An attorney who doesn’t live, work or conduct regular business in California can petition the court to represent his or her client under a title called “pro hac vice.” That is a Latin term that means "for this occasion."
Lawyers licensed in another state must formally petition a California court for permission to appear on behalf of a client on a particular case. To submit a Pro Hac Vice online application for such petitions, a copy of pro hac vice requests made to state courts must be uploaded to the attorney online case record. This does not apply to federal courts.
For more on the eligibility rules for pro hac vice, see Rule 9.40 of the California Rules of Court.
The submitted application must consist of documents filed with the state court where the attorney would like to appear. The documents must include the following information:
In addition to filing the documents in court, the attorney must upload a copy of the documents and notice of hearing to the Pro Hac Vice application case record for processing. A filing fee of $50 is due along with the petition. It is payable upon submission of your online application. Applications for Pro Hac Vice must be submitted through AIMS and must include the above information in order for the application to be approved.
Pro Hac Vice Program Office of Special Admissions The State Bar of California 180 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Phone: 415-538-2111 Email: ProHac@calbar.ca.gov
More information about what the application should include is in Rule 9.40.
For questions, speak with the clerk of the court where the application is submitted. Attorneys can also contact the State Bar's Office Admissions at 415-538-2100.