FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

about Attorney Admissions

(updated December 2018)

1. When do I need to be admitted to the 9th Circuit bar?

Any attorney who causes a case to be docketed in this Court or who

enters an appearance in this Court (including counsel for amicus

parties), and who is not already admitted to the Bar of the Court, shall

http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/forms/form31.pdf

and print the form to PDF.

Then, log into CM/ECF and click on Utilities > Bar Admission. Upload

the PDF file of your application form and pay the $230.00 fee with a

credit card. Step-by-step instructions are in the CM/ECF User Guide at

http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/uploads/cmecf/ecf-user-

guide.pdf.

If you are exempt from using CM/ECF, send an email to

.

4. How long does it take to be admitted to the 9th Circuit bar?

You are deemed admitted the day we receive your completed

application and remittance. The Court will send you a Certificate of

Admission within 4 weeks.

5. Does the 9th Circuit require bar renewal?

admission to the 9th Circuit?

Yes, you need to apply for admission. Your admission fee will be waived

for the duration of your federal government employment, and you will not

receive a certificate of admission.

7. If I go into private practice after practicing as a federal government

attorney, do I need to re-apply for admission?

You do not have to re-apply for admission, but you must pay the

8. If I do not have a sponsor, can I request one from the Court?

Yes. Please complete the form, and the Clerk will sponsor you if we are

able to verify your bar admission information.

9. If I have been disbarred or suspended, how do I get reinstated?

An attorney who was previously disbarred or suspended may file a

attach a PDF with your current contact information, and pay $19.00 by

credit card.

11. How do I get a duplicate Certificate of Admission?

12. If I am a law student, can I be admitted to the 9th Circuit?

No, but a law student may appear before this court under special

circumstances. See the Requirements for Student Practice at

http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/forms/

under Attorney Admission and

Student Practice.

13. Are there restrictions for former Court employees to practice in

the 9th Circuit?

Yes, please refer to 9th Circuit Rule 46-5.

to

update the address linked to your CM/ECF account. If you are not

registered for the 9th Circuit's CM/ECF system, send an email to