Attorneys admitted to practice law in another U.S. jurisdiction must apply for pro hac vice admission before appearing as counsel before any Utah state court, local court, or administrative body.
Strict Prohibition on Out-of-State e-Filing
Utah courts make no provisions for non-Utah licensed attorneys to e-file. Furthermore, out-of-state lawyers are strictly banned from using a sponsoring attorney’s e-filing login.
Under Utah law, e-filing acts as a Rule 11 certification that the individual filing is an attorney of record. Because out-of-state counsel are not attorneys of record prior to admission—and never receive a Utah Attorney Identification Number—they cannot submit filings directly.
Key Rule: Your in-state resident sponsoring attorney must perform all e-filings on your behalf.
Steps for Admission
Your Utah-licensed sponsoring attorney (using their existing EFSP account) must submit:
- The pro hac vice application
- Required supporting attachments, including a scanned copy of the Utah State Bar’s Acknowledgement and Receipt
- A proposed order for admittance
Handling Appeals
If your case proceeds to an appellate court in Utah, additional rules govern your appearance. Be sure to consult Utah Rule of Appellate Procedure 40(e) for appellate-specific requirements.
Important Reference: Review updated rules and fee structures under Utah Supreme Court Rules of Professional Practice: Rule 4-806.
Pro Hac Vice FAQs
Q: Are out-of-state lawyers permitted to e-file?
A: No. The Utah courts have made no provisions for out-of-state lawyers or those who are not licensed in Utah to e-file.
Q: I am an out-of-state lawyer applying for pro hac vice. Can I use my sponsoring attorney’s e-filing account?
A: No. E-filing is a certification under Rule 11 that that the filer is an attorney of record. You are not an attorney of record until you have been admitted pro hac in the case. Even then, you are not a Utah attorney of record with an assigned Identifier Number. Your in-state resident sponsoring attorney must e-file on your behalf.
Q: So what do I do?
A: Your in-state sponsoring attorney – who should already have a certified e-filing service provider (EFSP) account – must e-file your application at the proper court along with the necessary supporting documentation including a scan of the Bar’s Acknowledgement and Receipt. And then e-file a proposed order for your admittance.
Q: What do I do if my case is appealed in a Utah court?
A: Please refer to the Utah Rule of Appellate Procedure 40(e)