DBL Law attorneys regularly serve as local counsel or co-counsel with out-of-state lawyers in litigation matters in Kentucky, particularly complex litigation in the state capital of Frankfort and in the state’s largest venues such as Louisville, Lexington, and Northern Kentucky. We also assist out-of-state counsel in becoming admitted pro hac vice in such cases. This post describes the process by which lawyers licensed in other jurisdictions may obtain PHV admission in a Kentucky state court matter.
The first step is for the out-of-state lawyer to follow Kentucky Supreme Court Rule 3.030 and obtain certification from the Kentucky Bar Admission after payment of the required PHV admission fee. Here is a link to the KBA site to obtain certification: (Kentucky Bar Association – Pro Hac Vice Certification).
Once certification is obtained, the Kentucky lawyer sponsoring the out-of-state lawyer will file a motion with the trial court requesting PHV admission, typically along with an affidavit of the out-of-state lawyer and a copy of the KBA certification form. The affidavit should: include statements that the applicant agrees to be subject to the jurisdiction and rules of the Kentucky Supreme Court while admitted PHV and has completed the KBA certification process; and identify the sponsoring Kentucky lawyer who will serve as co-counsel in the matter and will attend a trial as well as any other proceedings at which the trial court directs his or her attendance.
Being admitted PHV to a federal court matter in Kentucky follows a similar procedure but also requires a certificate of good standing from the bar of the applicant’s state of residence.
Please contact a DBL Law litigator for more information or for assistance in obtaining PHV admission.
