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.

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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.

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.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees: Varies by state and court.
  • Jurisdiction: Specific to the state where the case is being heard.
  • Possible penalties: Unauthorized practice of law if pro hac vice is not properly obtained.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Pro hac vice is a legal term that allows an out-of-state attorney to represent a client in a specific case in another state.