Are you currently on or thinking of assuming retired status? Please consider assuming emeritus status in the new year!
In 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania adopted Rule 403 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement (Pa.R.D.E.), creating an emeritus status for attorneys who retire from the practice of law and seek to provide pro bono services to legal aid organizations. The Emeritus program creates a pool of qualified volunteer attorneys to provide necessary legal services to those in need. Emeritus attorneys perform valuable roles in the community by bolstering legal aid and other nonprofit programs to help close the gap between the need for and the availability of free legal services.
How do I assume Emeritus Status of my Pennsylvania law license?
- Application: Attorneys on retired status in Pennsylvania must complete and submit an Application for Emeritus Status, including appropriate documentation and payment as detailed on the application. Note that attorneys not currently on retired status may be eligible to simultaneously assume retired and emeritus status.
- Legal Aid Organization Approval: Attorneys who have assumed emeritus status must submit an Eligible Legal Aid Organization Form for approval prior to the commencement of services. A separate form shall be submitted for each organization for which the attorney expects to perform pro bono services.
- Renewal: Attorneys on emeritus status are required to renew annually by January 31st. Renewal forms are distributed on or before January 1st. Failure to renew by January 31st will result in the transfer to retired status.
Visit the Board’s website to find the appropriate forms, view the Emeritus FAQs, and visit the "Pro Bono" page. Please contact us with any questions!