Pro Hac Vice

Term: Pro Hac ViceDefinition: A legal term that allows an out-of-state attorney to appear in court for a particular case.Phonetic Pronunciation: (proh hack VEE-chay)Origin: The phrase "pro hac vice" is Latin, translating to "for this occasion" or "for this turn." It reflects the temporary nature of the permission granted to the attorney. This term has been used in legal contexts since at least the 19th century, allowing for flexibility in legal representation across jurisdictions.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, attorneys often need to represent clients in multiple states due to the widespread nature of asbestos exposure. Pro hac vice allows these attorneys to efficiently handle cases across state lines without needing full admission to each state's bar, which is crucial for managing complex, multi-jurisdictional asbestos lawsuits.Example Sentence: The attorney from New York was admitted pro hac vice to represent the asbestos exposure victims in the Texas court.Related Terms: Admission to the Bar, Jurisdiction, Multi-District Litigation, Attorney of Record.Notes: - Pro hac vice is not a permanent admission to practice law in the state. - The court may impose fees or other conditions for granting pro hac vice status. - It is often used in class action lawsuits and other large-scale litigation.