Virginia Local Counsel

We act as local counsel to assist out of state firms with cases pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.  The EDVA, known as the “Rocket Docket” because it frequently holds trial within 10 months after the filing of the Complaint, has numerous traps for the unwary practitioner. For example, the Court strictly enforces tight deadlines and requires discovery objections within 15 days after being served. Additionally, the Court’s rules expressly require that “practitioners from another state or the District of Columbia shall be accompanied by a member of the bar of this Court in all appearances before this Court.” Local Rule 83.1(D)(1)(b). We are available to assist clients with appearance before this Court, as well as removals, motions to remand, as well as Rule 12 motions. Please contact us if you have a case pending in the Eastern District of Virginia and need local counsel assistance. We are conveniently located near the Court.

Federal Courts

• Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)
• Western District of Virginia  (WDVA)

We help out-of-state attorneys manage their Rocket Docket and WDVA cases by partnering with them to win their cases, and sponsoring their Pro Hac Vice admission. We make sure your filings comply with all local rules, strict deadlines, and individual judge’s standing orders.

State Courts

• Alexandria Circuit Court
• Fairfax County Circuit Court
• Arlington County Circuit Court
• Loudoun County Circuit Court
• Prince William County Circuit Court

Federal and State Courts in Virginia require that local counsel actively participate in the case. Local Counsel is required to review and sign all pleadings, and appear at all hearings and trial. Failure to have proper local counsel can lead to problems, including revocation of pro hac vice admission.

Frequently Asked Questions for Local Counsel Engagements

Do out-of-state attorneys need Virginia local counsel?

Yes. Federal and state courts in Virginia generally require that a properly admitted Virginia and/or federal court attorney act as counsel in the case. Rule 1A:4 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia governs admission pro hac vice. The rule generally requires association with active Virginia counsel who maintains an office in Virginia and who signs pleadings and participates in the case. In the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (“EDVA”), Local Civil Rule 83.1(D) governs pro hac vice admission. Out-of-state counsel seeking admission must associate with local counsel admitted to practice before the Court.

Can local counsel sponsor pro hac vice admission in Virginia?

Yes. We will evaluate your application and sponsor your application where appropriate.

What does Virginia local counsel do?

While the exact scope depends on the agreement between the firms, Virginia local counsel may review and sign pleadings, sponsor pro hac vice admission where appropriate, advise on local rules and procedures, attend hearings, communicate with Clerk’s offices, assist with motions practice, and attend trial. In courts such as EDVA, local counsel plays an important role because of the Court’s fast-moving schedules and strict procedural expectations.

Can local counsel handle only motion hearings?

Courts in Virginia generally require local counsel to remain sufficiently involved to ensure compliance with applicable rules and orders. The precise responsibilities should be clearly defined among counsel and consistent with applicable court rules and professional obligations.

Can local counsel appear in EDVA on short notice?

Yes, but this depends on availability and the circumstances of the case. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is commonly referred to as the “Rocket Docket” because of its reputation for moving cases quickly and enforcing strict scheduling deadlines. Emergency motions, expedited briefing schedules, and prompt hearings are relatively common. Because of the pace of litigation in EDVA, out-of-state firms should associate with local counsel familiar with EDVA local rules, electronic filing procedures, scheduling practices, emergency motion practice, and courtroom procedures in divisions such as Alexandria. Availability for short-notice appearances depends on scheduling, the nature of the hearing, and sufficient time to review the relevant filings and issues.

What is the “Rocket Docket”?

The term “Rocket Docket” is the commonly used nickname for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia because of the Court’s reputation for resolving cases quickly. EDVA is known nationally for aggressive scheduling orders, short discovery periods, prompt hearings, strict enforcement of deadlines, and relatively rapid trial settings compared to many other federal courts. This expedited pace often makes familiarity with local rules, scheduling practices, and judicial preferences especially important.

How is local counsel compensated?

We offer competitive hourly rates for experienced counsel as well as contingency arrangements where appropriate.