California Local Counsel
Local counsel and pro hac vice association for out-of-state attorneys with litigation in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Facts at a glance
- Firm
- Jinnah Law, A Professional Law Corporation
- Attorney
- Ahmed "Andy" Jinnah, State Bar of California No. 297907, admitted 2014
- Courts
- California state courts; U.S. District Courts for the Central, Southern, and Northern Districts of California
- Services
- Local counsel, pro hac vice applications, attorney of record, and lead counsel when needed
- Fees
- Pro hac vice application: flat fee starting at $2,500; ongoing work: $450 per hour. Court and State Bar filing fees are separate.
- Office
- 15233 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 500, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 (Los Angeles County)
- Contact
- (310) 567-9355 · ajinnah@jinnahlaw.com
Where we serve
- Los Angeles local counselLos Angeles County Superior Court, including its complex litigation departments.
- Orange County local counselOrange County Superior Court.
- San Diego local counselSan Diego County Superior Court.
- San Francisco local counselSan Francisco County Superior Court.
What we do
Many contracts select California law or a California forum, and out-of-state companies and individuals end up in California courts. Their attorneys often need a California-licensed lawyer to associate with them.
We act as California local counsel: we handle the pro hac vice application, serve as attorney of record, and then monitor the case and guide out-of-state counsel through California procedure.
When a client needs it, we also serve as lead counsel on California matters.
Typical engagements
- Pro hac vice motions and applications
- Serving as attorney of record
- Hearings and case management conferences
- Filing and service in California courts
- Drafting, discovery, and motion practice as agreed
- Lead counsel on California matters when needed
- Arbitration-related proceedings in California
Guides
- What is local counsel, and when do you need it?
- Pro hac vice in California state courts
- How much does California local counsel cost?
The attorney
Ahmed "Andy" Jinnah has practiced California civil litigation since 2014. Formerly a litigation attorney at Dentons and Norton Rose Fulbright, he brings large-firm training to a small, responsive practice. More about the firm.
Frequently asked questions
What is California local counsel?
California local counsel is a California-licensed attorney who associates with an out-of-state attorney on a California case. Local counsel typically serves as attorney of record, handles the pro hac vice application and its service requirements, signs and files papers as required by the court, and appears at hearings as needed. The exact scope is set in a written agreement.
Do out-of-state attorneys need local counsel to appear pro hac vice in California?
In California state courts, California Rules of Court, rule 9.40 permits an eligible out-of-state attorney to apply to appear in a particular case, and the application must show association with an active member of the State Bar of California who is the attorney of record. Federal courts in California set their own requirements through local rules, and many require designation of local counsel. Check the current rule text and the assigned judge's standing orders.
Can you serve as lead counsel, not just local counsel?
Yes. When a client needs California counsel to take the lead, we can serve as lead counsel on a California matter. The role is set out in a written engagement letter.
Which California courts do you cover?
We handle local counsel engagements in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and San Francisco. Each city page lists the courts covered.
How do I start?
Email ajinnah@jinnahlaw.com with the case name, court, case number if any, the parties, and your deadlines. We run a conflict check first, then confirm scope and fees in a written engagement letter before any work begins.
What does California local counsel cost?
Fees depend on the court, the scope of the engagement, and whether local counsel's role is limited to the pro hac vice association or extends to monitoring the case, appearing, drafting, or discovery. Fees are stated in writing before engagement.