Pro hac vice is latin. It means “for this occasion”. An attorney who does not live, conduct regular attorney business, or work in a specific jurisdiction can petition either the state or federal courts in another jurisdiction so that they may represent their client in that jurisdiction. Pro hac vice is a formal petition and requires certain documentation. All state bars have their own standard applications whereas some federal courts do not. All state bars also require a copy of a pro hac vice request to be made directly to its state courts. The pro hac vice process enables attorneys to bypass the Bar Exam in the jurisdiction, avoid having to be Admitted on Motion, or having to rely on special licenses.
Most states require an attorney moving on a pro hac vice motion to become associated with an attorney that is already admitted in the state the moving attorney is attempting to gain licensure in. Some states also limit the number of attorneys each year who can be admitted. There are also different rules regarding state pro hac vice and federal pro hac vice. Each state also has its own specific rules of gaining admission. Most states require the following:
- A copy of the pro hac vice motion
- The pro hac vice cover sheet that each state has listed
- A non-refundable fee of anywhere from $400-$600 (depending on the state)
- A fee for each attorney related to the case at hand attempting to gain admittance on pro hac vice.
Click on the region where you are seeking admission, you will then select your specific state and will be able to learn more information on you states rules and regulations related to pro hac vice.