The end of 2020 is (thankfully) approaching! Retirement tends to be a common end-of-year event. So, if you are considering ending your practice of law in Pennsylvania, what should you do about your license? Do NOT do nothing. Your retirement from the practice of law only affects your license status if you effect a change. If you simply choose to not complete your annual registration or your CLE requirement, you will receive penalties and ultimately be administratively suspended. Alternatively, choose to pursue one of the following options:
- Continue maintaining active status. If you would like to keep your ability to practice open, continue to maintain active status by completing all requirements of an actively licensed attorney (annual registration, CLE, etc.).
- Assume inactive status. While inactive status still requires annual registration, assuming such status automatically defers your CLE requirement. If you are unsure of your need to practice law in the future, consider maintaining inactive status. Please see the Reinstatement page for information about reinstatement from inactive status.
- Assume retired status. If you believe that your need to practice law in Pennsylvania has concluded, assuming retired status will end your annual requirements (annual registration, CLE, etc.). Please see the Reinstatement page for information about reinstatement from retired status.
- Assume emeritus status. After assuming retired status, an attorney may request to assume emeritus status. Emeritus status allows a retired attorney to provide pro bono services to eligible Legal Aid Organizations. For more information, please see the FAQs regarding emeritus status.
Visit the Disciplinary Board's Forms page to find appropriate forms to request for the above status changes. A status change to inactive or retired status may also be made when completing your annual registration.