Pro Hac Vice Changes

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Important changes to the West Virginia pro hac vice admission procedures become effective January 1, 2015. Due to the New Year Holiday these changes will be available online starting January 2, 2015.

These changes include a new $350 annual fee to be paid by out-of-state lawyers admitted pro hac vice for one year or more.  Beginning January 1, 2015 the annual fee applies as long as the out-of-state lawyer has one or more cases pending in West Virginia.  The out-of-state lawyer is responsible for paying the fee.  By implementation Order entered December 12, 2014, for instances in which an out-of-state lawyer was admitted pro hac vice before January 1, 2015, the assistance of local counsel is needed to discern whether the case is still pending, to obtain updated contact information about the out-of-state attorney and, if applicable, to make sure the fee is paid.

The Supreme Court authorized the State Bar to contact local counsel for out-of-state lawyers admitted during the past five years to determine whether the annual fee applies and to collect the fee. The December 12, Order requires the payment of a fee per attorney, not per case.  The fee must be paid on or before March 31, 2015, and by March 31 of each subsequent year until the case or matter is resolved.  The pro hac vice admission will be terminated if the March 31, 2015, deadline is not met.  The submission must be sent to the State Bar electronically.  Click here to review the September 29, 2014, Order.  Click here to review the December 12, 2014, Order.

Key changes to the PHV Filing Process

  • All Out-of-State Lawyers must register at www.mywvbar.org before filing a Pro Hac Vice with the State Bar.
    • Contact information must be provided and kept up to date
    • An annual fee will be assessed to each out-of-state lawyer 1 year from the date of the case being filed if that lawyer has 1 or more cases open.
  • If you have an open case that was filed between January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014 you are required to have all visiting attorneys register and pay the $350 annual fee
    • Once the annual fee is paid by each out-of-state lawyer the case information will need to be submitted.

Instructions

New PHV Cases
– Click here to register as an out-of-state lawyer and submit case information
or – Click here to log in if you have already registered as an out-of-state lawyer. Upon log in click on “”Add New Pro Hac Vice Case” to submit Pro Hac Vice cases.

 

Cases Filed Prior to 2015 (January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014)

  • If case has not concluded
    • Out-of-State Lawyer Annual Fee Applies for cases filed Jan. 1, 2010 – Dec. 31, 2014.
      •  Click here to register, pay the $350 annual fee, and submit case information
  • If you have withdrawn from a case
    • Contact the State Bar at PHV@wvbar.org with details