A suspended license means an attorney cannot practice law until the suspension ends
When an attorney's license is suspended, they lose the legal right to represent clients, appear in court, or provide legal services. A suspension is temporary — the license remains inactive for a set period or until specific conditions are met. Once the suspension lifts, the attorney can resume practice without reapplying for licensure. This differs from disbarment, which is permanent removal from the profession.
Suspensions are issued by state bar associations, which regulate attorneys in each state. In Florida, where St. Petersburg is located, the Florida Supreme Court oversees attorney discipline through the Florida Bar. The court can suspend a license for violations of professional conduct rules, failure to pay bar dues, failure to complete required continuing legal education, or other breaches of ethical obligations.
If you were working with an attorney whose license is suspended, you have the right to know this status and to find representation elsewhere. You can verify an attorney's license status through your state bar's public records, usually available online.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license is temporary; the attorney cannot practice law during the suspension period but may resume once it ends.
- The Florida Bar and Florida Supreme Court issue suspensions for violations of professional conduct rules or administrative failures.
- You can check any attorney's license status through the Florida Bar's public records, which show active, suspended, or inactive status.
- If your attorney's license is suspended, you should find new representation and may be may have access to to a refund of unearned fees.
- Suspension is different from disbarment; disbarred attorneys cannot practice law again in that state.
How to check an attorney's license status in Florida
The Florida Bar maintains a public directory where you can search any attorney licensed in Florida. Visit the Florida Bar's website and use the "Find a Lawyer" or attorney search tool. Enter the attorney's name and you will see their current status: active, suspended, inactive, or disbarred.
The search results show the attorney's bar number, the date they were admitted to practice, and any disciplinary history that is public record. If a license is suspended, the record typically shows the suspension date and the reason, though some details may be confidential depending on the stage of the disciplinary process.
You can also contact the Florida Bar's disciplinary department directly by phone or mail if you have questions about a specific attorney's status. The Bar's contact information is on its website.
What happens to your case if your attorney's license is suspended
If your attorney's license is suspended while representing you, your case does not automatically end, but your attorney cannot continue working on it. You must find a new attorney to take over your representation. Depending on where your case stands, the new attorney may need to file a motion to substitute counsel with the court.
You are may have access to to request a refund of any fees you paid for work not yet completed. If your attorney received a retainer (an upfront payment), unused portions should be returned. If there is a dispute over what work was completed, you can file a complaint with the Florida Bar's fee dispute resolution program.
If your case has a important date — such as a trial date or filing important date — notify the court and opposing counsel when ready that your attorney is no longer able to represent you. Courts can grant extensions in these situations, but you must request them promptly.
Reasons the Florida Bar suspends an attorney's license
The Florida Bar suspends licenses for violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern attorney behavior. Common reasons include mishandling client funds, failing to communicate with clients, missing court important date, providing false information to the court, or engaging in dishonest conduct.
Administrative suspensions also occur when an attorney fails to pay bar dues, does not complete required continuing legal education hours, or does not respond to Bar inquiries. These suspensions are often lifted once the attorney corrects the problem — paying dues, completing education, or responding to the Bar.
Suspensions can last from a few months to several years, depending on the violation. The Florida Supreme Court sets the length of suspension in its disciplinary order.
The difference between suspension and disbarment
Suspension is temporary; disbarment is permanent. A suspended attorney's license will be restored after the suspension period ends or conditions are met. A disbarred attorney is permanently removed from the profession and cannot practice law in Florida again without going through a lengthy reinstatement process, which is rarely granted.
Suspension is typically used for less serious violations or first-time offenses. Disbarment is reserved for serious misconduct such as theft from clients, repeated ethical violations, or crimes of moral turpitude. An attorney can also be disbarred after multiple suspensions.
What to do if you need a new attorney
Contact the Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service, which connects people with attorneys in their area. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals. When you contact a new attorney, tell them about your current case and provide copies of all documents and correspondence related to it.
Ask the new attorney about their experience with cases like yours and their fee structure. Confirm their license is active before hiring them by checking the Florida Bar's directory. Many attorneys offer a free initial consultation, which gives you a chance to discuss your situation and decide if they are a good fit.
If you are in a time-sensitive situation, explain that to potential attorneys so they understand the urgency of taking your case.
Your rights when an attorney cannot continue representing you
You have the right to competent representation. If your attorney's license is suspended, they cannot provide that, and you are may have access to to find someone who can. You also have the right to all documents related to your case — your attorney must provide these within a reasonable time.
If you paid a retainer or flat fee, you have the right to a refund for work not completed. If there is a dispute, the Florida Bar's fee dispute resolution program can help. You can also file a complaint with the Bar if you believe your attorney violated professional conduct rules before the suspension.
If your case suffered harm because your attorney missed a important date or failed to act before the suspension, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim. Consult with another attorney about whether your situation qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended attorney still give me legal information?
No. A suspended attorney cannot practice law in any form, including providing legal information, reviewing documents, or representing you in any matter. Doing so would violate the suspension order and could result in further discipline.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies based on the violation and the attorney's history. Some suspensions last a few months; others last several years. The Florida Supreme Court's disciplinary order specifies the length. You can find this information in the public record on the Florida Bar's website.
What if I already paid my attorney and the license is now suspended?
You are may have access to to a refund for any work not completed. If your attorney disputes what was completed, you can file a fee dispute complaint with the Florida Bar. The Bar can order a refund if it finds the fee was not earned.
Can I sue my attorney for malpractice if the suspension caused me to miss a important date?
Possibly. If your attorney's conduct before or after the suspension caused you to miss a court important date or suffer other harm, you may have a malpractice claim. Consult with another attorney who handles legal malpractice cases to review your situation.
Where do I find the details of why an attorney was suspended?
The Florida Bar's website shows the suspension date and often the reason. More detailed information is in the Florida Supreme Court's disciplinary order, which is public record. You can search the Florida Supreme Court's website or contact the Bar directly for the full order.