Parties, Roles, and Litigation Teams
Counsel Roles
Local counsel sponsors a pro hac vice admission and typically must be admitted in the jurisdiction, appear of record, and in many courts attend proceedings. Responsibilities vary by local rule.
Some courts impose substantive responsibility on local counsel.
Alternative Names:
Local Attorney, Forum Counsel
Why it Matters?
Local rules that impose substantive responsibility rather than a formal sponsorship role create real exposure, since local counsel may be accountable for filings they did not draft and deadlines they did not calendar. Reviewing the local rule before agreeing to sponsor is worth doing, because obligations range from nominal to full co-counsel responsibility. Attendance requirements at every proceeding are also common and affect cost.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What responsibility does local counsel bear?
What should be reviewed before agreeing?


