ACTIVITIES

(a) Authorized Activities. An authorized house counsel may provide legal services in Florida solely to the employing business organization to which certification is applicable but may only engage in the following activities:

(1) giving legal advice to the directors, officers, employees, and agents of the business organization regarding its business;

(2) negotiating and documenting all matters for the business organization;

(3) representation of the business organization in its dealings with any administrative agency or commission having jurisdiction; and

(4) providing pro bono legal services under chapter 12 of these rules if certified as an emeritus lawyer.

(b) Disclosure. In any communication with individuals or organizations outside of the business organization, authorized house counsel must disclose that they are not licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. If the communication is in writing, authorized house counsel must disclose in writing the name of the business organization, their title or function, and that they are not licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. Authorized house counsel may not represent themselves as members of The Florida Bar or licensed to practice law in this state.

(c) Limitation on Representation. In no event will permitted activities include the individual or personal representation of any shareholder, owner, partner, officer, employee, servant, or agent in any matter or transaction or the giving of advice unless otherwise permitted or authorized by law, code, or rule or allowed by subdivision (a) of this rule or the appearance as counsel in any court, administrative tribunal, agency, or commission situated in Florida unless the rules governing the court or body authorize the appearance or the lawyer is specially admitted by the court or body in the case.

(d) Opinions to Third Parties. An authorized house counsel may not express or render a legal judgment or opinion other than when representing the authorized house counsel’s employer.