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What is Admission Pro Hac Vice? A Guide to Temporary Legal Practice
Definition & Meaning
Admission pro hac vice refers to the temporary permission granted to an out-of-state attorney to represent a client in a specific case within a state where they are not licensed to practice law. The phrase comes from Latin, meaning "for this occasion only." This process allows attorneys to appear in court for particular cases while ensuring that they comply with local legal requirements.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Admission pro hac vice is commonly used in various legal contexts, including civil, criminal, and family law cases. It enables attorneys from different jurisdictions to participate in legal proceedings without needing a full license in the state where the case is being heard. To initiate this process, the out-of-state attorney must collaborate with a local attorney to file a motion for admission pro hac vice, which includes providing the court with relevant information about the case and the attorney's qualifications.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An attorney licensed in California wishes to represent a client in a family law case in New York. They must seek admission pro hac vice by partnering with a New York attorney who will file the necessary motion.
Example 2: An out-of-state attorney specializing in environmental law is needed for a significant case in Texas. They can apply for admission pro hac vice to assist the local legal team (hypothetical example).
State-by-state differences
State
Requirements for Admission Pro Hac Vice
California
Requires the filing of a motion and a declaration from the local attorney.
New York
Requires a motion, affidavit of good standing, and a fee.
Texas
Requires a motion, local attorney sponsorship, and compliance with local rules.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Admission Pro Hac Vice
Temporary admission for out-of-state attorneys.
Specific to cases; requires local sponsorship.
General Admission
Permanent admission to practice law in a jurisdiction.
Requires passing the bar exam; not case-specific.
Limited License
Temporary license for specific legal tasks or cases.
May not require local sponsorship; scope is limited.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are an out-of-state attorney seeking to represent a client in a different jurisdiction, follow these steps:
Find a local attorney who can sponsor your motion for admission pro hac vice.
Prepare the necessary documentation, including your qualifications and any required fees.
File the motion with the appropriate court and await approval.
For assistance, consider exploring US Legal Forms' ready-to-use legal form templates, which can help streamline the process. If your situation is complex, it may be wise to consult a legal professional.
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