How to Check Attorney Discipline Records

Before hiring an attorney, checking their discipline record is one of the most important steps you can take. State bar discipline records are public information, and every state maintains a searchable database of attorney disciplinary actions.

Why Check Discipline Records?

Attorney discipline records reveal whether a lawyer has been sanctioned for ethical violations, mishandling client funds, incompetent representation, or other professional misconduct. Common disciplinary actions include:

• Disbarment - The most severe sanction. The attorney's license to practice has been revoked.
• Suspension - The attorney is temporarily prohibited from practicing law.
• Public censure - A formal reprimand that becomes part of the public record.
• Resignation for discipline - The attorney resigned while under investigation.

How to Check: Step by Step

1. Use PlainAttorney

Search our database by name or bar number. Our database currently covers New York with 429,620 attorney records. Each profile shows the attorney's current bar status, including any discipline actions.

2. Check the State Bar Website

Every state bar association maintains a public directory. For New York:

• Visit the New York State Unified Court System attorney search
• The NY Office of Court Administration maintains registration records
• Search by name, registration number, or judicial department

3. Check Multiple Sources

If an attorney practices in multiple states, check each state's bar. An attorney could have a clean record in one state but disciplinary actions in another.

What the Status Codes Mean

In the New York bar system, you'll encounter several status codes. Here's what each means, grouped by how much weight to give it:

Red Flags to Watch For

Beyond Discipline Records

A clean discipline record is necessary but not sufficient. Also consider:

• Years of experience in your specific legal area
• Client reviews and references
• Bar association involvement and continuing education
• Communication style and responsiveness

Understanding the Data

The information presented throughout this guide is informed by publicly available state bar registration published by New York Office of Court Administration. Our database aggregates and standardizes these records to make them more accessible and easier to interpret for general audiences. When we reference specific statistics or trends, they are drawn directly from these authoritative sources unless explicitly noted otherwise. See our methodology for full sourcing, the data vintage in effect, and how each figure is derived.