Special Appearance Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Special Appearance.

Special Appearance (noun)

A Special Appearance is when an attorney, who is not the usual or appointed attorney, represents a client in a specific court session. This unique instance of representation can be due to various reasons such as standing in for the regular attorney on particular grounds, stepping in as a favor to prevent a decision being made in the client's absence, or while contemplating whether to take on the case in a full capacity. Importantly, the attorney making the Special Appearance is not required to continue representing the client beyond this specific instance.