Pro Hac Vice

Pro hac vice is a Latin phrase that means “for this event.” Pro hac vice permission allows attorneys to practice law in a particular proceeding where the attorney is not admitted. Attorneys are not required to go through the formal admission process of taking the Bar Exam, being Admitted on Motion, or finding another applicable exemption to the formal bar admission requirements.

Attorneys are generally required to associate with a local lawyer who is admitted in the jurisdiction where the matter is taking place. Some states place a limit on the number of times attorneys may be admitted pro hac vice. State and federal pro hac vice admission rules are separate. Attorneys seeking admission to a particular federal proceeding must comply with the applicable federal rules.

Every state provides rules allowing pro hac vice admission. Click on the state where you seek pro hac vice admission to learn more about that jurisdiction’s rules and procedures.

States with Pro Hac Vice Rules