In a world of global economies and interconnected networks, should a license to practice law operate more like a driver’s license? This has become a central point of debate among legal professionals in today’s evolving landscape.
The restriction of practicing law within state boundaries is considered outdated by some in the field. This sentiment was captured well by Charity Anastasio during an
ABA Techshow 2024 panel, where she stated: “How do you only practice law within your state boundaries when we’re in a global economy and a global world? It’s kind of a preposterous concept, right?”
Anastasio, Chair of the ABA Law Practice Division’s Professional Development Board, makes an intriguing comparison with the act of driving. She contends, “Do I stop knowing how to drive when I drive outside of Maryland? And as soon as I get to the border in Virginia, I’ve forgotten how to drive? It doesn’t make sense.” The notion is that a lawyer’s knowledge and skills do not stop at the border, much like a driver’s abilities.
Anastasio went on to encourage lawyers, stating, “We should be
able to practice anywhere we can drive.”
The debate around the flexibility of law practice licensing reflects the shifting demands and realities of the modern legal profession. As law increasingly transcends geographical boundaries, the question remains: will our licensing structures evolve to keep pace?