Notice of Appearance - Ohio

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE

State of Ohio — Court of Common Pleas

1. COURT HEADER AND CASE CAPTION

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
[________________________________] COUNTY, OHIO

☐ GENERAL DIVISION
☐ DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION

Case No. [________________________________]

Judge [________________________________]

[________________________________],
     Plaintiff(s),

          v.                                       NOTICE OF APPEARANCE

[________________________________],
     Defendant(s).

2. COUNTY AND COURT IDENTIFICATION

Ohio has 88 counties, each with a Court of Common Pleas. Select or identify the applicable county:

Major County Courts of Common Pleas:

County: [________________________________]
Division: ☐ General ☐ Domestic Relations
Judge: [________________________________]

IMPORTANT — LOCAL RULES: Ohio's 88 counties each have their own local rules of practice that supplement the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. Local rules vary significantly from county to county. Always consult the specific county's local rules before filing.

3. PARTY INFORMATION

Party Represented:

Name of Party: [________________________________]

Party Designation:
☐ Plaintiff
☐ Defendant
☐ Third-Party Plaintiff
☐ Third-Party Defendant
☐ Cross-Claimant
☐ Counter-Claimant
☐ Intervenor
☐ Petitioner
☐ Respondent
☐ Other: [________________________________]

4. ATTORNEY INFORMATION

Appearing Attorney:

Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
Supreme Court of Ohio Registration Number: [________________________________]
Law Firm Name: [________________________________]
Street Address: [________________________________]
City: [________________________________] State: [____] ZIP: [________]
Mailing Address (if different): [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Facsimile: [________________________________]
Primary Email: [________________________________]
E-Filing Service Email: [________________________________]

Additional Attorneys on the Matter (if applicable):

Attorney Name: [________________________________]
Ohio Sup. Ct. Reg. No.: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Role: ☐ Lead Counsel ☐ Associate Counsel ☐ Of Counsel

5. APPEARANCE STATEMENT

NOW COMES [________________________________], Supreme Court of Ohio Registration No. [________________________________], of the law firm of [________________________________], and hereby enters an appearance as counsel of record for [________________________________] ("Client"), the [☐ Plaintiff / ☐ Defendant / ☐ Other: ________________] in the above-captioned action, pursuant to Ohio Civ.R. 5 and 11.

The undersigned respectfully requests that all pleadings, motions, notices, orders, and other papers required to be served in this action be served upon the undersigned at the contact information set forth herein.

6. TYPE OF APPEARANCE

☐ General Appearance — The undersigned enters a full and general appearance on behalf of the above-named party for all purposes in this action.

☐ Limited Appearance — The undersigned enters a limited appearance on behalf of the above-named party pursuant to Ohio R. Prof. Conduct 1.2(c) for the specific purposes set forth in Section 10 below.

☐ Substitution of Counsel — The undersigned enters this appearance as substitute counsel, replacing [________________________________] (prior counsel, Ohio Sup. Ct. Reg. No. [________________________________]). A separate Notice of Substitution of Counsel is being filed simultaneously.

☐ Additional Counsel — The undersigned enters this appearance as additional counsel of record alongside existing counsel [________________________________].

7. PRAECIPE FOR NOTICE OF APPEARANCE (If Required by Local Rule)

☐ This county does not require a separate praecipe.

☐ A separate Praecipe for Notice of Appearance is filed herewith as required by local rule.

Cuyahoga County (Loc.R. 8): Cuyahoga County requires a separate Praecipe for Service and/or Notice of Appearance. Practitioners filing in Cuyahoga County must comply with Local Rule 8 in addition to filing this Notice of Appearance.

Other Counties: Many Ohio counties require a praecipe or separate notice form. Always check the specific county's local rules to determine whether additional forms are needed.

8. CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC SERVICE AND FILING

Pursuant to Ohio Sup.R. 5 and applicable local rules:

☐ Registered for electronic filing in the [________________________________] County e-filing system. Electronic service shall be directed to:

E-filing/service email: [________________________________]
Secondary email (optional): [________________________________]

☐ Paper filing — The undersigned will file and accept service in paper format. (Note: Many Ohio counties now mandate e-filing; check local requirements.)

County-Specific E-Filing System:
☐ This county uses a county-operated e-filing system
☐ This county uses a third-party e-filing provider
☐ This county does not yet have mandatory e-filing (paper filing accepted)

E-filing system name/URL: [________________________________]

E-FILING IN OHIO: E-filing implementation varies by county. Ohio Sup.R. 5 establishes statewide standards, but each county's Court of Common Pleas determines its own e-filing system and requirements. Major urban counties (Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit, Montgomery) generally mandate electronic filing. Verify with the specific county clerk whether e-filing is mandatory, optional, or not yet available.

9. PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION (If Applicable)

☐ This section does not apply (attorney is registered with the Supreme Court of Ohio and in good standing).

☐ The undersigned seeks admission pro hac vice pursuant to Gov.Bar.R. XII and files the following:

Out-of-State Attorney Information:
Full Name: [________________________________]
Bar Admission(s): [________________________________] (State), Bar No. [________________________________]
Office Address: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Telephone: [________________________________]

Associated Ohio Attorney (Required):
Name: [________________________________]
Ohio Sup. Ct. Reg. No.: [________________________________]
Firm: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]

Gov.Bar.R. XII Pro Hac Vice Requirements:

Step 1: Registration with Supreme Court of Ohio

☐ Registered with the Supreme Court Office of Attorney Services through the PHV Portal
☐ Certificate of Pro Hac Vice Registration obtained
☐ Affidavit of Out-of-State Attorney submitted (original signature, notarized)
☐ Registration fee paid

Step 2: Motion to Local Tribunal

☐ Motion for Permission to Appear Pro Hac Vice filed with this court
☐ Certificate of Pro Hac Vice Registration attached
☐ Affidavit of Out-of-State Attorney attached
☐ Ohio local counsel has entered an appearance
☐ All jurisdictions of admission and any disciplinary history disclosed

Step 3: Post-Admission Requirements

☐ If granted, file Notice of Permission in the PHV Portal within 30 days
☐ Upload copy of court order granting admission to the PHV Portal

CRITICAL — Gov.Bar.R. XII Compliance:
- An attorney may receive permission in no more than three new proceedings per calendar year.
- Ohio PHV registrations are valid for the calendar year and expire on December 31.
- If continuing in a matter as of January 1, renew registration and pay the renewal fee by January 31.
- Failure to file a Notice of Permission within 30 days results in automatic exclusion from practice in Ohio, requiring a petition for reinstatement.

10. LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION (If Applicable)

☐ This section does not apply (general appearance entered above).

☐ Pursuant to Ohio R. Prof. Conduct 1.2(c), the undersigned enters a limited appearance for the following specific purpose(s):

Scope of Limited Representation:
☐ Representation at specified hearing(s): [________________________________]
Date(s): [__/__/____]
☐ Representation for discovery matters only
☐ Representation for mediation or settlement conference
☐ Representation for trial proceedings only
☐ Representation for specific motion(s): [________________________________]
☐ Representation for arbitration proceedings
☐ Drafting of specific pleading(s): [________________________________]
☐ Other limited scope: [________________________________]

Anticipated Duration:
From: [__/__/____] Through: [__/__/____]
Or upon completion of: [________________________________]

Client Acknowledgment:
☐ The client has provided informed written consent to the limited scope of representation.
☐ The client understands they are responsible for all matters outside the stated scope.
☐ The client has been advised of the consequences of limited representation.

Termination of Limited Appearance:

• Upon completion of the stated limited purpose, counsel shall file a Notice of Completion of Limited Representation
• If the limited purpose is completed and no further representation is contemplated, counsel may withdraw without further court approval (subject to local rules)
• If withdrawal before completion is necessary, counsel must comply with applicable withdrawal procedures and obtain court approval

11. APPEARANCE FEE CERTIFICATION (If Applicable)

☐ No appearance fee is required in this county.
☐ An appearance fee of $[________] has been paid to the Clerk of Courts.
Receipt No.: [________________________________]
Date Paid: [__/__/____]
☐ Fee exemption applies: [________________________________]

Practice Note: Some Ohio county clerks assess costs upon first filing by defense counsel or upon entry of appearance. The amount and applicability vary by county. Confirm with the specific county's Clerk of Courts before filing.

12. SIGNATURE BLOCK

Respectfully submitted,

[________________________________]
(Law Firm Name)


By: ___________________________________________
    [________________________________]
    Supreme Court of Ohio Reg. No. [________________________________]
    [________________________________]
    [________________________________]
    [City], Ohio [________]
    Telephone: [________________________________]
    Facsimile: [________________________________]
    Email: [________________________________]

    Attorney for [________________________________]

Dated: [__/__/____]

13. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that on [__/__/____], a true and correct copy of the foregoing Notice of Appearance was served upon all counsel of record and unrepresented parties by the following method(s), in accordance with Ohio Civ.R. 5(B):

___________________________________________
[________________________________]
Supreme Court of Ohio Reg. No. [________________________________]

14. ELECTRONIC FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Determining Your County's E-Filing Requirements

1. Check whether the specific county mandates e-filing (major urban counties typically do)
2. Identify the e-filing platform used by the county (varies by county)
3. Register for an account in the county's e-filing system
4. Link your Supreme Court of Ohio Registration Number to your account

Common County E-Filing Systems

Filing This Document

1. Log in to the county's e-filing system
2. Select "File Into Existing Case" and enter the case number
3. Select document type: "Notice of Appearance" (or "Praecipe and Notice of Appearance" where required)
4. Upload the Notice of Appearance as a PDF
5. Attach any supporting documents (praecipe, pro hac vice materials, substitution notice)
6. Select service recipients
7. Review the filing for accuracy and submit
8. Retain the electronic confirmation receipt

Paper Filing (Where E-Filing Is Not Mandatory or Available)

1. Prepare the original and sufficient copies for all parties
2. File the original with the Clerk of Courts
3. Obtain a file-stamped copy for your records
4. Serve copies on all parties by an authorized method under Ohio Civ.R. 5(B)
5. File proof of service with the court

15. OHIO PRACTITIONER NOTES

Court Structure

• Ohio has 88 counties, each with a Court of Common Pleas serving as the court of general jurisdiction
• The Court of Common Pleas typically has a General Division (civil and criminal) and may have a Domestic Relations Division, Juvenile Division, and/or Probate Division
• Municipal Courts and County Courts handle cases within their limited jurisdiction
• Each county's local rules supplement the statewide Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure

Key Filing Rules

• Ohio Civ.R. 5(B) — Service Methods: Service may be made by delivering, mailing, faxing, or through the court's e-filing system. The method used must be stated in the certificate of service.
• Ohio Civ.R. 11 — Signatures: Every pleading, motion, or other document must be signed by at least one attorney of record, with the attorney's name, address, attorney registration number, telephone number, facsimile number, and email address.
• Local Rules Control E-Filing: Each county determines its own e-filing procedures. There is no single statewide e-filing system; check the specific county's requirements.

Withdrawal of Appearance

• Ohio Civ.R. does not have a specific rule governing attorney withdrawal; the procedure is governed by local rules and case law
• Most counties require a motion to withdraw with court approval
• Some local rules (e.g., Cuyahoga Loc.R.) have specific withdrawal procedures
• If substituting counsel, file a Notice of Substitution signed by both outgoing and incoming counsel, or obtain a court order
• The court will consider whether withdrawal would prejudice the client or delay the proceedings

County-Specific Considerations

• Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): Requires a separate Praecipe per Loc.R. 8; mandatory e-filing; one of the busiest dockets in Ohio
• Franklin County (Columbus): Mandatory e-filing under the Ninth Amended Administrative E-Filing Order; check for case management requirements
• Hamilton County (Cincinnati): Mandatory e-filing; local rules supplement statewide rules; check assigned judge's standing orders
• Summit County (Akron): Mandatory e-filing; local rules govern practice
• Smaller/Rural Counties: May not have mandatory e-filing; paper filing may be required; local rules may be less detailed but still must be consulted

Pro Hac Vice Admission (Gov.Bar.R. XII)

• Must register with the Supreme Court of Ohio FIRST through the PHV Portal
• Maximum of 3 new proceedings per calendar year
• Registration valid for the calendar year (expires December 31)
• Must renew by January 31 if continuing in a matter
• MUST file Notice of Permission in PHV Portal within 30 days of court order granting admission
• Failure to comply results in automatic exclusion from practice in Ohio
• Ohio local counsel must actively participate and sign all filings

Common Pitfalls

• Not checking county-specific local rules before filing (critical in Ohio due to 88 different sets of local rules)
• Filing without the required praecipe in counties that mandate one (e.g., Cuyahoga)
• Not confirming whether e-filing is mandatory, optional, or unavailable in the specific county
• For pro hac vice attorneys: missing the 30-day Notice of Permission deadline, resulting in automatic exclusion
• Exceeding the 3-proceeding-per-year limit for pro hac vice admissions
• Not renewing PHV registration by January 31 in continuing matters
• Overlooking appearance fees that some county clerks assess

This template is designed for use in Ohio Courts of Common Pleas. Municipal Court, County Court, and federal court appearances require separate procedures. Due to the significant variation in local rules across Ohio's 88 counties, always consult the specific county's local rules, e-filing procedures, and clerk's office before filing.