Understanding Attorney Bar Status Codes

When you look up an attorney's registration, you'll see a status code that indicates their current standing with the bar. Understanding these codes is essential for verifying that an attorney is authorized to represent you.

Active Statuses

Currently Registered

This is the standard active status. The attorney has completed all registration requirements and is authorized to practice law. This is the status you want to see when hiring an attorney. In our database, 284,296 attorneys hold this status.

Due to Reregister Within 30 Days of Birthday

The attorney's registration period is approaching expiration. This is an administrative status and does not indicate any problem, attorneys must reregister periodically, typically every two years around their birthday. This status applies to 46,551 attorneys.

Administrative Statuses

Delinquent

The attorney has failed to complete registration requirements on time. This could mean they haven't paid registration fees, completed required continuing legal education (CLE), or filed required forms. While delinquent, an attorney may face practice restrictions. 17,205 attorneys have this status.

Suspended, Delinquent

The attorney has been suspended specifically due to registration delinquency, not for ethical misconduct. This is an administrative suspension that can typically be resolved by completing overdue requirements. However, the attorney cannot practice while suspended. 19,214 attorneys have this status.

Discipline Statuses

Disbarred

The most severe sanction. The attorney's license to practice law has been permanently revoked by the court, typically for serious ethical violations such as:

• Misappropriation of client funds
• Fraud or dishonesty
• Criminal conduct
• Repeated violations despite prior sanctions

A disbarred attorney cannot practice law. In some jurisdictions, they may apply for reinstatement after a waiting period, but this is rare. 2,178 attorneys have been disbarred.

Suspended, Currently Registered

The attorney maintains their registration but has been suspended from practice. This is typically a temporary measure while disciplinary proceedings are ongoing or as a sanction for a specific period. 1,363 attorneys have this status.

Resigned from Bar, Disciplinary Reason

The attorney voluntarily surrendered their license while under investigation or facing disciplinary charges. This is often treated similarly to disbarment. 718 attorneys have this status.

Other Statuses

Resigned

The attorney voluntarily gave up their license, but not for disciplinary reasons. This could be due to retirement, career change, or relocation. 6,938 attorneys have this status.

Incapacitated

The attorney has been determined to be incapacitated and unable to practice law, typically due to medical or mental health reasons. 2,038 attorneys have this status.

Deceased

The attorney is no longer living. The registration remains in the system as a historical record. 48,555 records carry this status.

What Should You Look For?

When hiring an attorney, verify that their status is Currently registered. If you see any other status, exercise caution:

• "Due to reregister" is usually fine, just administrative timing.
• "Delinquent" warrants a conversation, ask them to resolve it.
• Any suspension or discipline status means they cannot currently represent you.

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.