Local Counsel Lawyers in Dover, DE, Offering Local Representation for Major Cases

The world is changing. Whereas every legal matter was essentially local in nature, people now interact with businesses, partners, consumers, and other parties from several time zones away. This presents significant hurdles in a world where states require attorneys to be licensed within their jurisdictions. Fortunately, Delaware does allow out-of-state attorneys to practice here. If you’re in need of local counsel lawyers in Dover, DE, our legal team is ready to help.

At Schwartz and Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, we’ve spent years serving as the local attorneys of record for legal professionals outside our state borders. That’s why we know that Delaware’s local counsel regulations are much more stringent than those found in other states. You need legal professionals who have previously navigated this complex area in both state and federal courts. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Schwartz and Schwartz, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

How Does Delaware Local Counsel Work?

Attorneys have a solid understanding of how local counsel works — even though regulations can vary throughout jurisdictions. Unfortunately, many are caught off guard when they first work in Delaware courts. That’s because it’s perfectly acceptable for forwarding counsel to represent a client within our state, but doing so does not mean local counsel is relegated to a ministerial or administrative role. In fact, the local attorney of record will be responsible for every action of a client along with all filings submitted to the court.

To put it simply, there is no “limited role” for local counsel lawyers in Dover, DE. If they submit a brief, sign a pleading, or undertake any other action in their role as counsel, it doesn’t matter whether another firm serves as “Of Counsel.” This is a particularly important aspect to understand since out-of-state lawyers are typically not permitted to submit filings or directly contact the Court of Chancery. In fact, a Delaware attorney can’t even submit a letter on behalf of forwarding counsel that contains a cover letter stating the letter comes from that attorney.

The important thing to remember is that this doesn’t mean that a forwarding attorney will lose their case to local counsel lawyers in Dover, DE. Whether a client sought out-of-state representation because of their relevant experience or a case just happened to bleed across jurisdictions, the client remains the client of forwarding counsel. State regulations merely mean that Delaware local counsel attorneys remain vigilant about what’s being presented to the Court. In the end, this typically only helps the case of pro h ac vice lawyers.

How Do You Serve Pro H ac Vice in Delaware?

To receive pro h ac vice admission in the state of Delaware, an out-of-state attorney must work with a local lawyer. That local representative must determine and certify that the forwarding attorney is both competent and reputable. Additionally, the forwarding attorney must also review and certify that they have reviewed the Principles of Professionalism for Delaware Lawyers. Once this is done, the Courts may admit the out-of-state attorney to practice within our jurisdiction. Even so, it’s important to remember that there are limits to what forwarding lawyers can do.

We’ve already discussed how documents must typically be submitted by local counsel lawyers in Dover, DE, but that’s not where limitations end. As a pro h ac vice representative, you can’t even attend proceedings without local counsel present unless the Court expressly grants permission. This rule also applies to Delaware arbitration and mediation proceedings, and local counsel must be present even for teleconferences. There’s no denying that our state puts serious limitations on out-of-state lawyers, but experienced Delaware local counsel can help.

How Can Schwartz and Schwartz Help Your Case?

When someone is going through a personal injury case, business dispute, estate planning, or other legal matter, they’ll come across a wide selection of lawyers to choose from. This is also true for legal professionals seeking local counsel attorneys in Dover, DE. In fact, a simple Google search of “local counsel in Delaware” returns millions of results — although these certainly aren’t all individual law firms. Still, what makes Schwartz and Schwartz the right decision for your case?

It all comes down to experience. Our team of legal professionals has worked in a variety of legal areas — including personal injury, civil claims, estate planning, and Delaware criminal law cases. We are considered a major force in our state and in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. We’ve prosecuted and defended cases in all Delaware courts — including the Court of Chancery, JP Courts, Delaware Supreme Court, and the Federal District and Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Most importantly, your client remains your client. While there are strict regulations we have to abide by in our state — including the non-existence of a “limited” role in proceedings — you’re not handing your case over to us. Yes, we’re responsible for anything presented to the Court, but we’ve served in the role of local counsel lawyers in Dover, DE many times before. You can rest comfortably knowing that we’ll strive to be an invaluable resource for your case.

Contact Our Local Counsel Lawyers in Dover, DE Today

Our changing world requires an expanded view of who can represent certain clients and where they’re entitled to do so. Fortunately, Delaware local counsel regulations make it possible for out-of-state lawyers to argue their clients’ cases in our courts as long as they have the backing of local counsel. And since Delaware maintains that attorneys in this role are responsible for everything filed, presented, and submitted in the case, you’ll know that we’re working hard to make your case a success.

At Schwartz and Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, our team of skilled legal professionals understands the local counsel system from every direction. We have frequently served in this role over the years in Delaware, and we’ve practiced on a pro h ac vice basis throughout the country. That means we recognize the difficulties faced by out-of-state attorneys and how to overcome such issues. Contact us today by calling (302) 678-8700 to get the assistance of experienced local counsel in Dover, DE who can help.