§ Rule 17-1.3 Activities

Codes > Florida Statutes > Rules Regulating > Chapter 17 : 17-1 Generally > Rule 17-1.3

Rule 17-1.3. Activities

    (a) Authorized Activities. An authorized house counsel, as an employee of a business organization, may provide legal services in the state of Florida to the business organization for which a registration pursuant to rule 17-1.4 is effective, provided, however, that such activities shall be limited to:

        (1) the giving of legal advice to the directors, officers, employees, and agents of the business organization with respect to its business and affairs;

        (2) negotiating and documenting all matters for the business organization; and

        (3) representation of the business organization in its dealings with any administrative agency or commission having jurisdiction; provided however, authorized house counsel shall not be permitted to make appearances as counsel in any court, administrative tribunal, agency, or commission situated in the state of Florida unless the rules governing such court or body shall otherwise authorize, or the attorney is specially admitted by such court or body in a case.

    (b) Disclosure. In any communication with individuals/organizations outside of the business organization, authorized house counsel shall disclose that they are not licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. If the communication is in writing, authorized house counsel shall disclose in writing the name of the business organization, their title or function, and that they are not licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. For example, the disclosure may state “J. Doe, XYZ Corporation, Authorized House Counsel, member .......... (name of other state bar) .......... only or not a member of The Florida Bar.” In performing activities under this subdivision, authorized house counsel shall not represent themselves to be members of The Florida Bar licensed to practice law in this state.

    (c) Limitation on Representation. In no event shall the activities permitted hereunder include the individual or personal
representation of any shareholder, owner, partner, officer, employee, servant, or agent in any matter or transaction or the giving of advice therefor unless otherwise permitted or authorized by law, code, or rule or as may be permitted by subdivision 17-1.3(a).

    (d) Opinions to Third Parties. An authorized house counsel shall not express or render a legal judgment or opinion to be relied upon by any person or party other than in the course of the authorized house counsel's representation of the business organization in which the authorized house counsel is employed.