The Judges of the Northern District of Texas have adopted new amendments to the Local Rules (available here). Specifically, the revisions affect LR 83.10, dealing with the requirement to obtain local counsel. The new amendment generally requires local counsel in all cases where an attorney appearing in the case does not reside or maintain “the attorney’s principal office in this district and whose residence or principal office is located within 50 miles of the courthouse in the division in which the case pending.” (Revisions to the rule have been underlined.) Previously, an attorney did not need local counsel if he or she maintained any office within 50 miles of the division in which the case was pending. The effect of the amendment will be to increase the cases in which local counsel is required. And, as always, local counsel must be authorized to present and argue a party’s position at any hearing called by the presiding judge. LR 83.10(b).
Unless modified after receipt of public comment, the revisions take effect on September 4, 2012, and apply to all proceedings in actions thereafter commenced and, insofar as just and practicable, all proceedings in actions then pending.