Lawyers, stay active?

[ElGuapo]

For those of you who were attorneys prior to becoming a federal agent, are you maintaining "active" bar membership? Why or why not? Also, those attorneys who are current applicants like me, what do you plan on doing? It would suck to keep up with CLE requirements, potentially for 20 years or so. At the same time, you never know if you will want to jump at some other opportunity in the near future (which I don't think any of us anticipate). I'm sure all states have their own requirements on how to switch from inactive to active status. I think mine requires one year's worth of CLE prior to making the switch. Just thinking ahead . . . way ahead.

[BP348]

I know 3 guys who were Lawyers prior to joining USBP. 2 are still USBP and the other is now with DSS. As far as I know none of them keept up with their CLE's

[ElGuapo]

Thanks...that's probably the route I'll go. Any others have input on this?

[500pearl]

I'm no expert but can't you talk to agents in different agencies that are licensed attorneys? For example, I know FBI and Secret Service definitely have their share of attorneys. Ask them what they do? It would make sense that the government would pay for their CLE credits. I'm sure they can obtain these credits through conferences and conventions throughout the year, I wouldn't be surprised if there is one specifically for attorneys who are employed by LE agencies. All federal agencies have in-house counsel, so their attorneys must be sent somewhere to receive their CLE credits. Ask them, tag along. DOJ is probably the foremost #1 agency with the most attorneys, I'm sure they can answer your question. Ask your local AUSA, AUSA's work with LE special agents all the time.

[glockpacker]

I recently had my Border Patrol interview. I was told by the agents there that there might be an opportunity to be a SAUSA and prosecute cases for them at the local US Attorney's Office once I had experience as an Agent. I don't know how many of those opportunities there really are - but it sounded like a good deal. I will try to keep my CLE's up for a few years anyway.

[BP348]

I recently had my Border Patrol interview. I was told by the agents there that there might be an opportunity to be a SAUSA and prosecute cases for them at the local US Attorney's Office once I had experience as an Agent. I don't know how many of those opportunities there really are - but it sounded like a good deal. I will try to keep my CLE's up for a few years anyway.

Most USBP sectors / stations have a prosecutions unit so if you are currently bar certified I would think you have a great chance of performing those duties. As a prosecutions officer you spend a lot of time dealing with the AUSA's, grand juries, and judges.

It would make sense that the government would pay for their CLE credits. I'm sure they can obtain these credits through conferences and conventions throughout the year, I wouldn't be surprised if there is one specifically for attorneys who are employed by LE agencies.

Don't count on it. Maybe the FBI or DEA might send their Bar certified agents to CLE's but I would bet against it. Yes, the Govt. has attorneys and as such they probably get sent to CLE's but I would think it's because that's their job. Agents who happen to also be lawyers don't fall into that category.

I'll send an email to one of the USBP guys I know and ask him if he's ever checked into the service sending him to CLE's.

[youngcop100]

There are many ways to get free CLE if you are a government employee. You can usually get free CLE that is offered to the US Attorneys, or other government lawyers. They will let LE sit in on it. I am a cop and lawyer and I usually sit in on CLE that is for government attorneys. I would keep your law license active even if you aren't practicing. It's a lot of hard work and effort to just let dry up.

[glockpacker]

Don't count on it. Maybe the FBI or DEA might send their Bar certified agents to CLE's but I would bet against it. Yes, the Govt. has attorneys and as such they probably get sent to CLE's but I would think it's because that's their job. Agents who happen to also be lawyers don't fall into that category.

That sounds about right - I interviewed with SSA for their legal department a few years back and I was told that I would bear the expense of keeping up all law licenses (so they suggested I not run around getting admitted into a lot of jurisdictions), however there would likely be seminars where I could get my required CLE's.

While I am sure an Agent/Attorney could attend those government CLE's; unless it was on a weekend, I bet you would have to take personal leave to attend any CLE's you needed. But the cost of your license(s) each year will likely be on you.

[BP348]

According to the BPa I know who's a lawyer he said that USBP will not send you to CLE's but you can stay up on your CLE's if you want. He also told me that USBP requires that you give up your bar certification when you accecpt employment

This is what he sent me, the first part is a response to the question if USBP would send you to CLE's;

No, the patrol won’t do that. I believe they allow you to keep up with your CLE’s but, it’s not required. And, you have to relinquish your bar certification when you join the patrol. (trust me, I know)


Can you still be a lawyer and not be bar certified?

[500pearl]

If you are not an active member then you cannot practice law, simple as that [I think]. Which means cannot give legal advice, sign papers, etc etc.