Out-of-State Attorney Arbitration Counsel

Out-of-state attorneys may apply to the Out-of-State Attorney Arbitration Counsel (OSAAC) Program to appear in a California arbitration if they:

  • Are licensed and in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction,
  • Do not live, work, or regularly conduct business in California, and
  • Have been retained to appear with a California-licensed attorney.

For more details, see Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1282.4, Cal. Rules of Court rule 9.43, and the Rules of the State Bar, Title 3, Div. 3, Ch. 2.

Steps to apply for OSAAC

  1. Serve a certificate on the arbitrator(s) or arbitral forum, the State Bar, and all known parties and counsel in the arbitration.
  2. If your appearance is approved by the arbitrator(s) or arbitral forum:
    • To file the certificate with the State Bar, you must:
      • Submit the OSAAC Application through the Applicant Portal,
      • Upload the completed certificate, and
      • Pay the required fee.
    • Serve a copy of the completed certificate on all known parties and counsel in the arbitration.

Note: Paralegals, assistants, and California bar licensees can submit the OSAAC application on behalf of the out-of-state attorney through the Applicant Portal. Paralegals and assistants must create their own accounts, while California bar licensees may contact the Office of Admissions to reactivate their account.

For questions contact the State Bar Office of Admissions at 415-538-2300 or email OSAAC@calbar.ca.gov.

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