Rule 103 Authority for and effect of rules

Here's what this rule means. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the only authority that decides who can become a lawyer and how lawyers are allowed to practice. This power belongs to the court alone, and no other court or group can take it away or share it.

Because of this, these bar admission rules come before any other court rules or practices that deal with becoming a lawyer or practicing law. If another rule conflicts with these rules, these rules win. The only exception is the Enforcement Rules, which deal with things like lawyer discipline and stay in effect alongside these rules.

For anyone trying to become a lawyer in Pennsylvania, this means there is one clear set of rules to follow, set by the state's highest court. You don't have to worry about conflicting local rules or outdated practices getting in the way, since this rule makes sure these admission standards apply consistently across the state.