§ Rule 17-1.2 Definitions

Codes > Florida Statutes > Rules Regulating > Chapter 17 : 17-1 Generally > Rule 17-1.2

Rule 17-1.2. Definitions

    (a) Authorized House Counsel. An “authorized house counsel” is any person who:

        (1) is exclusively employed by a business organization located in the state of Florida and is residing in Florida or relocating to the state of Florida in furtherance of such employment within 6 months of such application under this chapter and receives or shall receive compensation for activities performed for that business organization;

        (2) has complied with rule 17-1.4; and

        (3) has been certified as an authorized house counsel by the Supreme Court of Florida.

    (b) Business Organization. A “business organization” for the purpose of this rule is a corporation, partnership, association or other legal entity (taken together with its respective parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates) authorized to transact business in this state that is not itself engaged in the practice of law or the rendering of legal services outside such organization, whether for a fee or otherwise, and does not charge or collect a fee for the representation or advice other than to entities comprising such organization by the activities of the authorized house counsel. For purposes of this rule, a “business organization” does not include:

        (1) a governmental entity, governmental subdivision, political subdivision, or school board;

        (2) or any other entity that has the authority to levy a tax.