Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Michigan

Legal representation in Canada

Can an Attorney from Michigan represent me in a criminal and civil suit in Ontario, Canada.


Asked on 2/15/99, 1:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Stanley Spring Spring & Spring, LLC

Re: Legal representation in Canada

I would suggest that you contact the Candian Bar Association in either Ottowa or the district in which the matters are pending. It is possible that your Michigan attorney might be permitted to appear "Pro Haec Vice" which literally means "for the occaision" of each matter. Some jurisdictions will allow an appearance but require the association of a local member of the Bar in the district where your matters are pending. There are U.S. Supreme Court decisions which indicate that matters relative to the admission of foreign attorneys in pending matters is generally within the complete purview of each State's judiciary. It would probably be prudent to contact a Canadian attorney to advise you about your question particularly since a working knowledge of the rules of both criminal and civil procedure as well as evidence are crticial in any trial matter.

Stephen Spring

Penton, Wheeler & Spring, L.C. An Interstate Law Firm

226 South Palafox Place Suite 106


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Answered on 2/15/99, 8:08 pm


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