Tennessee Notice of Appearance

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE

State of Tennessee — Circuit / Chancery Court

1. COURT HEADER AND CASE CAPTION

IN THE [________________________________] COURT FOR [________________________________] COUNTY, TENNESSEE

(Select Court Type)

☐ Circuit Court
☐ Chancery Court
☐ Criminal Court
☐ Probate Court
☐ General Sessions Court
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Judicial District: [____] Judicial District

[________________________________],

Plaintiff(s)/Petitioner(s),

v.

[________________________________],

Defendant(s)/Respondent(s).

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE

2. PARTY INFORMATION

Appearing on behalf of:

Additional Parties Represented (if applicable):

3. ATTORNEY INFORMATION

Pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 11 and applicable Supreme Court Rules, the undersigned attorney provides the following information:

Additional Attorneys (if applicable):

4. TYPE OF APPEARANCE

The undersigned enters an appearance as follows (select all that apply):

☐ General Appearance — Full representation on all matters in this action pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5 and 11

☐ Initial Appearance — First appearance on behalf of the party

☐ Substitution of Counsel — Replacing prior counsel of record [________________________________] (BPR No. [________]). A separate Notice of Substitution of Counsel is:

• ☐ Filed concurrently
• ☐ Being filed separately
• ☐ Prior counsel will file motion to withdraw

☐ Additional Counsel — Appearing as co-counsel alongside current counsel of record [________________________________]

☐ Limited Scope Appearance — Appearance limited to specific matters pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.2(c) (see Section 8)

☐ Pro Hac Vice Appearance — Out-of-state counsel appearing pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 19 (see Section 7)

☐ Guardian Ad Litem / Court-Appointed Counsel — Appointed by order dated [__/__/____]

5. APPEARANCE STATEMENT

COMES NOW [________________________________], Tennessee BPR No. [________________________________], of [________________________________], and pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5 and 11, hereby enters an appearance on behalf of [________________________________], [________________________________] (party description), in the above-captioned matter.

All pleadings, motions, notices, orders, and other papers should be served upon the undersigned at the contact information set forth in Section 3 above, in accordance with Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02.

6. CONSENT TO ELECTRONIC SERVICE

Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46, Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46A, Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5B, and applicable local rules:

☐ The undersigned CONSENTS to electronic service through the county's approved e-filing system for all documents in this matter.

☐ The undersigned DOES NOT CONSENT to electronic service and requests service by conventional means pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02.

E-Service Email Address(es):

E-Filing System Registration:

☐ The undersigned is a registered user of the following e-filing system:

• ☐ Odyssey (Tyler Technologies)
• ☐ TrueFiling (ImageSoft)
• ☐ TurboCourt (Intresys)
• ☐ eFlex (Tybera)
• ☐ Other county-approved system: [________________________________]

Tennessee E-Filing Acknowledgments:

☐ The undersigned acknowledges that e-filing availability and requirements are governed by local rules of the individual court.

☐ The undersigned understands that e-service through an approved e-filing system constitutes valid service under Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02 and Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46A.

☐ The undersigned understands that e-service is the automatically generated electronic transmission through the e-filing system to all registered users in the case.

☐ The undersigned understands that no other service on registered e-filing users is required when e-service is made, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Tennessee E-Filing Notes:

• Tennessee has 31 judicial districts covering 95 counties.
• E-filing is implemented on a county-by-county basis through locally approved e-filing systems.
• The Tennessee Supreme Court has authorized and encouraged all courts to implement e-filing (Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46).
• Currently approved e-filing vendors include Tyler Technologies (Odyssey), ImageSoft (TrueFiling), Intresys (TurboCourt), and Tybera (eFlex).
• Counties must apply to the Supreme Court Trial Court E-Filing Oversight Committee for approval to implement e-filing.
• Not all counties have implemented mandatory e-filing; confirm the requirements for the specific county.

7. PRO HAC VICE ADMISSION (Out-of-State Counsel)

Complete this section only if the appearing attorney is not licensed to practice in Tennessee.

Pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 19, the undersigned out-of-state attorney requests permission to appear pro hac vice in this matter.

Out-of-State Attorney Information:

Disciplinary History:

☐ The applicant has never been the subject of disciplinary action in any jurisdiction.

☐ The applicant discloses the following disciplinary history:

[________________________________]

Required Tennessee Associate Counsel:

Under Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 19, out-of-state counsel must associate with a member of the Tennessee Bar. The designated local associate counsel is:

Pro Hac Vice Requirements Checklist (Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 19):

☐ Verified petition for pro hac vice admission filed

☐ Tennessee associate counsel has entered or is simultaneously entering an appearance

☐ Certificate of good standing from home state bar attached

☐ Pro hac vice registration fee paid to the Board of Professional Responsibility (verify current amount)

☐ Applicant is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of another state

☐ Applicant has disclosed all Tennessee pro hac vice admissions within the past five (5) years

☐ Court order granting pro hac vice admission obtained (Order dated [__/__/____])

Note: Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 19 requires that the out-of-state attorney register with and pay a fee to the Board of Professional Responsibility, in addition to obtaining court approval.

8. LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION

Complete this section only if a limited appearance is being entered.

Pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.2(c), the undersigned enters a limited scope appearance.

Scope of Representation:

☐ Specific motion or hearing: [________________________________]

☐ Discovery phase only

☐ Trial only

☐ Mediation or settlement conference only

☐ Appeal only

☐ Specific proceeding: [________________________________]

☐ Other limited purpose: [________________________________]

Scheduled Event Date (if applicable): [__/__/____]

Duration of Limited Appearance:

☐ Terminates automatically upon conclusion of the specified matter or event

☐ Terminates on [__/__/____]

☐ Terminates upon further order of the Court

Client Acknowledgment:

☐ The client has provided informed written consent to limited scope representation consistent with RPC 1.2(c).

☐ A copy of the written agreement defining the scope of limited representation is maintained in counsel's file.

☐ The client has been advised that the attorney's obligations extend only to the matters described above and that the client remains responsible for all other aspects of the case.

Withdrawal Upon Completion:

Upon completion of the limited scope representation, the undersigned will:

☐ File a Notice of Completion of Limited Scope Representation

☐ File a motion to withdraw pursuant to Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.16

☐ Obtain a court order authorizing withdrawal (if required by local rules)

9. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, [________________________________], hereby certify that on [__/__/____], a copy of the foregoing Notice of Appearance was served upon the following parties or counsel of record by the method(s) indicated, in compliance with Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02:

10. SIGNATURE BLOCK

Respectfully submitted this [____] day of [________________________________], [________].

[________________________________]
(Law Firm Name)

By: ______________________________________

[________________________________]
Tennessee BPR No. [________________________________]
[________________________________] (Street Address)
[________________________________], Tennessee [__________]
Telephone: [________________________________]
Facsimile: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Attorney for [________________________________]

11. E-FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TENNESSEE COURTS

County-Based E-Filing Systems

Tennessee does not have a single statewide e-filing system. Instead, e-filing is implemented by individual counties through approved vendors. Follow these general steps:

Step 1: Determine the County's E-Filing System

• Contact the clerk's office for the specific county where you are filing
• Determine which e-filing vendor is used (Odyssey, TrueFiling, TurboCourt, eFlex, or other)
• If the county has not yet implemented e-filing, paper filing may be required

Step 2: Register for the System

• Register as a user with the applicable e-filing vendor
• Provide your Tennessee BPR number during registration
• Set up your e-service notification preferences

Step 3: Prepare the Document

• Save this Notice of Appearance as a PDF document
• Ensure all fields are completed and the document is signed
• Follow formatting requirements of the specific e-filing system

Step 4: Upload and Categorize

• Select "Notice of Appearance" or the appropriate filing code
• Upload the PDF document
• Attach any supporting documents (pro hac vice petition, etc.)

Step 5: Service

• Registered e-filing users in the case will receive automatic e-service per Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46A
• For non-registered parties, arrange conventional service per Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02
• Document all service methods in the Certificate of Service

Step 6: Payment and Submission

• Pay applicable filing fees electronically
• Review all information before final submission
• Save the filing confirmation receipt

Major County E-Filing References

Note: E-filing vendors and requirements change. Always verify the current system with the county clerk before filing.

12. PRACTITIONER NOTES — TENNESSEE

Statutory and Rule Framework

• Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5 governs service and filing of pleadings and other papers.
• Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5.02 specifies the methods of service, including personal delivery, mail, facsimile, and electronic service.
• Tenn. R. Civ. P. 5B authorizes electronic filing, signing, and verification, providing that local courts may adopt rules permitting e-filing.
• Tenn. R. Civ. P. 11 requires every pleading to be signed by at least one attorney of record, with the attorney's address and BPR number.
• Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46 authorizes and encourages all courts to implement electronic filing.
• Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 46A governs electronic service of e-filed papers, providing that e-service constitutes effective service on registered users.
• Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 19 governs pro hac vice admission, including registration with the BPR and payment of fees.
• Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.2(c) authorizes limited scope representation with informed client consent.
• Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.16 governs withdrawal from representation.

Judicial Districts and County Considerations

• Tennessee has 31 judicial districts covering 95 counties.
• Each judicial district may include multiple counties.
• Circuit Courts and Chancery Courts are the primary trial courts of general jurisdiction.
• Circuit Courts handle law actions (damages, personal injury, etc.).
• Chancery Courts handle equity matters (injunctions, trusts, estates, etc.).
• Some counties have separate Circuit and Chancery divisions; others combine them.
• Local rules vary significantly by county and judicial district.

Key Practice Points

1. Circuit vs. Chancery Court: Tennessee maintains a distinction between courts of law (Circuit Court) and courts of equity (Chancery Court). File the Notice of Appearance in the correct court type. Using the wrong court designation may cause filing issues.

2. County-Based E-Filing: E-filing requirements and systems vary by county. Not all counties have implemented e-filing. Confirm the requirements with the local clerk before filing.

3. BPR Number Required: All filings must include the attorney's Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) number. Attorneys must be in good standing with the BPR.

4. Notice of Substitution: Some Tennessee courts require a separate Notice of Substitution of Counsel when counsel changes. Coordinate with prior counsel and check local rules.

5. Withdrawal Requirements: Withdrawal requires leave of court under Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 1.16, and applicable local rules. The attorney must give reasonable notice to the client and must not withdraw at a time that would materially prejudice the client's interests.

6. Pro Hac Vice (Sup. Ct. R. 19): Out-of-state attorneys must register with the BPR, pay a registration fee, associate local Tennessee counsel, and obtain court approval. The BPR registration is separate from the court's pro hac vice order.

7. E-Service Effectiveness (Rule 46A): When e-service is made through an approved e-filing system, no other form of service on registered users is required unless the court orders otherwise. This is a significant time and cost saver.

8. Local Rules: Tennessee local rules are particularly important and can vary dramatically between judicial districts. Always review the local rules for the specific county and court before filing.

Common Errors to Avoid

• Filing in Circuit Court when the matter should be in Chancery Court (or vice versa)
• Not checking whether the county has implemented e-filing before attempting to file electronically
• Omitting the BPR number from the signature block
• Failing to register with the BPR when appearing pro hac vice (in addition to obtaining court approval)
• Not reviewing local rules for county-specific appearance requirements
• Attempting to withdraw without court permission

This template is provided by ezel.ai for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. All filings must be reviewed and approved by a licensed Tennessee attorney before submission to any court. Verify all statutory citations and local court rules before use, as rules and fees may change.