Federal Court Ad Hoc Counsel Services

Limited scope representation for specific federal court appearances and filings

What is Ad Hoc Counsel?

Ad hoc counsel provides limited scope representation for specific tasks within federal litigation. Rather than handling an entire case, ad hoc counsel assists with particular appearances, filings, or procedural matters.

Ad hoc services are valuable when:

  • Lead counsel cannot be present for a court appearance

  • You need local expertise for specific procedural matters

  • Emergency filings require immediate DC-admitted counsel

  • Specialized oral argument skills are needed

  • Cost considerations favor limited engagement

DC Federal Litigation PLLC provides ad hoc counsel services for matters pending in DC federal courts, allowing lead counsel to maintain case control while ensuring effective local representation.

Our Ad Hoc Counsel Services

Court Appearance Coverage

When lead counsel cannot attend a scheduled proceeding, we provide:

Status Conferences: We appear at scheduling and status conferences, communicating with lead counsel before and reporting results after.

Scheduling Hearings: We represent your interests in hearings to set case deadlines and trial dates.

Routine Procedural Hearings: We handle motions hearings on non-substantive matters such as discovery disputes and scheduling issues.

Case Management Conferences: We participate in Rule 16 conferences and other case management proceedings.

Settlement Conferences: With appropriate authorization, we participate in court-sponsored settlement conferences.

Oral Argument Coverage

When specialized oral argument assistance is needed:

Motion Arguments: We argue motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, and other substantive motions.

Appeal Arguments: We present oral argument before the DC Circuit, Federal Circuit, or other appellate courts.

Evidentiary Hearings: We conduct witness examinations and present evidence at evidentiary hearings.

Emergency Filings

Time-sensitive matters requiring immediate DC-admitted counsel:

TRO Applications: We prepare and file temporary restraining order applications requiring immediate court action.

Emergency Motions: We draft and file emergency motions on shortened notice.

Same-Day Filings: We handle urgent filings that cannot wait for lead counsel availability.

Document Review and Filing

Local Rule Compliance: We review filings for compliance with DC federal court local rules before submission.

ECF Filing: We file documents through the court's electronic filing system when lead counsel lacks ECF access.

Procedural Guidance: We advise on local procedures, judge-specific practices, and filing requirements.

When to Use Ad Hoc Counsel

Geographic Distance

If you are lead counsel in another jurisdiction:

  • Travel costs exceed value of appearance

  • Scheduling conflicts prevent attendance

  • Local rule knowledge is important

Limited Engagement

When full local counsel engagement is unnecessary:

  • Single appearance or filing

  • Routine procedural matter

  • Defined task with clear scope

Cost Management

When full representation is not cost-effective:

  • Client budget constraints

  • Routine matters not justifying extensive involvement

  • Limited-scope engagement appropriate

Specialized Skills

When specific expertise is valuable:

  • Complex oral argument requiring preparation

  • DC-specific procedural knowledge

  • Appellate advocacy skills

Ad Hoc vs. Local Counsel

Ad Hoc Counsel

  • Task-specific engagement

  • Single appearance or filing

  • No ongoing case involvement

  • Limited scope representation

  • Typically lower cost per engagement

Local Counsel

  • Case-long engagement

  • Ongoing involvement throughout litigation

  • Document review, filing, and appearances

  • Available for consultation

  • Broader scope of services

Many matters benefit from having local counsel throughout the case, with ad hoc services for specific needs.

Courts We Cover

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

We provide ad hoc services for civil and criminal matters in DC District Court.

U.S. Court of Federal Claims

We appear in COFC for bid protests, Tucker Act claims, and contract disputes.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit

We present oral argument and file briefs in DC Circuit appeals.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

We handle appeals from COFC and other Federal Circuit matters

Pricing

Court Appearance Coverage

Status/Scheduling Conference: Starting at $500 per appearance Includes preparation, attendance, and report to lead counsel

Motion Hearing: Starting at $1,000 per hearing Includes limited preparation and argument

Evidentiary Hearing: Starting at $2,500 per day Includes witness preparation and examination

Oral Argument

District Court Argument: Starting at $2,500 Includes preparation and presentation

Appellate Argument: Starting at $5,000 Includes moot court preparation and presentation

Emergency Filings

Emergency Motion: Starting at $1,500 Includes drafting and filing on expedited basis

TRO Application: Starting at $2,500 Includes application, supporting brief, and argument

Document Services

Local Rule Review: Starting at $250 per filing Review for local rule compliance

ECF Filing: Starting at $100 per filing Electronic filing through court system

All fees are separate from court filing fees and costs

How It Works

Step 1: Initial Contact

Reach out with details of your matter:

  • Court and case information

  • Nature of appearance or task

  • Date and deadline requirements

  • Scope of engagement needed

Step 2: Scope Agreement

We agree on:

  • Specific tasks to be performed

  • Authorization and limitations

  • Communication protocols

  • Fee arrangement

Step 3: Coordination

Before the engagement:

  • Review case background

  • Discuss strategy and objectives

  • Receive necessary materials

  • Coordinate positions

Step 4: Performance

We perform the agreed services:

  • Attend hearing or file documents

  • Represent your client's interests

  • Stay within agreed scope

Step 5: Reporting

After the engagement:

  • Report outcomes to lead counsel

  • Provide copies of filed documents

  • Transmit any court orders

  • Invoice per agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It depends on the court and scope of services. For single appearances with pro hac vice counsel present, association may not be required. We advise on requirements for each situation.

  • Yes, with appropriate preparation time and materials. We can argue complex motions and conduct evidentiary hearings on an ad hoc basis with proper coordination.

  • We adjust scheduling as needed. For rescheduled hearings, we work with your schedule to ensure coverage.

  • For routine matters, a few days is typically sufficient. Complex arguments or emergency matters may require more time or premium pricing.

  • Yes, when appropriate and authorized. We handle all necessary communications with chambers, the clerk's office, and opposing counsel.

  • We can transition to local counsel engagement if ongoing representation is needed. We'll discuss scope expansion as appropriate.

Contact Us for Ad Hoc Services

If you need coverage for a specific federal court appearance or filing in DC, contact us to discuss your needs.

We need to know:

  • Court and case information

  • Nature of the appearance or task

  • Date and timeline

  • Your objectives and any limitations

Contact:

Request Ad Hoc Counsel Services

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