With attorney reciprocity now in effect, four CNMI lawyers were sworn in Monday to practice in Guam, including two candidates in the race for attorney general.
Guam Chief Justice Katherine A. Maraman administered the oath at the CNMI Supreme Court in Susupe for Colin Thompson, Brian Li, Jonathan Robert Glass Jr., and Michael Evangelista, formally authorizing them to appear before Guam’s courts.
The cross‑admission ceremony is among the first since the Supreme Courts of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands adopted matching reciprocity orders on June 24. The agreement allows attorneys licensed in either jurisdiction to practice across the Marianas without sitting for an additional bar exam.
Both courts approved companion rules outlining eligibility, documentation, and procedural requirements for reciprocal admission. The system builds on the shared administration of the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination under the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Glass and Evangelista, along with Attorney Joaquin DLG Torres, are candidates for CNMI attorney general. Current AG Edward Manibusan has announced he will not seek election.
Judicial leaders in both jurisdictions have said the reciprocity framework is intended to expand the pool of practicing attorneys, address shortages, and improve access to justice for residents.
