The bench card details the step-by-step process that an out of state attorney must follow to gain permission to represent an Ohio client.

The bench card details the step-by-step process that an out of state attorney must follow to gain permission to represent an Ohio client.

Ohio judges have a new tool to help them keep track of the requirements for out-of-state attorneys who wish to temporarily practice in Ohio. Bench cards have been sent to all Ohio judges and magistrates, providing helpful information about pro hac vice admission within the state. Bench cards are used to provide judges and magistrates a quick source of information on a variety of topics.

Pro hac vice is Latin for “this time only,” and refers to an attorney who is licensed outside of Ohio, but who plans to practice in Ohio for a particular case.

The bench card details the step-by-step process that an out-of-state attorney must follow to gain permission to represent an Ohio client. Visiting attorneys must demonstrate that they are licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction in the United States, that they will be working with an actively licensed Ohio attorney for the duration of the case, and must provide other required information.

An attorney who is interested in pro hac vice admission must first apply to the Supreme Court Office of Bar Admissions to receive a certificate of registration. Next, the attorney must file a motion to appear with the court in which the lawyer seeks to represent an Ohio client. Once the local court grants the motion to appear, the attorney will then file a Notice of Permission with the Office of Bar Admissions within 30 days.

A pro hac vice certificate allows an out-of-state attorney to appear in three new matters in a calendar year, and renewal is required if the attorney continues to appear in a matter as of Jan. 1 of the following year.

To learn more about pro hac vice admission, visit the Pro Hac Vice Information page on the Supreme Court website.