Pro Hac Vice Checklist for New York

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The Requirements, Court by Court

Southern District of New York

Pro hac vice admission in both federal districts is governed by joint Local Civil Rule 1.3, as amended effective January 2, 2026. In SDNY, you first request pro hac vice e-filing access through PACER, listing the civil case number. You then file the motion on ECF with a proposed order, your supporting statement, and a certificate of good standing for every state where you are admitted, each issued within 30 days of filing. SDNY wants the certificate signed by the clerk of the state's highest court, except for Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Vermont, where the state bar issues it. The fee is $200, paid on ECF.

SDNY's instruction page asks for a notarized affidavit. No notary is needed: under 28 U.S.C. 1746, a declaration signed under penalty of perjury has the same force as a sworn affidavit.

Eastern District of New York

EDNY follows the same Local Civil Rule 1.3. You register for EDNY pro hac vice e-filing on PACER, then file the motion for leave to appear pro hac vice with your affidavit of movant and a certificate of good standing from each state, each issued within 30 days of filing. The fee is $200. If you are filing a new complaint, EDNY requires the pro hac vice motion to be filed with the complaint, and failing to do so can suspend your e-filing privileges. The same 28 U.S.C. 1746 declaration works in place of a notarized affidavit.

New York Supreme Court

State court admission is governed by 22 NYCRR 520.11. Under 520.11(c), you must be associated with a member in good standing of the New York bar, who serves as attorney of record and moves for your admission. Your supporting statement can be an affirmation under CPLR 2106, which lets a person anywhere affirm under penalty of perjury in place of an affidavit, so no notary is needed. Rule 520.11 sets no age limit for the certificate of good standing, but clerks and parts expect a current one, so order it to be less than 30 days old on the day the motion is filed. The motion is filed on NYSCEF with a proposed order, and the assigned justice's part rules can add requirements of their own.

Common Questions

Do I need a notary for my pro hac vice affidavit in New York?

No. In SDNY and EDNY, 28 U.S.C. 1746 lets you sign a declaration under penalty of perjury in place of a sworn affidavit. In New York state court, CPLR 2106 does the same for an affirmation, wherever you sign it.

Who issues the certificate of good standing SDNY will accept?

The clerk of your state's highest court. SDNY accepts a state bar certificate only from Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Vermont. Each certificate must be issued within 30 days of filing.

Do I need New York local counsel for pro hac vice?

In New York state court, yes: 22 NYCRR 520.11(c) requires association with a New York attorney who is attorney of record. SDNY and EDNY do not require it by rule, but many judges restrict telephone appearances, so local counsel is the practical choice.

Ready to File?

Send us the caption, the court, and the states where you are admitted, and we will respond the same business day. The Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson is admitted in New York, SDNY, and EDNY, and serves as local counsel and sponsoring attorney for out-of-state lawyers.

Related: Pro Hac Vice Overview · Pro Hac Vice in SDNY and EDNY · How to File a Pro Hac Vice Motion · Certificate of Good Standing 30-Day Rule · How Long Does PHV Take?

This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Court rules and clerk practices change; confirm current requirements before you file. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The Law Office of Frederic R. Abramson, 160 Broadway, Suite 500, New York, NY 10038. 212-233-0666.