Comprehensive guide to gaining admission to practice before United States federal courts. Each federal court has its own admission requirements, application process, and fees. This guide covers the 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts of appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
General Requirements
To practice in most federal courts, an attorney must be a member in good standing of a state bar and apply separately to each federal court. Requirements typically include:
Active membership in a state bar (in good standing)
Completion of the court's admission application
Payment of the admission fee (typically $100-$250)
Sponsorship by a current member of the court's bar (required by some courts)
Taking the oath of admission (in person or by written motion)
Types of Federal Court Admission
General Admission — Full membership in a court's bar, allowing regular practice
Pro Hac Vice — Temporary admission for a specific case, available to out-of-jurisdiction attorneys (Pro Hac Vice Guide)
Electronic Filing — Most courts require separate CM/ECF registration after bar admission