Inactive Law License: What Are The Reasons?

A law license can become inactive if a lawyer requests a change to inactive status. This status is designed for periods when a lawyer will not be using their license to practice law. While on inactive status, a lawyer is not permitted to practice law and is not eligible to vote in Bar matters. To change to inactive status, a lawyer on Active, Judicial, or Pro Bono status can complete an application form or make a request online.

Requesting a change to inactive status

To request a change to inactive status, you must complete and submit the required form, along with the corresponding transfer fee. The specific form may vary depending on the state or governing body, but it is typically called the "Application for Change of Status to Inactive" or the "Application for Transfer to Inactive Status". This form can usually be accessed online through your license renewal portal or the website of your state's Bar Association.

It is important to note that you must not be under suspension to qualify for inactive status. Additionally, you should ensure that you are not practising law, rendering legal services, or occupying a position where you are called upon to give legal advice or examine the law.

The deadline for submitting the application for inactive status may vary, but it is typically December 1st. If you submit your application after this date, you may still be permitted to change to inactive status, but you will be required to pay the annual fees at the active rate and will not be entitled to a refund.

Not permitted to practice law

If you are a legal professional in Washington State, you can request a change to 'inactive status' by completing the "Application for Change of Status to Inactive". This can be done by clicking 'Edit' in the License Status box or on page 2 of the License Renewal Form. While on inactive status, you are not permitted to practice law as defined by the Washington Supreme Court General Rule 24. You are also not eligible to vote in Bar matters.

Inactive status is designed for periods when you will not be using your license to practice law. While on inactive status, you must pay a $200 annual license fee. You are not required to report MCLE credits, but you will need a certain number of these to return to Active status. Time spent on Inactive status does not count towards the 50 years of service required to receive Honorary status.

If you wish to return to Active status after six years of inactivity, you will need to attend a reinstatement course offered only twice a year. Requesting a return to Active status after ten years will (with some exceptions) require that you retake the bar exam required for admission.

Complete details about Inactive status and the full requirements to return to Active status can be found in the WSBA Bylaws.

Annual license fee

Lawyers are required to pay an annual license fee to maintain their professional status and continue practising law. The amount of the annual license fee varies depending on the state and other factors. For instance, in Pennsylvania, the annual registration fee for lawyers was increased by $25 in 2009, resulting in a new annual fee of $200. This fee is still significantly lower than the national average and is used to fund legal aid programs for those who cannot afford legal services.

In Washington state, the annual license fee structure for legal professionals offers a 50% discount on the full active license fee for the first two full years after admission to any bar. Lawyers do not have to pay the full license fee until they reach their third full year of practice. Additionally, starting in 2021, the license fee is waived for pro bono status members who complete at least 30 hours of pro bono service with qualified legal service providers in the previous year.

The Washington State Bar Association also provides optional charitable donation opportunities during the annual license renewal process. Lawyers can choose to donate to the Washington State Bar Foundation, which supports pro bono and public service initiatives, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Alternatively, they can donate to the Campaign for Equal Justice, which provides funding for civil legal aid programs serving families in poverty.

While the annual license fee is an essential aspect of maintaining an active law license, other factors, such as continuing legal education requirements and ethical conduct, also play a crucial role in ensuring lawyers remain in good standing with their state bar associations. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disciplinary actions, including the potential loss of one's law license.

Returning to active status

• The process of returning to active status typically involves submitting an application or request to the relevant state bar association or disciplinary authority. In Missouri, for example, applications for returning to active status can be requested from the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel.
• There may be specific time frames for returning to active status. In Washington, for instance, returning to active status after six years of inactivity requires attending a reinstatement course offered only twice a year. If the period of inactivity extends beyond a certain point, such as ten years in Washington, additional requirements such as retaking the bar exam may be necessary.
• Completion of a certain number of continuing legal education (CLE) credits is usually necessary to return to active status. The number and type of credits required can vary by state and individual circumstances.
• Payment of any outstanding fees, fines, or penalties may be required to reinstate an inactive license.
• In some cases, additional requirements or procedures may apply if a license has been inactive for an extended period.
• It is essential to refer to the specific rules and regulations of the relevant state bar association or governing body for detailed instructions on returning to active status. These rules can usually be found on the official websites or by contacting the appropriate authority.

It is worth noting that the requirements and procedures for reinstating an inactive law license can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances surrounding the inactivity. Lawyers seeking to return to active status should consult the relevant bar association or regulatory body in their state for specific instructions and guidance.

Rules, regulations, and policies for status changes

Legal professionals who are on Active, Judicial, or Pro Bono status can request a change to Inactive status by completing the "Application for Change of Status to Inactive". This can be done by clicking "Edit" in the License Status box or on page 2 of the License Renewal Form. While on Inactive status, legal professionals are not permitted to practice law and must pay a $200 annual license fee. They are also not required to report MCLE credits, but they will need a certain number of these to return to Active status.

Time spent on Inactive status does not count towards the 50 years of service required for Honorary status. To return to Active status after six years, legal professionals will need to attend a reinstatement course offered twice a year. After ten years, they will need to retake the bar examination (with some exceptions).

The rules and regulations regarding status changes are outlined in the Washington State Bar Association's Bylaws and policies, as well as the Washington Supreme Court's General Rule 24. Any discrepancies between the information provided and the official rules and regulations will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the latter.

Frequently asked questions