MI HB5309

Creates a new pathway (Section 945) for attorneys licensed in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia to apply for examination in Michigan without meeting standard education requirements, if they meet criteria including good moral character, being 18+ years old, and demonstrating sufficient legal knowledge and fitness to practice.

Allows out-of-state licensed attorneys to apply for admission without examination (Section 946) if they are in good standing, intend to practice law or teach law full-time in Michigan, and have spent at least 36 months of the preceding 5 years engaged in legal practice, law teaching, or active military service in legal roles.

Permits the Supreme Court to extend the 5-year period requirement on special motion for good cause shown, and allows exclusion of military service periods that do not meet the specified legal duties criteria.

Updates terminology throughout the statute from "Every person" to "An individual" and "Armed Forces" capitalization, and removes outdated language requiring law schools be "duly incorporated" in favor of being "located in" their respective jurisdictions.

Maintains existing requirements for standard bar applicants while creating the alternative admission pathway through new Section 945 for experienced out-of-state attorneys.