Effective January 1, 2011, out-of-state lawyers who wish to appear temporarily in a proceeding in Ohio will recognize substantial changes to the approval process. Pro hac vice is a privilege granted by a tribunal to out-of-state attorneys not admitted to practice law in a state to appear before the tribunal on a limited basis. In the past, pro hac vice admission has primarily been a subject of local court rule and discretion. The Amendments to Gov. Bar R. XII bring Ohio’s requirements into alignment with those of many other states and accomplish the following changes:

Centralized Administration. Pro hac vice admission will be centralized through the Supreme Court's Office of Attorney Services, including the maintenance of electronic records. Out-of-state lawyers will be required to file an application and a pay $100 annual registration fee prior to making application to appear pro hac vice.

Established Criteria. The rule sets basic criteria for appearing pro hac vice before a tribunal, including compliance with Ohio's Rules of Professional Conduct and a limitation to not more than three proceedings before Ohio tribunals in a calendar year.

Revocation of Privileges. The rule allows an administrative termination of a lawyer’s privileges to practice pro hac vice in Ohio if the out-of-state lawyer does not comply with the requirements of the rule.