Any attorney who is a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar is eligible for admission to practice in the Western District of Washington. Questions about this process should be directed to the attorney admission clerk by phone at (206) 370-8862 or dana_scarp@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Procedure for Admission

Complete a Petition for Admission to Practice (PDF) application and register (PDF) for the court's Electronic Case Filing (ECF) system - if you have not done so already. Submit both documents along with payment of the $226 filing fee to the Clerk's Office.

Basic Requirements

• An Oath as well as the information contained in the Petition will be sworn to before a Notary Public. The court does not hold swearing-in ceremonies.
• Certify that you have read the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedures and the Local Rules of this court.
• Submit certificates (PDF) of two reputable members of the Bar of this court who recommend your admission. You can e-mail the form to the recommending attorneys.
• Pay a filing fee in the amount of $226.

Notification of Admission

If your Petition for Admission is complete and correct, a Certificate of Admission will be mailed to you within 30 days and your name will be entered into the court's database. Duplicate Certificates of Admission and Certificates of Good Standing can be ordered from the Clerk's Office for $18.00.

Other Resources

• Conditional Admissions
  For Federal government attorneys who need to practice in this district.
• Pro Hac Vice Admissions
  Obtain approval to appear in a specific case if you are not a member admitted to practice in this district. The filing fee is $150.00.
• Accepting CJA Appointments
  Work with the Federal Public Defender's Office to provide representation to persons who cannot afford counsel in criminal matters.
• Apply for Leave to Appear as a Legal Intern (PDF)
  Complete and return the application to the attorney admission clerk Dana Scarp at dana_scarp@wawd.uscourts.gov.