DC Pro Hac Vice Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about appearing pro hac vice in DC courts
Introduction
If you're an attorney admitted in another jurisdiction and need to appear in a Washington, DC court, you'll likely need pro hac vice admission. This guide covers the requirements, process, and costs for pro hac vice admission in DC federal and local courts for 2026.
Pro hac vice (Latin for "for this occasion") allows attorneys not admitted in DC to appear in specific cases. Requirements vary significantly between courts, so understanding the distinctions is essential.
DC Courts Allowing Pro Hac Vice Admission
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
The federal district court handles civil and criminal matters involving federal law, including:
Constitutional challenges
Federal agency litigation
Immigration mandamus
FOIA lawsuits
Federal criminal cases
Key requirement: Local counsel must be associated in most cases.
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
COFC handles monetary claims against the federal government:
Bid protests
Tucker Act claims
Contract disputes
Tax refunds
Key requirement: COFC has its own admission requirements separate from DC District Court.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit
The DC Circuit hears appeals from DC District Court and has exclusive jurisdiction over many regulatory challenges:
EPA rulemaking challenges
Other agency appeals
DC District Court appeals
DC Superior Court
The local trial court handles local matters:
Local criminal cases
Civil disputes
Family law
Probate
DC Court of Appeals
The local appellate court for DC Superior Court matters.
DC District Court Pro Hac Vice Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Good Standing: Active membership and good standing in the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
No Disciplinary Actions: No pending disciplinary proceedings
Character and Fitness: Must meet character and fitness standards
Local Counsel: Must associate local counsel admitted to DC District Court
Local Counsel Requirement
Local counsel must:
Be admitted to the DC District Court bar
Maintain an office in DC or nearby
Participate meaningfully in the case
Be available for court appearances
Sign all pleadings alongside pro hac vice counsel
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Certificate of Good Standing Request a certificate from your home bar dated within 30 days.
Step 2: Complete Application Form Fill out the DC District Court pro hac vice application.
Step 3: Draft Supporting Motion Prepare a motion for pro hac vice admission.
Step 4: Coordinate with Local Counsel Local counsel must sign the motion and agree to association.
Step 5: File Application File through CM/ECF or in paper if you lack ECF credentials.
Step 6: Pay Fees Court filing fee for pro hac vice admission.
Step 7: Await Approval Court reviews and grants or denies application.
Fees (2026)
Court filing fee: $100
Local counsel fees vary by engagement scope
Timeline
Standard processing: 3-7 business days after filing Expedited: Same day or next day possible with proper coordination
Court of Federal Claims Pro Hac Vice Requirements
Eligibility
COFC allows practice by attorneys who are:
Admitted to practice before the highest court of any state, territory, or DC
In good standing
Of good moral and professional character
Admission Options
General Admission: Full admission to COFC bar
Application and fee
Certificate of good standing
No local counsel required after admission
Pro Hac Vice: Case-specific admission
Motion for leave to appear
Certificate of good standing
May require sponsoring counsel
Application Process
Complete COFC admission application or pro hac vice motion
Obtain certificate of good standing
Pay applicable fees
Submit to COFC Clerk's Office
Fees (2026)
COFC bar admission: $50
Pro hac vice motion: Court filing fees apply
DC Circuit Pro Hac Vice Requirements
Eligibility
Attorneys may be admitted pro hac vice to argue specific appeals.
Requirements
Good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction
Motion for leave to appear pro hac vice
Certificate of good standing
Process
File motion for leave to appear pro hac vice
Include certificate of good standing
Identify the specific appeal
Court grants or denies
Fees
Court filing fees apply per DC Circuit fee schedule.
DC Superior Court Pro Hac Vice Requirements
Eligibility
Active member of another U.S. jurisdiction bar
Good standing
No DC bar suspension or disbarment
Local Counsel Requirement
Local counsel must be:
Active DC Bar member
In good standing
Agree to association
Application Components
Pro hac vice motion
Certificate of good standing (within 90 days)
Local counsel's consent
Filing fee
Fees (2026)
Pro hac vice fee: $375
Additional fees may apply
DC Court of Appeals Pro Hac Vice Requirements
Eligibility
Same general requirements as DC Superior Court.
Process
File motion for admission pro hac vice
Include certificate of good standing
Identify local counsel
Pay fees
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Outdated Certificate of Good Standing
Certificates must be current. DC District Court requires certificates dated within 30 days. Other courts may have different requirements. Request a fresh certificate close to your filing date.
2. Failing to Arrange Local Counsel First
You cannot file a pro hac vice application without local counsel's consent. Arrange local counsel before preparing your application.
3. Incomplete Applications
Missing information delays processing. Ensure all fields are completed and all required documents are attached.
4. Filing in Wrong Court
DC has multiple court systems with different requirements. Federal courts (District Court, COFC, DC Circuit) are separate from local courts (Superior Court, DC Court of Appeals).
5. Missing Deadlines
If you have an upcoming hearing or filing deadline, start the pro hac vice process early. Expedited processing is possible but may require additional coordination.
6. Ignoring Local Rules
Each court has local rules governing practice. Familiarize yourself with applicable rules or work with local counsel who knows them.
7. Not Disclosing Prior Discipline
Applications ask about disciplinary history. Failing to disclose prior discipline can result in denial and referral to disciplinary authorities.
Working with Local Counsel
Finding Local Counsel
Options include:
Referrals from colleagues
Bar association directories
Specialized local counsel services
Local Counsel Responsibilities
Local counsel typically:
Signs pleadings
Appears at hearings if needed
Assists with local rule compliance
Provides ECF filing access
Advises on judge-specific practices
Fee Arrangements
Local counsel fees vary based on:
Scope of involvement
Case complexity
Court and case type
Duration of engagement
Flat fees are common for straightforward pro hac vice matters. Hourly arrangements suit complex cases requiring ongoing involvement.
After Pro Hac Vice Admission
Continuing Obligations
Once admitted pro hac vice, you must:
Comply with all court rules
Maintain good standing in home jurisdiction
Report any disciplinary actions
Work with local counsel as required
Withdrawal
If you need to withdraw from the case:
File motion to withdraw
Ensure client has substitute counsel
Complete any outstanding obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Standard processing is typically 3-7 business days for DC District Court. COFC and DC Circuit vary. Emergency or expedited processing is possible.
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Requirements vary. DC District Court generally requires local counsel. COFC may not require local counsel for admitted attorneys. Check specific court rules.
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Generally, no. Local counsel can file on your behalf before admission is granted. Once granted, you can file through ECF (if you have credentials) or have local counsel file for you.
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Denial is rare if you meet requirements. If denied, the court typically explains why. You may be able to reapply after addressing deficiencies.
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Costs include court fees ($100-$375 depending on court) plus local counsel fees (varies by scope). Expect $500-$1,500+ total for basic pro hac vice with local counsel.
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Yes, if local counsel agrees. You'll need separate pro hac vice applications for each case.
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Pro hac vice is case-specific. General admission allows practice in all cases before that court. Some attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions may be eligible for DC bar admission through reciprocity.
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Agency proceedings (EEOC, NLRB, etc.) have their own rules. Many allow practice by any licensed attorney. Check specific agency regulations.
Get Pro Hac Vice Sponsorship
If you need pro hac vice sponsorship or local counsel services for DC courts, DC Federal Litigation Counsel can help.
Our services include:
Pro hac vice application preparation
Local counsel association
Motion drafting and filing
ECF filing assistance
Ongoing local counsel support
Courts we cover:
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals, DC Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
Contact:
Phone: 956-224-9372
