Legal Definitions - pro hac vice

Definition: Pro hac vice is a Latin term that means "this time only." It refers to the application of an out-of-state lawyer to appear in court for a particular trial, even though he/she is not licensed to practice in the state where the trial is being held. The application is usually granted, but sometimes the court requires association with a local attorney.

• When a lawyer from New York wants to represent a client in a trial in California, they may apply for pro hac vice admission to the California court.
• A lawyer from Texas may be allowed to represent a client in a trial in Louisiana through pro hac vice admission.

These examples illustrate how pro hac vice allows lawyers who are not licensed to practice in a particular state to represent clients in a specific trial. It is important to note that pro hac vice admission is granted on a case-by-case basis and is not a permanent license to practice law in the state.