The Supreme Courts of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have formally adopted matching reciprocity orders that allow attorneys licensed in either jurisdiction to practice law across the Marianas without sitting for an additional bar exam. The courts signed the agreements on June 24 at the Westin Resort Guam, marking a significant shift in regional bar admissions policy.
Each court approved its own version of the agreement, along with companion rules detailing how attorneys in good standing may be admitted to practice in the other jurisdiction. These rules form the legal mechanism that makes the cross‑admission system operational, outlining eligibility, documentation, and procedural requirements for reciprocal admission.
Judicial leaders from both islands attended the signing ceremony, including Guam Chief Justice Katherine A. Maraman, Associate Justices F. Philip Carbullido and Robert J. Torres Jr., and NMI Associate Justice John A. Manglona. CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Associate Justice Roberto C. Naraja, and CNMI Bar Association President Gretchen A. Smith joined remotely.
Court officials described the agreement as a meaningful step toward improving access to legal representation across the region. “Today, we seize the opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our islands and make legal services more readily available to the people,” Castro said.
Maraman noted that Guam’s dwindling number of attorneys has driven up fees and limited options for residents seeking legal help. “The higher fees that naturally result when demand is high and supply is thin has made it difficult, if not impossible, for many in our community to obtain the services of a lawyer,” she said.
Bar association leaders from both jurisdictions endorsed the move, citing an overwhelming shortage of attorneys and the need to widen the pool of practitioners. “Reciprocity will hopefully alleviate some of that pressure,” CNMI Bar President Gretchen Smith said. Guam Bar Vice President John Morrison added that expanding the pool of eligible attorneys is part of a broader effort to make legal representation accessible to everyone.
The agreement builds on the fact that Guam and the CNMI already administer the same bar examination—the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination—under the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Court officials say the new rules are expected to increase the number of available attorneys and help stabilize legal fees, improving access to justice for residents across the Marianas.
