Prominent Capitol riot defense attorney John Pierce appeared in court Wednesday for the first time in more than two weeks after being released from the hospital following a reported bout with COVID-19.

Pierce, of Pierce Bainbridge, appeared at an ascertainment of counsel hearing for Jan. 6 defendant Stephanie Baez. U.S. District Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui of the District of Columbia had ordered a licensed attorney from the firm to appear in court Wednesday to determine if Pierce could continue representing Baez. Pierce’s unlicensed associate, Ryan Marshall, had been appearing in place of Pierce in several cases since he fell ill Aug. 23.