What is Pro Hac Vice Admission in Louisiana?
Pro Hac Vice admission in Louisiana allows a lawyer who is not licensed to practice in Louisiana but licensed and in good standing in another state, to participate in a specific case in Louisiana. This is a special permission granted for a lawyer to represent a client in a particular case, even though they are not a member of the Louisiana Bar.
How can an attorney apply for Pro Hac Vice Admission in Louisiana?
To apply, an attorney must submit an Application for Pro Hac Vice Admission, which includes providing detailed information such as the attorney's full name, contact details, details of the firm they are associated with, and information regarding the case for which admission is sought. Additionally, the application must include a list of courts where the attorney is admitted to practice, any disciplinary history, and a current certificate of good standing from every state where they are licensed.
The application must include:
-
Full name and contact details of the applicant and their law firm.
-
Details of the case, including the court or agency and docket number.
-
Names and contact details of clients to be represented.
-
A comprehensive list of courts where the attorney is admitted along with their bar numbers.
-
Any history of denial, revocation, or disciplinary actions in relation to Pro Hac Vice admissions.
-
Details of any public disciplinary action in any jurisdiction.
-
Information on formal sanctions or contempt orders within the last five years.
-
Information on any criminal convictions and pending charges or disciplinary proceedings.
-
Details of prior applications to appear Pro Hac Vice in Louisiana.
-
Name and contact details of a sponsoring active Louisiana Bar member.
An active member of the Louisiana Bar in good standing must sponsor the application. Preferably, this should be the attorney of record for the client(s) the out-of-state lawyer intends to represent.
The sponsoring attorney verifies the applicant's good standing and qualifications for representing the client in Louisiana. They act as a local liaison, facilitating the out-of-state attorney's application and ensuring compliance with Louisiana’s court procedures and practices.
Is there a requirement for special experience or expertise in the application?
Yes, the application asks the attorney to list any special experience, expertise, or other factors that make it particularly desirable for them to represent the client(s) in the specific case.
How does a lawyer's disciplinary history affect their Pro Hac Vice Admission?
A lawyer's disciplinary history can significantly impact their application. The application requires disclosure of any denials of Pro Hac Vice admission, any revocations, formal discipline or sanctions by any court, public disciplinary actions by lawyer disciplinary committees or agencies, formal contempt or sanctions, criminal convictions, and any pending criminal or disciplinary proceedings. These disclosures are carefully reviewed, and past or pending disciplinary issues may affect the decision on admission.
What happens after submitting the application?
After submission, the application is reviewed by the court or agency where representation is sought. The reviewing body will consider the application, the sponsoring attorney’s endorsement, and any disciplinary disclosures. If approved, the out-of-state attorney will be granted permission for Pro Hac Vice admission for the specific case.
Can an attorney represent multiple clients or cases with one Pro Hac Vice Admission?
No, Pro Hac Vice Admission is granted on a case-by-case basis. An attorney seeking to represent clients in different cases must submit separate applications and receive approval for each case where they wish to represent a client.