APR 8(b) Exception for Particular Action or Proceeding (Pro Hac Vice Admission)

Effective September 1, 2004, the Washington Supreme Court amended Rule 8(b) of the Admission to Practice Rules regarding Special Admission for a Particular Action or Proceeding (also known as pro hac vice admission).  The Supreme Court approved a required non refundable fee of $250 for pro hac vice admission.

Please read the text of APR 8(b) to understand all the limitations and responsibilities regarding pro hac vice admission. 

How to Apply for Pro Hac Vice Admission

These procedures and rule 8(b) apply only to Washington State courts.  For federal courts, please see local federal court rules and procedures.

File with the court the original motion and proposed order.  Form motions with proposed orders for each court level in Washington are listed in the right column of this page.  The court does not need the coversheet.

File with the WSBA a copy of the motion together with the original pro hac vice coversheet (also in the right column of this page) and the non-refundable $250 fee payable to the WSBA.  (A certificate of good standing is not required.)  You may file with the court and WSBA simultaneously.

A fee is required per lawyer/per case;  e.g., you may file one motion to admit two lawyers pro hac vice, but the fee would be $500.  The WSBA does not require another motion and fee when appealing a case in which pro hac vice has been granted to a higher court.  However, the appellate court may require a pro hac vice admission motion under its rules.  Please check with the court.

The WSBA maintains a record of only the applications/motions for pro hac vice admission.  The decision whether to grant the motion is made by the court, and the WSBA does not have a record of whether admission pro hac vice was granted.  Please contact the court for that information.

Questions about pro hac vice admission may be directed to Robert Henry at 206-727-8227 or roberth@wsba.org.