Can I return to my pending PHV application in the Applicant Portal?
Maybe. If you click "Pause" while you are in the application, you will be able to return to the pending PHV application.
To return to the paused PHV application:
Log in to the Applicant Portal
Click "Special Admissions"
Click "Pro Hac Vice”
Under drafted applications, locate your PHV application and click "Resume."
You cannot return to a pending PHV application if you exited the application without clicking "Pause" or if a technical issue occurred that prevented you from clicking "Pause" before exiting the application. If this happens, you'll have to start over from the beginning.
Do I need to submit a Certificate of Admission or Certificate of Good Standing with my PHV application to the State Bar of California?
No. However, you may submit Certificates of Admission or Certificates of Good Standing for each court to which you are admitted in lieu of listing each court and your standing in that court.
Can I omit my residential address from the PHV application?
No. Pursuant to rule 9.40 of the California Rules of Court, the application must include the out-of-state attorney's residence and office address.
Who approves my application for PHV?
The court must approve your application in order for you to appear as PHV in a case. While the State Bar's Applicant Portal may show that your PHV case is "approved," this refers to the internal processing of your application and should not be taken as the court's approval of your appearance as PHV.
Is there a limit on the number of times I can appear as PHV?
Rule 9.40 of the California Rules of Court does not set a limit on the number of appearances an out-of-state attorney may make as PHV. However, the court determines if the applicant is ineligible for PHV due to multiple appearances.
Does the State Bar of California accept PHV renewal applications and fees?
No. All documentation and fees related to a PHV renewal must be submitted to the court and not the State Bar of California. Please contact the court if you have questions regarding PHV renewals.
Does the State Bar of California accept PHV applications for cases in federal courts?
No. You must contact the federal court clerk to ascertain if the filing must be served on a specific custodial record keeper.
Can I print a receipt after paying the State Bar's processing fee?
You will automatically receive a receipt via email after you remit payment. Please ensure that you complete the final step and submit the application. Please do not click "Print Receipt" since it will eject you from the application and prevent you from submitting it. If you accidentally click the link before submitting your application, please contact the Office of Admissions at prohac@calbar.ca.gov or 800-843-9053.
Am I allowed to leave the test site for lunch, or do I remain on-site?
Applicants have approximately one hour for a lunch break. You are allowed to bring lunch but may not eat it in the exam room. Please review the sample schedules online, as lunch schedules vary. Each day may have one of three lunch designations:
• No lunch break: Typically, you will not have a lunch break if you only take one session of the exam that day for no more than four and a half hours.
• Lunch break between sessions: Typically, you will have a lunch break scheduled between sessions if you take two sessions of the exam that day, and they are each scheduled for no more than four and a half hours. You must leave the testing room and report at the designated time for the start of your next exam session. You are not allowed to eat lunch in the testing room unless you have received prior approval as an accommodation.
• Lunch break during a session in the secure lunchroom: Typically, you will have a lunch break during the session if you only take one session of the exam for more than four and a half hours. The timing of your lunch break will be determined on the day of the exam with your proctor, and you must eat lunch in the secure lunchroom. There may be other applicants eating in the secure lunchroom. Applicants are not allowed cell phones or reading materials in the secure lunchroom. You must bring your lunch as you will not be allowed to leave the secure testing area. You will not be permitted to retrieve your lunch from your car or buy lunch at the exam site. You are not allowed to eat lunch in the testing room unless you have received prior approval as an accommodation.
Am I allowed to bring a backpack or personal bag to hold items if testing in person?
You are not permitted to have any extraneous or personal items (e.g., backpacks, purses, cell phones, etc.) in the exam room. Such items will not be allowed into the testing rooms and must be left outside of the secure testing area. Ensure all audible devices left outside or in the designated courtesy area are turned off.
