Michigan Court Rule 8.126 sets forth the process for out-of-state attorneys to apply for temporary admission to practice in a Michigan court, administrative tribunal, or arbitration. An out-of-state attorney may be admitted to practice in no more than five cases during a 365-day period. A Michigan attorney must move for the temporary admission of the out-of-state attorney. The cost to apply for temporary admission is $155.

How Do I Apply For Pro Hac Vice Admission?

Michigan Lawyer Must Move for Admission

The Michigan lawyer prepares and submits the motion and materials on behalf of the out-of-state attorney seeking temporary admission to court and the State Bar of Michigan.

Preparing the Motion and Accompanying Materials

• Motion: The motion must be filed with the court in which the out-of-state attorney seeks admission, stating that the Michigan attorney has reviewed the accompanying materials and believes the out-of-state attorney’s representations are true. A form motion is available here (Word Doc).
• Certificate of Good Standing: The out-of-state attorney must provide a current certificate of good standing from a jurisdiction where the attorney is licensed and eligible to practice. While the court ultimately determines what constitutes a “current” certificate of good standing, based on past experience, courts typically accept certificates that are up to two months old. Due to COVID-19, courts may be more lenient and accept certificates of good standing up to four months old.
• Affidavit: The out-of-state attorney must provide an affidavit with the items set forth in MCR 8.126(A)(1)(a)(i)-(iv). A form affidavit is available here (Word Doc).
• Disciplinary Records: The out-of-state attorney must provide copies of any disciplinary dispositions.

Submitting the Motion and Accompanying Materials

• State Bar of Michigan: The out-of-state attorney must submit a copy of the motion and accompanying materials — combined in a single PDF — and pay the pro hac vice fee of $155. Payment must be made electronically when submitting the pro hac vice application, and may be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Credit card payments will be assessed a transaction fee of 2.5%. Payments made using electronic check or debit card will NOT be assessed a transaction fee. If you've previously applied for Pro Hac Vice admission, you should login to your existing account and create a new case. First-time applicants should create a member profile. Contact prohacvice@michbar.org for login assistance. The motion must contain the case number and the Judge’s name. This will generate the receipt which is required to accompany the motion when it is filed with the court. Note: The online system does not allow users to amend information after it is submitted.
• Court: The Michigan attorney must file the motion and accompanying materials in the court in which the out-of-state attorney seeks admission.

What Happens Next?

• State Bar of Michigan: The State Bar of Michigan will notify the court of the number of times the out-of-state attorney has been temporarily admitted in the state in the last 365 days. This notice will be sent out within seven days of receiving the temporary admission materials.
• Court: The court will then decide whether to grant the motion for temporary admission.
• Michigan Lawyer: The Michigan attorney who filed the motion must email a copy of the court’s order within seven days to prohacvice@michbar.org.

Questions?

Please contact the State Bar of Michigan at prohacvice@michbar.org or (517) 367-6426.