Attorney Admission FAQ

Attorney Admission Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I submit my Petition for Admission electronically?

Answer: No. Currently, all admission applications must be filed with the court by regular mail, along with the fee.

Question: What is the current fee for Admission?

Answer: As the fee is subject to change, please review the Attorney Admission Application, located on the Court’s website. On the home page, click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” You will see a bullet labeled Applications & Forms.

Question: I am not admitted in the State of Maryland. Can I apply for admission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland?

Answer: Please review Local Rule 701.1 and 701.2. These local rules detail the requirements, qualifications and procedure for admission.

Question: I am a federal government attorney. Do I need to become a member of this Court’s bar in order to practice there?

Answer: Becoming a member of our bar is a choice attorneys make after they have reviewed Local Rule 701.1.b. This area discusses the requirements of a federal government attorney. If you decide that you do not wish to become a member, you will be required to complete the form, “Request for Entry of Appearance on Behalf of Federal Government Agency,” should the need arise for you to appear in our Court. On the home page, click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” You will see a bullet labeled Applications & Forms.

Question: I am an attorney with the federal government and a current member of this Court’s bar. I have received a renewal notice. Do I really need to complete the renewal form and, if so, is the fee waived?

Answer: If you plan to maintain your career with the federal government for the rest of your legal career, then there really is no need for you to maintain your membership with the Court. It is recommended that you notify the Attorney Admissions Department of your decision. Staff will amend your bar status to reflect that you are a government attorney, but you no longer will be a member in good standing with our bar.

As a federal government attorney, you will be required to complete the form, “Request for Entry of Appearance on Behalf of Federal Government Agency,” should the need arise for you to appear in our Court. This form can be found on the Court’s website. On the home page, click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” You will see a bullet labeled Applications & Forms.

If you choose to maintain your membership with the Court, the renewal form must be completed and the fee must be paid. The fee is waived for members of the judiciary, excluding administrative judges and masters.

Question: I am admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, but don’t have a bar number. How do I get one?

Answer: In most cases, attorneys were issued a bar number at the time of admission. It was provided to them on the certificate of admission on the lower right-hand corner. You may search for your bar number by logging onto the court’s website. On the home page, click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” You will see a bullet labeled Attorney Bar Number/Status Search. Type in your name. There are rare instances where an attorney was not issued a bar number. In this case, please contact the Court’s Attorney Admission Specialist Catherine Scaffidi (410-962-3293) for assistance.

Question: I utilized the Court’s Attorney Bar Number/Status Search option and discovered I am “inactive.” How did this happen and what do I need to do to get back into good standing? I am assuming I just need to send in some money and complete a renewal form, but I do not see it on the Court’s website. Where can the form be found?

Answer: Please review Local Rule 701.2.b. This rule discusses the Court’s renewal procedure that attorneys are required to follow. Failure to do so will result in the attorney’s membership being placed on inactive status. The solution is not always as simple as just completing a renewal form and sending in a fee. The renewal form is a controlled document and is not made available to the public. Attorneys should contact the Court’s Attorney Admission Specialist Catherine Scaffidi (410-962-3293) for assistance.

Question: How do I update my address information with the Court?

Answer: Attorneys can update their phone, fax and email information independently in their ECF account. If an attorney does not possess an ECF account, they should complete a Change of Address form (located on the Court’s website) or send the Court a letter indicating the new contact information.

Question: I lost my CM/ECF USERID and PASSWORD. How can I obtain this information?

Answer: Attorneys should contact the Court’s Attorney Admission Specialist Catherine Scaffidi (410-962-3293) for assistance. Please take note that this information will only be given directly to you over the telephone.

Question: How do I apply for admission Pro Hac Vice?

Answer: The form is available on our website. Please keep in mind, this form is occasionally updated. It is strongly encouraged that attorneys download this form each time the form is needed, rather than to make copies of the form to be used at a later date. On the home page, click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” You will see a bullet labeled Applications & Forms.

Attorneys may file this document electronically, if they are prepared to pay the $50.00 filing fee electronically. It is also possible to file the Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice in paper format, accompanied with the $50.00 filing fee. The Motion will not be processed until the fee is paid. Whichever method that you choose to file your motion, please make sure that the signatures of the attorneys serving as the movant and proposed admittee are available.

Question: How can an attorney receive news and announcements from the Court?

Answer: Log into the Court's website: www.mdd.uscourtsgov
Click on the bar that is labeled “For Attorneys.” In the top center of the page, you will see the following message, written in red. Just enter your e-mail address and press GO. It's as easy as that!