Rule 15-303. Reciprocal license method.

A. Description. As further specified in this rule, a qualified applicant who is already admitted to practice law in one or more reciprocal states may apply for a license to be issued on applicant’s proof of having satisfied all requirements and qualifications set forth for this method of licensure. B. Application deadlines. An application for a license under this rule may be submitted at any time. C. Qualifications. An applicant for a license under this rule shall provide proof that the applicant meets the qualifications set forth in Rule 15-202 NMRA, and has received passing scores on all examinations described in Rule 15-501(A) NMRA. In addition, the applicant must: (1) have been admitted to practice law in at least one (1) reciprocal state and currently be an active member in good standing in that state; (2) be engaged in the active practice of law in at least one (1) reciprocal state or has been practicing law in New Mexico under either the Rule 15-304 NMRA, Rule 15- 305 NMRA, or Rule 15-310 NMRA methods of licensure for at least five (5) of the past seven (7) years preceding submission of the application; (3) have never been denied a license to practice law in any state based on the applicant’s character and fitness; (4) have not, within the five (5) years preceding application under this rule, taken and failed the examination of minimum competence to practice law in New Mexico, as described in Article 5 of these rules; (5) not currently be, and have never been, admitted to the practice of law in New Mexico other than holding a limited license under these rules or voluntarily withdrew or resigned from membership in the State Bar of New Mexico while in good standing; (6) have not been previously denied licensure in any state, when the application or motion for licensure was based on admittance in reciprocal states; (7) have not previously engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in any state; (8) establish that if the applicant is not presently a member eligible to practice in a state that the applicant resigned or withdrew while in good standing, and at the time of submitting an application has never been disbarred or suspended from practice of law in another state; and (9) execute an affidavit describing the applicant’s active practice of law for the required durational period in every applicable jurisdiction, which describe in detail how it satisfies the definition of the active practice of law as set forth in these rules. D. Character and fitness. The board shall make a determination about the character and fitness of an applicant as set forth in Rule 15-205 NMRA for any applicant who has submitted an application for a license under this rule. An applicant shall pay any fees and costs associated with evaluating the applicant’s character and fitness. E. Procedure for issuance. On the board’s receipt from an applicant of (a) a completed application for a license under this rule, (b) the required fees and costs, and (c) documents required by Paragraph C, then (1) the board shall evaluate the applicant’s character and fitness as described in Rule 15-205 NMRA; and (2) on the board’s determination the applicant is qualified and has the requisite character and fitness, and the board shall follow the requirements of Rule 15- 207(A) NMRA for recommending issuance of a license to the applicant. F. Fees and costs. The following fees and costs must be paid by the applicant on submission of the application for a license under this rule, and shall not offset fees and costs required to apply for another method of licensure: (1) Application fee. An application fee according to a published schedule of application fees promulgated by the board and approved by the Supreme Court; and (2) Investigation costs. Investigation costs according to the schedule of pass-through costs promulgated by the board as described in Rule 15-204(B) NMRA. G. Specific ongoing requirements. An applicant approved for a license under this rule shall comply with the requirements of Rule 15-206 NMRA and Rule 15-207 NMRA. H. Limitations. A person practicing law under a license issued under this rule is not subject to any limitation, unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court. I. Expiration. A license issued under this rule does not expire. J. Suspension of license. A license issued under this rule is only subject to suspension as described in the Rules Governing Discipline. K. Revocation. A license issued under this rule is only subject to revocation as described in Rule 15-201(F) NMRA and the Rules Governing Discipline.