Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania, following a transfer to Administrative Suspension, Inactive, or Retired status for less than three years, must contact the Attorney Registration Office via email to obtain the appropriate paperwork to resume Active status.
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What does active status mean in PA?
Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania, following a transfer to Administrative Suspension, Inactive, or Retired status for less than three years, must contact the Attorney Registration Office via email to obtain the appropriate paperwork to resume Active status. Related costs will vary depending on the attorney’s current status, the existence of …
What are the inactive attorney statuses in Pennsylvania?
Standard Guidance to Lawyers who have been Transferred to Disability Inactive Status Pursuant to Rule 216 or 301, Pa.R.D.E. Download PDF Statement of Compliance for Lawyers Disbarred, Suspended for more than one year, temporary suspension under Rules 208(f) or 213(g) or disability inactive status (Form DB-25d)
How do I reinstate active status in Pennsylvania?
Active: Status of an attorney who is a member of the Pennsylvania bar, is current on all registration requirements, and is thus permitted to practice law in Pennsylvania. To maintain this status, the attorney must register annually. Administrative Suspension: Status of an attorney who is a member of the Pennsylvania bar and who has failed to pay the annual fee, failed to satisfy …
How do I resume my inactive status as a lawyer?
An inactive lawyer may resume active status by submitting written or online notification of the intent to do so, and by paying the balance of the fee active lawyers must pay for the registration year in which active status is resumed. Inactive lawyers are also subject to a $25.00 per month late fee if registering late.
How do I get an inactive Pa bar?
If you have filed your registration for the current year, submit a Request for Inactive Status. If you have not filed the current registration form, select "inactive" on the annual registration form, and submit the appropriate payment.
What does disability inactive status mean?
When an attorney is unable to represent clients because of a physical or mental disability or because of a chemical addiction, the Supreme Court may place the attorney on disability inactive status pursuant to Rule 28 of the Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility (RLPR).May 6, 2002
What is administrative suspension in PA?
Administrative Suspension: Status of an attorney who is a member of the Pennsylvania bar and who has failed to pay the annual fee, failed to satisfy continuing legal education requirements, or failed to pay expenses taxed in a disciplinary proceeding.
How much are Pennsylvania Bar dues?
The total annual fee remains at $225 per active attorney for the 2019-2020 annual attorney assessment period. Rule 219(a) is amended to reflect the Disciplinary Board shall receive $140 of the total fee paid by each active attorney.Mar 6, 2019
What is inactive status?
inactive applies to anyone or anything not in action or in operation or at work. on inactive status as an astronaut inactive accounts idle applies to persons that are not busy or occupied or to their powers or their implements.
Can I practice law in Pennsylvania?
A lawyer may be admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction on a regular basis or may be authorized by court rule or order or by law to practice for a limited purpose or on a restricted basis.
WHO issues law licenses in PA?
The Pennsylvania Board of Law ExaminersThe Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners.
What does of counsel mean in Pennsylvania?
Typically, the designation “of counsel” means an attorney who is employed by a firm but not as an associate or partner. Often the designee is a former judge or government official transitioning to private practice.Aug 15, 2012
Who is the attorney general for Pennsylvania?
Josh Shapiro (Democratic Party)Pennsylvania / Attorney generalJoshua David Shapiro is an American lawyer and politician serving as the attorney general of Pennsylvania. He previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and as chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Wikipedia
How do you become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar?
Regular membership in the Pennsylvania Bar Association is open to all lawyers who are in good standing and licensed by the bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To join online, simply enter your PA Supreme Court I.D.
What is a private reprimand?
Private Reprimand by the Board (with or without conditions) Public Reprimand by the Board (with or without conditions) Prosecution of formal charges. Recommendations for the above, aside from a dismissal, which requires approval of another disciplinary counsel, requires review by a hearing committee member.
How long does a respondent have to answer a petition?
Respondent-attorneys have 20 days to provide an answer after service of the petition. If a Respondent fails to timely answer, all factual allegations are deemed admitted. Following filing of the respondent-attorney’s answer or passage of the 20 days , a hearing is scheduled before three hearing committee members.
Where can I get a certificate of good standing in Pennsylvania?
How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing?#N#If you are an active attorney, you may request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Prothonotary’s Office of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. For more information click here .
Who do I notify if I am elected or appointed to a state or federal court of record in Pennsylvania?
Rule 219 (b), Pa.R.D.E. states that Justices and Judges serving in the following Pennsylvania courts of record shall be exempt from payment of the annual fee for such time as they serve in office: Supreme, Superior, Commonwealth, Common Pleas, and Philadelphia Municipal; and justices or judges serving an appointment for life on any federal court.#N#Note: The exemption does not include Philadelphia Traffic Court judges, Pittsburgh Municipal Court judges, magisterial district judges, arraignment court magistrates or administrative law judges.
What is the rule of professional conduct for lawyers?
Per Rule 7.4 (a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers may advertise certain specialties, including patent and admiralty law as well as certain other certifications approved by the Supreme Court.
How long does it take for a disciplinary hearing to be heard?
At the close of the taking of testimony, both parties have the opportunity to submit briefs to the hearing committee, by disciplinary counsel 20 days after the filing of the transcript of the hearing and by the respondent attorney within 20 days after disciplinary counsel’s filed brief.
What is emeritus status?
What is Emeritus Status?#N#In 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania created an Emeritus Status for attorneys who have retired from the practice of law who seek to provide pro bono services through eligible legal aid organizations. Please see the press release announcing the emeritus program.
Three Years or Less
Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania, following a transfer to Administrative Suspension, Inactive, or Retired status for less than three years, must contact the Attorney Registration Office via email to obtain the appropriate paperwork to resume Active status.
More Than Three Years
Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania after a transfer to Administrative Suspension, Inactive, or Retired status for three years or more must file a Petition for Reinstatement. For the appropriate forms, click here.
One Year or Less
Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania after a period of suspension of one year or less must file a verified statement with the Board certifying compliance with the terms of suspension and Rule 217, payment of costs to the Board, and any restitution to the Pennsylvania Lawyer’s Fund for Client Security.
More than One Year
Individuals seeking to resume the practice of law in Pennsylvania after a period of discipline of greater than one year must file a Petition for Reinstatement. For the appropriate forms, click here.
Reinstatement for Inactive, Retired and Administratively Suspended Attorneys
Special Reinstatement Questionnaire - Reinstatement from Inactive Status, Retired Status, or Administrative Suspension (Form DB-36a)
Disabled Attorneys
Nonlitigation Notice of Disbarment, Suspension or Transfer to Inactive Status (Form DB-23)
Determination of Incapacity to Practice Law
The requirements for a determination of incapacity to practice law are set forth in ELC Title 8, ELLLTC, and ELPOC. You can be determined to be incapable of practicing law as follows:
Your Own Voluntary Transfer to Disability Inactive Status
If you are interested in voluntarily seeking disability inactive status, please complete a Request for Stipulation to Disability Inactive Status Form. Medical records and supporting documentation are required.
Return to Active Status and Removal of Incapacity
To return to Active status from Disability Inactive status, you must petition the Disciplinary Board for transfer to Active status. You have the burden of showing that the incapacity to practice law has been removed. See ELC/ELLLTC/ELPOC 8.8. In addition, you must meet the same requirements of Inactive Status returning to Active Status.
Attorney Registration
- Pennsylvania Attorney License Status Definitions Click herefor status definitions.
- Where can I find the rules addressing attorney registration requirements in Pennsylvania? See Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement 219 and502and Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct...
- What is the annual Attorney Registration timeline? Annual attorney registration opens on or b…
- Pennsylvania Attorney License Status Definitions Click herefor status definitions.
- Where can I find the rules addressing attorney registration requirements in Pennsylvania? See Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement 219 and502and Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct...
- What is the annual Attorney Registration timeline? Annual attorney registration opens on or before May 15 and is due July 1 each year. The first late payment penalty will be assessed if registratio...
- Am I required to complete my Pennsylvania Attorney Registration online? Yes. Attorneys must complete and submit the annual attorney registration through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System’s (...
Certifications
- How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing? If you are an active attorney, you may request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Prothonotary’s Office of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Fo...
- If I am inactive or retired, can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing? No. If you are an attorney on inactive or retired status, you may request a Certification of Status in Lieu of a Certificat...
- How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing? If you are an active attorney, you may request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Prothonotary’s Office of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Fo...
- If I am inactive or retired, can I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing? No. If you are an attorney on inactive or retired status, you may request a Certification of Status in Lieu of a Certificat...
- How do I obtain a statement regarding disciplinary complaints filed and/or discipline imposed? File a Request for Disciplinary Historywith the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.
Disciplinary Process
- Summary of Disciplinary Process An interactive process map for Discipline can be found here. A downloadable version of the Discipline Process can be found here.All complaints against attorneys are...
- I am currently a respondent in a disciplinary case. Is my matter public? Per Pa.R.D.E. 402, all proceedings under the rules shall be open to the public after the filing of an answer to a petiti…
- Summary of Disciplinary Process An interactive process map for Discipline can be found here. A downloadable version of the Discipline Process can be found here.All complaints against attorneys are...
- I am currently a respondent in a disciplinary case. Is my matter public? Per Pa.R.D.E. 402, all proceedings under the rules shall be open to the public after the filing of an answer to a petition f...
- What should I do if I believe there to be confidential or other non-public information within my Answer to the Petition for Discipline, Petition for Reinstatement, or other pleadings? For informati...
- What is the Emergency Temporary Suspension Process? If Disciplinary Counsel can demonst…
Duties of An Attorney
- What specialties may an attorney advertise? Per Rule 7.4(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers may advertise certain specialties, including patent and admiralty law as well as certain ot...
- What are my duties as an attorney admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? You are required to comply with the following rules:
- What specialties may an attorney advertise? Per Rule 7.4(a) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers may advertise certain specialties, including patent and admiralty law as well as certain ot...
- What are my duties as an attorney admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? You are required to comply with the following rules:
- Am I required to notify anyone that I have been convicted of a crime; how do I do so? Yes. An attorney convicted of a crime must report the fact of such conviction to the Office of Disciplinary Co...
- Am I required to notify anyone that I have been transferred to disability status or disciplined in another jurisdiction? Yes. Within 20 days of the date of the order, judgment or directive, an att…
Emeritus Attorneys
- What is emeritus status? In 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania created an emeritus status for attorneys who have retired from the practice of law who seek to provide pro bono services through...
- Why should I provide pro bono services? Offering pro bono legal services is a way for attorneys to gain experience and provide assistance to those who need it the most.
- What is emeritus status? In 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania created an emeritus status for attorneys who have retired from the practice of law who seek to provide pro bono services through...
- Why should I provide pro bono services? Offering pro bono legal services is a way for attorneys to gain experience and provide assistance to those who need it the most.
- How do I assume emeritus status? An attorney currently on retired status must file a completed Emeritus Application including all necessary attachments as described on the form and the appropriate...
- Can I start providing pro bono services immediately after being granted Emeritus Status? No. Prior to the commencement of services described in Pa.R.D.E. 403(d), the emeritus attorney …
Formerly Admitted Attorneys
- I have been suspended or disbarred. What are my duties? A formerly admitted attorney is required to promptly notify various parties, opposing counsel, courts, administrative agencies and others of...
- As a formerly admitted attorney, can I perform law-related activities under the supervision of a member in good standing in the Commonwealth? Yes. The supervising attorney and formerl…
- I have been suspended or disbarred. What are my duties? A formerly admitted attorney is required to promptly notify various parties, opposing counsel, courts, administrative agencies and others of...
- As a formerly admitted attorney, can I perform law-related activities under the supervision of a member in good standing in the Commonwealth? Yes. The supervising attorney and formerly admitted at...
Information Updates
- How do I update my contact information? Submit your address change here.All changes in contact information must be reported to the Attorney Registration Office in writing within 30 days of such cha...
- What do I do if I lost my attorney license card? You can request a replacement license card by emailing [email protected] by faxing the Attorney Registration Office at 717.23…
- How do I update my contact information? Submit your address change here.All changes in contact information must be reported to the Attorney Registration Office in writing within 30 days of such cha...
- What do I do if I lost my attorney license card? You can request a replacement license card by emailing [email protected] by faxing the Attorney Registration Office at 717.231.3381. P...
- How do I change my registered name? If you wish to practice under a name other than that which you were admitted, you must submit a Request for Name Change formto the Attorney Registration Office....
- How do I update my professional liability insurance information? Complete and return a Prof…
Judges
- Who do I notify if I am elected or appointed to a State or Federal Court of record in Pennsylvania? File a notice that you have been elected or appointed with the Attorney Registration Office. Rule...
- Am I eligible to assume judge status with the Attorney Registration Office? A justice or judge is eligible to assume judge status if serving on the following Pennsylvania courts of record: Sup…
- Who do I notify if I am elected or appointed to a State or Federal Court of record in Pennsylvania? File a notice that you have been elected or appointed with the Attorney Registration Office. Rule...
- Am I eligible to assume judge status with the Attorney Registration Office? A justice or judge is eligible to assume judge status if serving on the following Pennsylvania courts of record: Supreme,...
- I am a judge, but I am not eligible to assume judge status with the Attorney Registration Office. What are my attorney license status options? A justice or judge who is not eligible to assume judge...
- How do I return to active status if I was a justice or judge? File a notice stating your wish to r…
Newly Admitted Attorneys
- I was recently admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. When will I get my license card? License cards are printed and mailed within ten business days after admission. If you have not received your licens...
- Do I have to provide any information to the Disciplinary Board upon my admission to the Pennsylvania Bar? Please review your contact information on file and update as needed. You …
- I was recently admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. When will I get my license card? License cards are printed and mailed within ten business days after admission. If you have not received your licens...
- Do I have to provide any information to the Disciplinary Board upon my admission to the Pennsylvania Bar? Please review your contact information on file and update as needed. You may also locate yo...
- When will I need to complete my annual attorney registration for the first time? Annual registration is due every July 1. Attorneys admitted to the bar less than one year prior to July 1 are requir...
Reinstatement
- What is the reinstatement process? Please review theinformation found on the Reinstatement page. An interactive process map for Reinstatement can be found here. A downloadable version of the Reinst...
- How do I return to active status if I have been retired, inactive, or administratively suspended (or any combination) for less than three (3) years?
- What is the reinstatement process? Please review theinformation found on the Reinstatement page. An interactive process map for Reinstatement can be found here. A downloadable version of the Reinst...
- How do I return to active status if I have been retired, inactive, or administratively suspended (or any combination) for less than three (3) years?
- How do I return to active status if I have been retired, inactive, or administratively suspended (or any combination) for more than three (3) years? If you wish to resume practice, you must file a...
- I have been on a combination of retired, inactive, and/or administrative suspension statuses for a total of more than three (3) years. Do I have to file a petition for reinstatement to resum…