal Law Practice (e.g., federal environmental law)

Federal environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, or CERCLA are governed by federal agencies (e.g., EPA) and litigated in federal courts.

Lawyers may practice federal law across state lines because federal law is uniform nationwide and not tied to any one state's bar license.

This is generally allowed without needing to be licensed in every state where the clients reside.

⚠️ Caveats & Boundaries

Even when practicing federal law, lawyers must be careful to:

Not give advice on another state’s specific environmental regulations, which may require that state’s licensure.

Not appear in state courts outside of California without pro hac vice admission or other authorization.

Avoid creating the impression they are "practicing law" in another state unless permitted.

🚨 Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL)

Every state has its own rules on what constitutes UPL. If you, as a California lawyer, begin:

Giving legal advice about another state’s environmental permitting process, or

Representing a client in a state administrative or court proceeding in, say, Texas,

then you might need to either:

Partner with local counsel, or

Seek temporary admission (e.g., pro hac vice).

Best Practices:

Disclose licensure: Clearly state you're licensed in California.

Limit scope: Keep your work strictly to federal law.

Local counsel: Collaborate with or refer to lawyers in other states when state law issues arise.

In Summary:

✅ You can have clients in other states.

❌ You can’t practice those states’ laws without being licensed or authorized there.

🧾 If you're sticking to federal environmental law, you’re likely in safe territory.

Let me know if you'd like a sample disclaimer or engagement letter language that reflects this!

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5753710&forum_id=2/#49125946)