A New Jersey pro hac vice motion is the formal request that lets an out-of-state attorney speak and participate in a New Jersey case, even though that lawyer is not licensed here. The motion is filed by a New Jersey attorney of record under Rule 1:21-2, and it must prove the out-of-state lawyer is in good standing and that “good cause” supports the request.
Getting this motion wrong slows your whole case. A judge can deny the motion, strike papers the out-of-state lawyer signed, or revoke admission later for cause. The 2026 fee paid to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection is now $267.00 per attorney, assessed once per calendar year, and skipping it blocks the admission from taking effect.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 📋 What the pro hac vice motion is and exactly who must file it in New Jersey
- 🖋️ How to fill out the motion, certification, proposed order, and PHV-26 payment form line by line
- 👤 Three filled-out examples that follow real attorneys through the entire packet
- 💵 Where and how to file, what fees apply, and what proof to keep
- ⚠️ The field-level mistakes that get motions denied and how to avoid them
What the Pro Hac Vice Motion Is and Who Must File It
A pro hac vice motion (“for this occasion”) is a written request asking a New Jersey court to let an attorney from another jurisdiction take part in one specific case. The authority comes from Rule 1:21-2 of the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey. The rule lets a court, in its discretion, allow an out-of-state lawyer in good standing “to speak in such matter in the same manner as an attorney of this state.”
The motion is not filed by the out-of-state lawyer alone. A New Jersey attorney of record, called the sponsoring attorney, files it and stays responsible for the case. That sponsoring lawyer signs all pleadings and answers to the court for the admitted lawyer’s conduct. If you are the out-of-state attorney, you cannot self-sponsor; you must associate with qualified New Jersey counsel under R. 1:21-1.
Three different forums in New Jersey each have their own track. State Superior Court and Tax Court use R. 1:21-2. The U.S. District Court of New Jersey uses its own local rule and a separate $250.00 fee per admission. The Office of Administrative Law uses N.J.A.C. 1:1-5.2 and the OAL pro hac vice order process. This guide centers on the state court motion under R. 1:21-2, the most common path, and flags the others where they differ.
The agency that receives the annual fee is the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. Under the rule, an admitted attorney must “include a copy of the order granting such permission” when sending the annual fee. Miss the payment and the admission does not become effective, which means the out-of-state lawyer has no right to appear.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every piece of information before you open the motion. A missing fact, like the year the out-of-state lawyer was first admitted, forces you to redraft the certification and refile. Here is the pre-filing checklist.
- The out-of-state attorney’s full legal name and title. The PHV-26 form asks for last, first, and middle name. A nickname or missing middle name can cause a mismatch with bar records and delay the Fund’s processing.
- The jurisdiction where the attorney was first admitted and the year. The certification must state the bar of the highest court where the lawyer is domiciled or principally practices. Without it, you cannot prove good standing.
- A certificate of good standing. Many judges expect proof the out-of-state lawyer is in good standing in their home bar. If it is missing, the judge may carry or deny the motion.
- The attorney’s full disciplinary history. R. 1:21-2(b)(1)(D) requires you to state whether any discipline was imposed or proceedings are pending. Leaving this blank is a fatal defect.
- The sponsoring New Jersey attorney’s name, bar details, and contact information. The motion fails if there is no qualified New Jersey counsel of record associated in the matter.
- The client’s written request or confirmation. The certification must state the client asked to be represented by the out-of-state lawyer. No client request means no admission.
- Your good-cause grounds (civil cases). Identify which of the six R. 1:21-2(b)(3) grounds applies. Picking the wrong ground, or none, gets civil motions denied.
- The current fee amount and a check. The 2026 assessment is $267.00 per attorney, payable to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. Fees are not prorated, so a December admission still owes the full year.
- The case caption, docket number, and venue. Every paper must match the court, county, and docket exactly. A wrong docket number can route your motion to the wrong file.
- The attorney’s date of birth and date first admitted to any U.S. bar. The payment form requires both. Missing data stalls the Fund’s account setup.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
There is no single statewide “pro hac vice motion” fill-in form for state court; you draft the Notice of Motion, certification, and proposed order yourself. What the Judiciary does publish is the payment and registration form. The current version is PHV-26, the 2026 Pro Hac Vice Admission form (form code CN 13401), and it lists the 2026 assessment of $267.00. Confirm you are using the form that matches the calendar year your order is entered, because the assessment changes yearly.
You can download the PHV-26 form from the New Jersey Courts Pro Hac Vice page. The same page links to the annual forms and explains that failure to make the required annual payment can cost the lawyer their admission. For the rule text itself, read Rule 1:21-2 in full so your certification tracks the exact language.
For the federal track, the District of New Jersey posts its own instructions and the $250.00 fee process, which is paid on each admission rather than annually. For administrative cases, the Office of Administrative Law uses its own pro hac vice order template. Note that the Judiciary issued proposed amendments to Rule 1:21-2 with comments requested in early 2026, so check for any rule update before you file.
A practical tip: keep the official PHV-26 PDF open while you draft. It tells you the exact data fields the Fund will demand later, which lets you build a certification that already contains every fact the order and payment form need.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the NJ Pro Hac Vice Motion Line by Line
A complete state court packet has four parts: the Notice of Motion, the supporting certification or affidavit, the proposed Order, and the PHV-26 payment form. Each field below gets its own walkthrough. Follow them in the order the papers are assembled.
1. Case Caption (Court, County, and Docket Number)
The caption is the heading block at the top of every paper. It names the court, the county vicinage, the parties, and the docket number. You restate the same caption on the motion, the certification, and the proposed order.
To complete it, type the court name (for example, SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, LAW DIVISION, BERGEN COUNTY), the docket number, the party names, and a document title. Use the exact format already used on prior filings in the case.
For example, attorney Dana Reyes writes Docket No. BER-L-004821-25 and titles her paper NOTICE OF MOTION FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE.
A common edge case is a case still in pre-litigation or one assigned to a special part, such as Chancery or Multicounty Litigation. There, confirm the correct division and judge before you caption the motion.
A frequent mistake here is copying a stale docket number from an old draft. The direct consequence is that the clerk files your motion in the wrong matter, and the judge never sees it before the return date.
A common misconception is that the caption is just formatting. In truth, the caption controls routing, so an error here can delay admission by weeks even when the rest of the packet is perfect.
2. Notice of Motion (Return Date and Relief Requested)
The Notice of Motion tells the court and the other parties what you want and when the motion will be heard. It is the cover document the judge reads first. It must name the relief: admission of the named out-of-state attorney pro hac vice.
To fill it out, state that the sponsoring attorney moves for an order admitting the named lawyer under R. 1:21-2, list the return date, and note whether oral argument is requested. State court motions in the Law Division are usually returnable on a Friday motion day, so count backward to set your filing deadline.
For example, Dana Reyes writes that she “moves before the Honorable [Judge], on July 18, 2026, for an Order admitting Michael Chen, Esq. pro hac vice.”
An edge case arises when the case is in federal court or the OAL, where return dates and motion practice differ. In the District of New Jersey, you often file the motion electronically with a proposed order and supporting declaration instead of a Friday return date.
A common mistake is miscounting the notice period and filing too late for the chosen return date. The consequence is the clerk bumps your motion to a later date, which can push back a deposition or hearing the out-of-state lawyer needed to attend.
A misconception is that you can skip serving the other parties because admission seems routine. The rule requires the motion be made “on motion to all parties,” so failing to serve everyone can void the motion.
3. Certification or Affidavit of the Out-of-State Attorney
This is the heart of the packet. R. 1:21-2(b)(1) requires a sworn statement from the out-of-state attorney covering four points. The certification is what the judge relies on to find good standing and good cause.
To complete it, write numbered paragraphs that track the rule. The attorney certifies each required fact in plain, sworn language and signs under penalty of perjury or before a notary if using an affidavit.
For example, Michael Chen certifies, “I am a member in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of California, admitted in 2009.“
An edge case is an attorney admitted in several states. List the bar of the highest court where the lawyer is domiciled or principally practices, and you may add the others for completeness.
A common mistake is paraphrasing the rule loosely instead of addressing all four required statements. The consequence is the judge finds the certification deficient and denies or carries the motion until you refile.
A misconception is that the out-of-state lawyer’s reputation alone proves good standing. The court needs the sworn certification, and often a certificate of good standing, not the lawyer’s say-so.
3A. Good Standing Statement — Rule 1:21-2(b)(1)(A)
This paragraph asks the attorney to confirm membership in good standing of the bar of the highest court of the state where they are domiciled or principally practice. It is the first of the four mandatory certifications.
To answer it, name the specific court and state plainly that the attorney is in good standing there. Add the year of admission so the court can verify it.
For example, Michael Chen writes, “I am a member in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of California.“
An edge case is a federal-only admission, such as a lawyer admitted to a federal patent bar. Clarify the state bar of good standing separately, since R. 1:21-2 looks to the highest state court.
A common mistake is naming a trial-level court instead of the highest court of the state. The consequence is the certification fails to meet the rule, and the judge can reject it.
A misconception is that “good standing” means simply having a license. It means current, active, and free of suspension, so an inactive or administratively suspended lawyer does not qualify.
3B. Association With New Jersey Counsel — Rule 1:21-2(b)(1)(B)
This paragraph confirms the out-of-state lawyer is associated in the matter with New Jersey counsel of record qualified under R. 1:21-1. It anchors the rule’s requirement that a licensed New Jersey lawyer stays responsible.
To answer it, name the sponsoring New Jersey attorney and state that this lawyer is counsel of record in the case. Confirm the New Jersey lawyer is in good standing and current on attorney registration.
For example, Michael Chen writes, “I am associated in this matter with Dana Reyes, Esq., New Jersey counsel of record.“
An edge case is a sponsoring attorney who is ineligible to practice for nonpayment of fees. Under the attorney registration rules, an ineligible lawyer cannot serve as the New Jersey sponsor, so confirm eligibility first.
A common mistake is naming a New Jersey lawyer who has not actually entered an appearance. The consequence is the court finds no qualified counsel of record and denies the motion.
A misconception is that any New Jersey-licensed lawyer can sponsor. The sponsor must be counsel of record in the matter and in good standing, not just any licensed attorney.
3C. Client Request — Rule 1:21-2(b)(1)(C)
This paragraph states that the client has asked to be represented by the out-of-state attorney. It shows the admission serves the client’s choice, not just the lawyer’s convenience.
To answer it, state simply that the client requested representation by the named attorney. Identify the client by name to tie the statement to the case.
For example, Michael Chen writes, “Acme Robotics, Inc. has requested that I represent it in this matter.“
An edge case is a corporate client with longtime out-of-state counsel. There, the client request also helps support a good-cause ground based on a long attorney-client relationship.
A common mistake is omitting this statement entirely because it feels obvious. The consequence is the certification misses a required element, and the motion can be denied for that gap alone.
A misconception is that the New Jersey sponsor’s request stands in for the client’s. The rule looks to the client’s request, so the certification must speak to the client, not just co-counsel.
3D. Disciplinary History — Rule 1:21-2(b)(1)(D)
This paragraph requires the attorney to state that no disciplinary proceedings are pending and no discipline has been imposed in any jurisdiction. If discipline exists, the attorney must give the date, jurisdiction, nature of the violation, and penalty.
To answer it, state the clean record plainly, or disclose the full details if there is history. The duty is continuing, so the attorney must update the court if new proceedings start during the admission.
For example, Michael Chen writes, “No disciplinary proceedings are pending against me, and no discipline has ever been imposed on me in any jurisdiction.“
An edge case is a prior private reprimand from years ago. You must still disclose it with the date, jurisdiction, nature, and penalty, even if it feels minor or old.
A common mistake is hiding or minimizing a past sanction. The consequence is severe: undisclosed discipline can lead to revocation of the admission and harm the lawyer’s credibility before the court.
A misconception is that only New Jersey discipline counts. The rule reaches discipline in “any jurisdiction,” so out-of-state and federal sanctions must be disclosed too.
4. Good Cause Statement (Civil Cases Only) — Rule 1:21-2(b)(3)
In civil actions, the court grants the motion only if the affidavit shows good cause, which must include at least one of six listed grounds. This statement is where most civil pro hac vice motions live or die. Criminal motions are different and are granted unless the court finds supervening considerations of judicial administration.
To answer it, pick the ground that best fits the facts and explain it. The six grounds are: a complex field of law in which the attorney specializes; a long attorney-client relationship; lack of local counsel with adequate expertise; questions of law involving the foreign jurisdiction where the lawyer is licensed; need for extensive discovery in that foreign jurisdiction; or another similar reason showing good cause.
For example, Michael Chen writes, “This case involves complex patent litigation in which I specialize, satisfying R. 1:21-2(b)(3)(A).“
An edge case is a matter that fits more than one ground, such as a complex specialty plus a long client relationship. You may cite multiple grounds, which strengthens the showing.
A common mistake is stating a conclusion like “good cause exists” without facts tying it to a listed ground. The consequence is denial, because a bare conclusion does not satisfy the rule.
A misconception is that good cause is needed for criminal cases. For criminal matters the standard flips, so do not weaken a criminal motion by treating it like a civil one.
5. Proposed Order (Required Conditions) — Rule 1:21-2(c)
You must submit a proposed Order with the motion. R. 1:21-2(c) lists conditions the order must impose on the admitted attorney, and an OAL sample order shows the structure. The judge signs your order if the motion is granted.
To draft it, include the four required conditions: the attorney will abide by all court rules, including disciplinary rules; consent to the Clerk of the Supreme Court as agent for service of process; notify the court of any change in standing at any other court; and have all pleadings signed by New Jersey counsel of record. Leave blanks for the judge’s signature and date.
For example, Dana Reyes drafts an order stating, “Michael Chen, Esq. is admitted pro hac vice subject to the conditions of R. 1:21-2(c).“
An edge case is a court that adds further conditions on New Jersey counsel’s participation, which the rule expressly allows. Build in room for the judge to write additional terms.
A common mistake is omitting one of the four mandatory conditions. The consequence is the judge returns the order for correction, delaying the effective date of admission.
A misconception is that the order is just a formality the court drafts. You must supply it, and a defective proposed order can stall an otherwise strong motion.
6. PHV-26 Payment Form — Pro Hac Vice Attorney Section
After the order is signed, complete the PHV-26 form (CN 13401) for the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. The top section collects data on the admitted attorney. The form lists the 2026 assessment of $267.00 per attorney.
To fill it out, enter the attorney’s name (last, first, middle), title, date of birth, sex, the jurisdiction where first admitted to any U.S. bar, and the year admitted. Check any box showing prior New Jersey admission categories, then add firm name, phone, address, and email.
For example, Michael Chen enters Chen, Michael, A., date of birth 04/22/1981, jurisdiction California, year admitted 2009.
An edge case is a lawyer previously admitted in New Jersey as in-house counsel or a multi-jurisdictional practitioner. Check the matching box so the Fund links the records correctly.
A common mistake is leaving the “jurisdiction where first admitted” line blank or guessing the year. The consequence is the Fund cannot open the account, which holds up the effective admission.
A misconception is that this form replaces the motion. It does not; it is the payment and registration step that follows the signed order.
7. PHV-26 Payment Form — Sponsoring New Jersey Attorney Section
The lower part of the PHV-26 form collects the sponsoring New Jersey attorney’s details. The Fund uses this to tie the out-of-state lawyer to responsible local counsel.
To complete it, enter the New Jersey attorney’s name (last, first, middle), title, firm name, telephone number, address, and email. Make sure these match the lawyer’s attorney registration record.
For example, Dana Reyes enters Reyes, Dana, M., her firm name, and her bar-registered email.
An edge case is a solo sponsor or a large-firm sponsor where the responsible attorney differs from the firm contact. List the individual lawyer who signed the motion, not just the firm’s general contact.
A common mistake is using an old firm address after a lawyer changes firms. The consequence is misrouted correspondence and possible gaps in the Fund’s records.
A misconception is that the sponsor section is optional. It is required, and an incomplete form can be rejected by the Fund’s Pro Hac Vice Unit.
8. Payment and Submission of the Order to the Fund
The final step ties the rule together. Under R. 1:21-2(a) and Directive #06-02, the admitted attorney must send a copy of the signed order with the required annual fee to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
To do it, write one check per attorney for $267.00 payable to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and mail it with the completed PHV-26 form and a copy of the signed order to P.O. Box 961, Trenton, NJ 08625-0961.
For example, Dana Reyes mails a $267.00 check, the PHV-26 form, and the signed order the same week the judge enters it.
An edge case is an admission entered late in the year. Fees are not prorated, so a December order still owes the full $267.00 for that calendar year.
A common mistake is forgetting to enclose a copy of the signed order with the payment. The consequence is the Fund cannot process the admission, leaving the lawyer technically not admitted.
A misconception is that paying the fee is optional once the judge signs the order. The rule makes payment a condition of admission, so without it the admission is not effective.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three scenarios follow named attorneys through the full state court packet. Each shows what goes on the key parts of the motion, certification, order, and PHV-26 form.
Scenario 1: Complex Specialty Litigation (Patent Case)
Michael Chen, a California patent litigator, is being admitted by New Jersey sponsor Dana Reyes in a Law Division patent dispute.
| Packet Section | What Michael and Dana Enter |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, LAW DIVISION, BERGEN COUNTY, Docket No. BER-L-004821-25 |
| Notice of Motion | Motion to admit Michael Chen, Esq. pro hac vice, returnable July 18, 2026 |
| Good standing (b)(1)(A) | Member in good standing, Supreme Court of California, admitted 2009 |
| NJ association (b)(1)(B) | Associated with Dana Reyes, Esq., NJ counsel of record |
| Client request (b)(1)(C) | Acme Robotics, Inc. requested representation by Michael Chen |
| Discipline (b)(1)(D) | No discipline imposed; no proceedings pending in any jurisdiction |
| Good cause (b)(3) | Ground (A): complex patent field in which Chen specializes |
| Proposed Order | Admits Chen subject to the four R. 1:21-2(c) conditions |
| PHV-26 fee | One check for $267.00 to NJ Lawyers’ Fund |
Scenario 2: Long Attorney-Client Relationship (Corporate Counsel)
Laura Okafor, a New York attorney who has represented a company for over a decade, is sponsored by New Jersey lawyer Tom Bianchi in a Chancery contract case.
| Packet Section | What Laura and Tom Enter |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, CHANCERY DIVISION, ESSEX COUNTY, Docket No. ESX-C-000142-26 |
| Notice of Motion | Motion to admit Laura Okafor, Esq. pro hac vice |
| Good standing (b)(1)(A) | Member in good standing, New York Court of Appeals bar, admitted 2008 |
| NJ association (b)(1)(B) | Associated with Tom Bianchi, Esq., NJ counsel of record |
| Client request (b)(1)(C) | Northvale Holdings requested representation by Laura Okafor |
| Discipline (b)(1)(D) | No discipline imposed; no proceedings pending |
| Good cause (b)(3) | Ground (B): attorney-client relationship for over 12 years |
| Proposed Order | Admits Okafor subject to R. 1:21-2(c) conditions |
| PHV-26 fee | One check for $267.00 to NJ Lawyers’ Fund |
Scenario 3: Foreign Jurisdiction Law Question (Out-of-State Law Governs)
Raj Patel, a Pennsylvania attorney, is sponsored by New Jersey lawyer Aisha Grant in a case turning on Pennsylvania law.
| Packet Section | What Raj and Aisha Enter |
|---|---|
| Caption | SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, LAW DIVISION, CAMDEN COUNTY, Docket No. CAM-L-002233-26 |
| Notice of Motion | Motion to admit Raj Patel, Esq. pro hac vice |
| Good standing (b)(1)(A) | Member in good standing, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, admitted 2014 |
| NJ association (b)(1)(B) | Associated with Aisha Grant, Esq., NJ counsel of record |
| Client request (b)(1)(C) | Delran Logistics requested representation by Raj Patel |
| Discipline (b)(1)(D) | No discipline imposed; no proceedings pending |
| Good cause (b)(3) | Ground (D): case presents questions of Pennsylvania law |
| Proposed Order | Admits Patel subject to R. 1:21-2(c) conditions |
| PHV-26 fee | One check for $267.00 to NJ Lawyers’ Fund |
How to File the Completed Motion
State court motions are filed through the sponsoring New Jersey attorney, who serves all parties as the rule requires. New Jersey uses the eCourts system for most civil filings, so the sponsoring lawyer e-files the Notice of Motion, certification, and proposed order through their attorney account. Keep the eCourts confirmation as proof of filing.
For paper filings where eCourts does not apply, mail or hand-deliver the packet to the clerk of the county vicinage named in the caption, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a stamped copy returned. There is no separate court filing fee for the motion itself in many civil matters, but a general motion fee may apply depending on the case type; confirm with the clerk. The required money is the annual Fund assessment.
After the judge signs the order, mail the PHV-26 form, a copy of the signed order, and one check for $267.00 per attorney to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection at P.O. Box 961, Trenton, NJ 08625-0961. Checks are the accepted method for the mailed form; keep a copy of the check and the order as proof of payment.
The federal track is separate. In the District of New Jersey, you file the motion electronically through CM/ECF and pay a $250.00 fee on each admission, with payment options posted by the court. For administrative cases, file through the Office of Administrative Law under its own procedure and the OAL order form. Processing time for state court turns on the motion calendar, often two to four weeks to a return date.
What Happens After You File
Once filed and served, the motion sits until the return date. In civil cases the judge reviews the certification for good standing and good cause, and in criminal cases the judge grants the motion unless there are supervening considerations of judicial administration. If everything is in order, the judge signs your proposed order admitting the attorney.
After the order is signed, admission is not complete until payment reaches the Fund. The admitted lawyer must send the signed order and the $267.00 fee, and the lawyer must also annually comply with R. 1:20-1(b), R. 1:28-2, and R. 1:28B-1(e) during the period of admission. The Pro Hac Vice page warns that failure to make the required annual payment can end the admission.
The admitted attorney then carries ongoing duties. The lawyer must notify the court of any change in standing at any other court and must update the court about any new disciplinary proceedings. The sponsoring New Jersey attorney must sign all pleadings, briefs, and papers and remains responsible for the conduct of the case.
If the case continues into the next calendar year, a new annual fee is assessed for that year. The appearance continues until the matter ends, counsel is substituted, or a notice of withdrawal is filed. A court may also revoke permission to appear for good cause on its own motion or a party’s motion.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Motion
- Letting the out-of-state lawyer self-sponsor. Without qualified New Jersey counsel of record, the court denies the motion.
- Omitting one of the four required certifications. A missing element under R. 1:21-2(b)(1) makes the certification defective and risks denial.
- Stating “good cause” without a listed ground. A bare conclusion fails the civil standard and gets the motion denied.
- Hiding past discipline. Undisclosed sanctions can lead to revoked admission and damage credibility with the court.
- Naming a trial court instead of the highest state court. This fails the good-standing requirement under R. 1:21-2(b)(1)(A).
- Forgetting to serve all parties. The rule requires the motion be made to all parties, so incomplete service can void it.
- Using a stale or wrong docket number. The clerk files the motion in the wrong matter and the judge never sees it.
- Leaving out the proposed order. Without it, the court has nothing to sign, and admission stalls.
- Skipping the $267.00 fee or sending it without the order. The Fund cannot process the admission, so the lawyer is not truly admitted.
- Assuming the fee is prorated. A late-year admission still owes the full annual amount, so budget for it.
- Using the wrong year’s PHV form. An outdated form lists the wrong fee and can be rejected.
- Treating a criminal motion like a civil one. The criminal standard differs, so importing the civil good-cause test weakens the motion.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Do read the full text of R. 1:21-2 before drafting, because your certification must track its exact language.
- Do confirm the sponsoring attorney is in good standing, since an ineligible lawyer cannot sponsor under the registration rules.
- Do attach a certificate of good standing, because many judges expect it as proof.
- Do cite the specific good-cause ground in civil cases, so the judge can grant the motion on a clear basis.
- Do disclose any discipline fully, as the rule reaches every jurisdiction and the duty continues.
- Do mail the signed order with the fee, because admission is not effective without both.
Don’t:
- Don’t paraphrase the four required statements loosely, because gaps lead to denial.
- Don’t guess the year of admission on the PHV form, since wrong data stalls the Fund’s account setup.
- Don’t forget to serve every party, as the rule requires motion to all parties.
- Don’t assume the court drafts the order, because you must supply it.
- Don’t wait to pay the fee, since the admission stays incomplete until the Fund receives payment.
- Don’t reuse last year’s form, because the assessment amount changes each year.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing the motion yourself (with in-house New Jersey counsel):
- Lower cost, because you avoid hiring outside local counsel for a routine motion.
- Speed, since your own team controls the timing and filing.
- Direct knowledge of the case, which makes the good-cause showing easier to write.
- Control over the certification, so the facts match your client’s needs.
- Simpler communication, because fewer parties handle the paperwork.
Cons of filing without experienced New Jersey help:
- Risk of a defective certification, because the four required elements are easy to miss.
- Weak good-cause showing, since civil motions are denied without a clear listed ground.
- Procedural errors, like wrong return dates or incomplete service, that delay admission.
- Fee and form mistakes, because the annual amount and current PHV form change yearly.
- Exposure for the sponsor, since New Jersey counsel stays responsible for the admitted lawyer’s conduct.
FAQs
Do I need a New Jersey attorney to file a pro hac vice motion?
Yes. A qualified New Jersey attorney of record must sponsor the motion and sign all papers; the out-of-state lawyer cannot self-sponsor under R. 1:21-2.
Do I have to show good cause in every case?
No. Good cause is required only in civil cases. Criminal motions are granted unless the court finds supervening considerations of judicial administration.
Is the pro hac vice fee the same every year?
No. The annual assessment changes yearly. The 2026 amount is $267.00 per attorney, payable to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
Do I write the out-of-state lawyer’s home court or a trial court in the good-standing paragraph?
Yes. Name the highest court of the state where the lawyer is domiciled or principally practices, not a local trial court, to satisfy R. 1:21-2(b)(1)(A).
Do I have to disclose old, minor discipline in the certification?
Yes. You must disclose any discipline in any jurisdiction, including its date, jurisdiction, nature, and penalty, even if it is old or minor.
Do I check a box on the PHV-26 form if the lawyer was once admitted in New Jersey?
Yes. Check the matching category, such as in-house counsel or multi-jurisdictional practitioner, so the Fund links the records correctly.
Do I list the client or co-counsel in the client-request paragraph?
Yes. Name the client who requested representation, because R. 1:21-2(b)(1)(C) looks to the client’s request, not co-counsel’s.
Is the fee prorated if the order is entered late in the year?
No. Fees are not prorated. Full payment is required for the calendar year in which the admitting order is entered.
Do I need to submit a proposed order with the motion?
Yes. You must include a proposed order containing the four conditions in R. 1:21-2(c) for the judge to sign if the motion is granted.
Is federal pro hac vice in New Jersey the same as state court?
No. The District of New Jersey uses its own local rule and a separate $250.00 fee per admission, paid on each admission rather than annually.
Do I pay the fee before or after the judge signs the order?
No. You pay after the judge signs, then mail the fee with a copy of the signed order; admission is not effective until the Fund receives both.
Do I file the motion through eCourts or on paper?
Yes. Most civil motions are e-filed through eCourts by the sponsoring attorney; confirm with the clerk if a case type requires paper filing instead.
Can the court revoke a pro hac vice admission later?
Yes. A court may withdraw permission to appear for good cause on its own or a party’s motion, then order how the litigation proceeds.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Bar Pro Hac Vice Verified Motion (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Pro Hac Vice Application (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Massachusetts Registration Statement for Pro Hac Vice Attorneys (w/ Examples) + FAQs
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