Rule 202.4 Governs Special Admission for Military Spouses
Due to the unique mobility requirements of military families who support the defense of our nation, the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands in its discretion may certify an attorney who, as recognized by the solemnizing jurisdiction, is a spouse of a member of the United States Uniformed Services ("service member") stationed withing the Virgin Islands, to practice law pursuant to the terms of this Rule if all the following conditions are met:
(1) The attorney has been admitted to practice law and is on active status in another United States jurisdiction:
(2) The attorney holds a J.D. or comparable entry-level law degree from a law school approved by the American Bar Association;
(3) The attorney is currently a member in good standing of the bar of all courts and jurisdictions in which he or she is admitted to practice;
(4) The attorney has never been suspended or disbarred, and is not currently the subject of an order of attorney discipline or a pending formal disciplinary or disability matter in any jurisdiction; and
(5) The attorney possesses the character and fitness required of all applicants for admission to the practice of law in the Virgin Islands.
Military Spouse Special Admission Requirements, Include:
(1) File under oath the Supreme Court's form application for Special Admission as a Military Spouse.
(2) File a certificate of good standing t from the appropriate licensing authority in each jurisdiction in which the applicant is admitted to practice law.
(3) File an affidavit, on a form furnished by the Supreme Court, stating that the applicant is present in the Virgin Islands as a spouse of a service member, which shall be supported with competent evidence, such as a marriage or civil union license and a copy of the service member's military orders reflecting an assignment to the Virgin Islands.
(4) Demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Committee of Bar Examiners and the Court, that he or she is a person of good moral character. No application for special admission as a military spouse may be filed by anyone who has been disbarred, suspended, or sanctioned, without reinstatement or exoneration, or who is under pending disciplinary action by the Bar of any United States foreign jurisdiction, or any Federal Court.
(5) Pay a fee of $350.00
Scope of Practice and Limitations:
A lawyer specially admitted under this Rule 202.4 may perform any act which may be performed by a regular member of the Virgin Islands Bar, except the lawyer may not hold himself or herself out as a Virgin Islands attorney without disclosing the special nature of his or her admission.
For more information, please review Virgin Islands Supreme Court Rule 202.4.