how do i search for attorney in the ny bar association

by Eloise Russel 9 min read

To find an attorney, contact your county bar association's attorney referral service. The State Bar of New York, The National Crime Victim Bar and the New York Courts also offer helpful public services. If you cannot afford a private attorney, assistance may be available through a local Legal Aid Society or Bar Association.

Full Answer

Can I report my attorney to the Bar Association?

A: No. The NYSBA is not the official New York Bar and is not responsible for attorney licenses or registration. Please contact the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA), the official licensing/registration unit: 212.428.2800, NYCourts.gov. Q: Can I run a search on the NYSBA Web site for a New York attorney that I am trying to locate? A: No.

How do you search for a lawyer?

To find an attorney, contact your county bar association's attorney referral service. The State Bar of New York, The National Crime Victim Bar and the New York Courts also offer helpful public services. If you cannot afford a private attorney, assistance may be available through a local Legal Aid Society or Bar Association. Helpful Contacts:

How do you verify an attorney?

Feb 15, 2021 · Search for New York Attorneys - To verify the license, good standing, or bar number of an attorney in New York, use the “attorney search” feature on the New York State Unified Court System (USC) website. To search the USC database for an attorney in New York, you must enter the attorney’s first name, middle name, last name, or sort by city, state, …

How many lawyers are there in New York State?

Join or renew your NYSBA Membership for 2022. Learn more Explore NYSBA sections. Visit News Center.

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What is the NYS Attorney General?

The Office of the New York State Attorney General as the "People's Lawyer" is the guardian of the legal rights of the citizens of New York, its organizations and its natural resources. However, the Attorney General by law does not represent private individuals or provide legal advice, legal research or legal analysis to private individuals under any circumstances. The Attorney General's Office also cannot refer you to an attorney.

What is the National Crime Victim Bar Association?

The National Crime Victim Bar Association provides technical support to attorneys representing crime victims in civil actions, refers crime victims to lawyers in their local area, and works to increase general awareness about the availability of civil remedies for victims of crime.

Is listing here an endorsement?

There are a variety of organizations and agencies that may be able to provide assistance and support. Listing here is for informational purposes only and not an endorsement of the web content or the organization.

Can I refer an attorney to the Attorney General?

The Attorney General's Office also cannot refer you to an attorney. If you need legal advice or someone to handle your case, contact a private attorney. To find an attorney, contact your county bar association's attorney referral service.

How to confirm that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction?

For the public, the best way to confirm that an attorney is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction is to contact the licensing or regulatory agency in that state that grants the bar license.

What information does the state bar database have?

Generally, the state bar database provides information about the attorney's name, address, phone number, email address, education, area of practice or specialty, and years in practice.

Who manages the licensing or regulatory agency?

In most states, the licensing or regulatory agency is managed by the state bar or the state bar association. In 44 states and the District of Columbia, the licensing or regulatory agency publishes its database online so that the public can easily figure out whether an attorney is licensed, active, and in good standing.

What is the OCA number for NYS?

Please contact the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA), the official licensing/registration unit: 212.428.2800, www.nycourts.gov. Q: Can I run a search on the NYSBA Web site for a New York attorney that I am trying to locate? A: No.

What is the phone number for the 3rd Department of the NYS Unified Court System?

3rd Department (Albany) call 518.471.4777. 4th Department (Rochester) call 585.530.3100. If you do not know which Appellate Division the attorney was admitted in, you may obtain this information from the NYS Unified Court System’s Web site: www.nycourts.gov.

Is the NYSBA a good standing bar?

Q: Can the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) verify whether or not an attorney is a member of the New York Bar in good standing?#N#A: No. The NYSBA is not the official New York Bar and is not responsible for attorney licenses or registration. Please contact the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA), the official licensing/registration unit: 212.428.2800, www.nycourts.gov

IMPORTANT

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, our offices in NYC are operating with limited staffing. The best way to file your attorney registration or make address changes at this time is via Attorney Online Services found at www.nycourts.gov. You may also contact us via email at [email protected] for further assistance.

Attorney Online Services

New York State attorneys can file their biennial registration and change their attorney registration information electronically by establishing an Attorney Online Services account. Attorneys can establish an online account using the link below:

How long does it take to change your attorney's name?

Changes to an attorney’s registration information (address, phone number, or any other information with the exception of a name change) must be filed with the Office of Court Administration within 30 days of the change. Changes will not be accepted over the phone.

What is a good standing certificate?

A Certificate of Good Standing attests that an attorney was licensed and admitted to practice in the courts of this state on a given date, is currently registered with the Office of Court Administration (OCA), and is in "good standing," that is, the attorney is not currently suspended or disbarred.

When will OCA no longer mail blue receipts?

Note: Effective October 20, 2020, OCA will no longer mail blue receipts for biennial attorney registration filings and changes of address to attorneys. Instead, attorneys may print these attorney registration receipts at any time via their Online Services account.

How long is the biennial period?

Each biennial period runs for the 24-month period from birthday to birthday: If your date of admission was in 1982, or any year prior to 1982, you were required to register during this first biennial period, and in each subsequent even year thereafter (1984-85, 1986-87, 1988-89...).

What does it mean to be retired from law?

An attorney is "retired" from the practice of law when, other than the performance of legal services without compensation, he or she does not practice law in any respect and does not intend ever to engage in acts that constitute the practice of law, in the State of New York or elsewhere.

Is New York an inactive state?

New York does not have an "inactive" status. All duly-admitted New York attorneys are required to file the biennial registration form, either with payment of the $375.00 fee, or with a certification of retirement.

Does New York have a bar number?

Many states have Bar numbers; New York does not. The registration number, which appears on the biennial registration form, is used for internal Office of Court Administration record-keeping only. This registration number should be used on all correspondence with this office.

What states have bar associations?

Nevada. New Hampshire - Call the New Hampshire Bar Association (603-224-6942) to determine if a person is licensed to practice law and in good standing. New Jersey.

What states have good standing attorneys?

South Dakota - Call the State Bar of South Dakota (605-224-7554) to determine if a person is licensed to practice law and in good standing. Tennessee. Texas. Utah. Vermont - Select the link for "Attorneys in Good Standing". Virginia.

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