Local Counsel and Pro Hac Vice Admission
At Cornerstone Law Firm, LLC, we have served as local counsel for firms that need help with a lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re part of multi-district litigation or transferred here for a venue challenge or forum clause, our firm can help you determine the right approach. We can also help you maintain compliance with local rules in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and throughout the Commonwealth’s state and federal courts.
A first step will often involve moving for pro hac vice admission. Temporary admissions to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and other federal courts throughout the Commonwealth, as well as Philadelphia’s court, county court, and other courts is sometimes coupled with a need for local counsel to sign off on filings. This depends on local rules, but also on individual judges’ preferences in some cases.
A few things have to be considered when working with local counsel. Some courts require that local counsel remain deeply involved in the operations of a specific case. Other courts permit a more hands-off approach. In most cases we remain involved in the case even after the initial moving, but we work hard to meet the goals of out-of-state counsel.
Pro hac vice admission requires certificates of good standing from the jurisdiction from which the attorney is coming. Sometimes, certificates from every jurisdiction in which an attorney is licensed are required. Occasionally, the Court requires that the local attorney review local referrals from an attorney in the state where the attorney practices. At Cornerstone Law Firm our attorneys can help guide you through the process of seeking pro hac vice admission. We can also serve as local council for your case in Pennsylvania’s state and federal courts.
Our experience in Pennsylvania courts allows us to offer insights and representation for those needing an efficient, informed presence on the ground. We’ve practiced at every level of the state and federal system in PA. Whether you need assistance with filing, appearances, discovery or compliance with local rules, our attorneys have the experience and local knowledge to serve your needs.
We can serve as local counsel in the federal courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania. Each district encompasses a wide range of locations including courts in areas like Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Scranton, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Philadelphia has its own procedural intricacies that differ from other rural areas within the district. Meanwhile, the Middle District’s courts may involve smaller counties, each with a distinct approach. Familiarity with these differences means that Cornerstone Law Firm can anticipate procedural expectations, filing nuances and timing requirements.
Our Role as Pro Hac Vice Counsel
When you partner with us as pro hac vice counsel, we work closely with your team to meet all the requirements for temporary admission. We will provide the support needed to navigate the specifics of the Pennsylvania legal system. Our attorneys take an integrated approach, providing guidance on local filing procedures, court protocols, and best practices for hearings and submissions so that your primary legal team remains focused on the core aspects of the case. This integration process allows your legal team to feel supported and informed, even when practicing in an unfamiliar jurisdiction. Pro hac vice representation with Cornerstone Law Firm also means that our attorneys remain in close contact with your team, providing updates on the ground and assisting with any court proceedings or unforeseen issues.
We’re Committed to Client Success
We understand the importance of seamless collaboration with out-of-state legal teams. We’re committed to maintaining open lines of communication throughout your case. Our attorneys prioritize responsiveness, transparency and strategic advice, ensuring that every step of the legal process in Pennsylvania is conducted smoothly and to your advantage. At Cornerstone Law Firm, we act as an extension of your legal team, committed to providing the same level of dedication and attention to detail that you would expect from your own colleagues.
Our goal is to make the Pennsylvania court system approachable, predictable, and as manageable as possible for out-of-state firms. With experience in both the Eastern and Middle Districts, Cornerstone Law Firm ensures that out-of-area clients have a trusted, experienced partner who can make the local intricacies of Pennsylvania law a benefit rather than a barrier.
Contact Us Today
If you’re looking for reliable, experienced local counsel or pro hac vice services in Pennsylvania, Cornerstone Law Firm is here to help. Based in Berks County, our attorneys are prepared to support your team’s litigation needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together to navigate Pennsylvania’s federal courts and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.