“The Essential Guide to Drafting an Appearance of Counsel Form”

Introduction

An Appearance of Counsel is a formal document filed in court proceedings, indicating that an attorney represents a party in a legal case. This document is essential for establishing the attorney-client relationship within the legal framework of the case.

Requirement

Filing an Appearance of Counsel is required whenever an attorney begins representing a client in a legal matter. This form notifies the court and other parties involved that the attorney is the official legal representative and is authorized to act on behalf of the client in the case.

How to Draft

To draft an Appearance of Counsel:

1. Case Information: Start with the case title, court name, and case number.
2. Attorney Details: Include the full name, address, phone number, and bar number (if applicable) of the attorney.
3. Client Information: State the name of the client the attorney is representing.
4. Declaration of Representation: Clearly declare that the attorney is appearing as the legal representative for the named client in this specific case.
5. Scope of Representation (if necessary): Outline the extent of the representation, if it is limited to certain aspects of the case.
6. Signature and Date: The attorney should sign and date the form. The client’s signature may also be required, depending on jurisdictional rules.
7. Contact Information: Provide contact details for future correspondence related to the case.

Filing

File the completed Appearance of Counsel form with the court clerk of the court where the case is being heard. A copy should be served to the opposing party or their attorney, according to the court’s procedural rules.

Conclusion

An Appearance of Counsel is a pivotal document in legal proceedings, marking the official involvement of an attorney in a case. It facilitates clear communication between the court and the parties involved and is crucial for maintaining the orderly conduct of legal processes.