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Pro Hac Vice: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning and Application
Definition & Meaning
Pro hac vice is a legal term that allows an attorney who is licensed in one state to temporarily represent a client in a court located in another state. This permission is granted for a specific case only and does not provide the lawyer with a general license to practice in that state. The term translates to "for this occasion only" in English.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Pro hac vice is commonly used in various areas of law, including civil, criminal, and family law. It is particularly relevant when a lawyer from one jurisdiction needs to represent a client in a different jurisdiction where they are not licensed. The process typically involves submitting an application to the court, which may require the lawyer to work in association with a local attorney who is licensed in that state. Users can often manage this process with the right legal forms, such as those provided by US Legal Forms.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An attorney from California wants to represent a client in a trial in New York. They would need to apply for pro hac vice status to appear in that court.
Example 2: A lawyer licensed in Texas is invited to join a legal team for a high-profile case in Florida. They must submit a pro hac vice application to the Florida court to participate in the proceedings. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
State
Pro Hac Vice Requirements
California
Requires an application and association with a local attorney.
New York
Requires a motion for admission and a local sponsor.
Texas
Allows for pro hac vice admission with a local attorney's support.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Description
Admission
Refers to the process of being granted a license to practice law in a jurisdiction.
Local Counsel
A lawyer who is licensed in the state where the case is being heard and often assists out-of-state attorneys.
Reciprocal Admission
Allows attorneys licensed in one state to practice in another state without a pro hac vice application, usually based on agreements between states.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you need to hire an out-of-state attorney for a case, ensure they apply for pro hac vice status in the relevant court. They will typically need to submit an application and may need a local attorney to sponsor them. You can find helpful legal form templates on US Legal Forms to assist with this process. If your situation is complex, consider seeking advice from a legal professional.
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