Local Rule Local Rule 83-5: Bar Admission
S.D. Ind. — Attorney rule
Local Rule 83-5 - Bar Admission
(a) Authority to Practice Before the Court.
(1) Rule. Only members of the court's bar may represent parties before the court.
(2) Exceptions.
(A) Pro Se. A nonmember may represent him or herself in a case.
(B) U.S. Government Attorneys. A nonmember who is an attorney may represent the United States, or an officer or agency of the United States.
(C) Pro Hac Vice. Attorneys admitted pro hac vice pursuant to Local Rule 83-6 may represent parties in a case.
(3) Foreign Legal Consultants. Foreign legal consultants may not be admitted to practice in the court (despite the provisions of Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules for the Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys).
(b) Bar Membership. The bar consists of those persons who:
(1) have been admitted by the court to practice pursuant to subsection (c); and
(2) have not resigned or been disbarred or suspended from the bar.
(c) Admission.
(1) Who May Be Admitted. An attorney admitted to practice by the United States Supreme Court or the highest court in any state may become a member of the court's bar when sponsored by a current member of this court's bar.
(2) Character. An applicant will be admitted to the bar if the court—after being assured by a member or by the report of a committee appointed by the court—is satisfied that the applicant:
(A) has good personal and professional character; and
(B) is a member in good standing of the bar in every jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted to practice.
(3) Entry on Court's Records. The attorney's admission will be entered on the court's records and the court will issue a certificate to that effect only after the applicant:
(A) completes the process and procedures in PACER for admission and electronic filing in this court;
(B) takes a prescribed oath or affirmation;
(C) pays the required fees;
(D) provides complete contact information; and
(E) updates his or her contact information in PACER within 5 business days of any change.
(d) Fee Exemptions. Attorneys representing the United States, Federal Defenders, Federal Community Defenders, and law clerks of this court and the Northern District of Indiana are exempt from any fees for admission to practice in this court.
(e) Local Counsel. The court may require an attorney residing outside the district to retain, as local counsel, a member of the court's bar who resides in the district.
(f) Standards. The Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct and the Seventh Circuit Standards of Professional Conduct (an appendix to these rules) govern the conduct of those practicing in the court.
(g) Sanctions. Attorneys may be disbarred or suspended from practicing in the court for good cause, but only after having an opportunity to be heard. They may also be reprimanded as provided for in the court's Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.
Note: Amended November 8, 2021, to reflect procedural changes associated with the court's adoption of the NextGen CM/ECF system. Amended July 1, 2023, to reflect the existing practice exempting certain attorneys from payment of the admission fee.