A suspended law license means an attorney cannot practice law during the suspension period, but the license itself is not permanently revoked
When a state bar suspends an attorney's license, that lawyer must stop taking new cases, stop representing clients in court, and stop giving legal information. The suspension is temporary — the attorney can petition to have the license reinstated after meeting specific conditions set by the state bar. A suspension is different from disbarment, which is permanent and ends the attorney's legal career in that state.
Suspensions happen for violations of professional conduct rules. The most common reasons include failing to pay bar dues or client trust account fees, neglecting client cases, dishonesty, substance abuse issues, or criminal conviction. The length of suspension varies depending on the violation and the state — some last a few months, others last years.
If you hired an attorney who then had their license suspended, you have rights and options. You need to know what happens to your case, how to find a new attorney, and whether you can recover money you already paid.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license is temporary; the attorney cannot practice law during the suspension but may petition for reinstatement after meeting the bar's conditions.
- Your state bar's disciplinary records are public, and you can search them online to see why an attorney's license was suspended and for how long.
- If your attorney was suspended mid-case, the court will usually allow you time to hire a replacement attorney or represent yourself, and your case does not automatically disappear.
- Money you paid an attorney before suspension may be recoverable through your state's client trust account fund if the attorney mishandled client funds.
- You can file a complaint against an attorney with your state bar, which investigates and can recommend discipline including suspension.
How to find out why an attorney's license was suspended
Every state bar publishes its disciplinary decisions online. You can search by the attorney's name and see the exact violation, the date the suspension began, and how long it lasts. These records are public and free to access.
Go to your state bar's website and look for a section called "Disciplinary Records," "Attorney Discipline," "Public Discipline," or "Lawyer Discipline." Some states call it the "Disciplinary History" or "Sanctions Database." Type in the attorney's full name. The search will show you the case number, the violation, the suspension length, and sometimes a summary of what happened.
If you cannot find the record online, call your state bar's disciplinary office directly. They can tell you the suspension status and when it began. Write down the case number so you have it for reference.
What happens to your case if your attorney is suspended
Your case does not disappear or get dismissed automatically. Instead, the court recognizes that you no longer have representation and gives you options. You can hire a new attorney, ask the court for time to find one, or represent yourself.
If you are in the middle of a lawsuit, the suspended attorney must notify you and the court when ready. The court will usually pause the case briefly to give you time to hire replacement counsel. This pause is called a continuance. How much time you get depends on the judge and the type of case, but it is typically 30 to 90 days.
If you cannot afford a new attorney and your case is criminal, you may be able to request a public defender. If your case is civil, contact your local legal aid office to see whether they can take your case or refer you to a low-cost attorney.
Recovering money you paid before the suspension
If your attorney mishandled money you gave them — for example, they took your retainer but did not do the work, or they mixed your money with their own instead of keeping it in a client trust account — you may recover that money through your state's client security fund.
Every state bar maintains a client security fund (sometimes called a client protection fund or client trust account fund) that reimburses clients when an attorney steals or misappropriates their money. The fund is paid for by attorney license fees, not by taxpayers. To file a claim, you contact your state bar's client security fund office, fill out a form, and provide proof of what you paid and what work was not done.
There are limits. Most states cap reimbursement at $25,000 to $50,000 per client per attorney, though some states go higher. You usually have to show that you tried to recover the money from the attorney first, and you may have to wait until after the attorney's case is closed. The process takes several months.
The difference between suspension and disbarment
A suspension is temporary. The attorney cannot practice during the suspension period, but once they meet the bar's conditions — paying fines, completing ethics training, proving sobriety, or whatever the bar required — they can petition for reinstatement. If the petition is granted, their license is restored and they can practice again.
A disbarment is permanent. The attorney's license is revoked and they cannot practice law in that state again. Disbarment is used for serious violations like theft, fraud, or repeated misconduct. An attorney who is disbarred can sometimes petition for reinstatement years later, but the bar almost never grants it.
You can see on the state bar's disciplinary record whether the action was a suspension or disbarment. If it says "suspended for [number] months" or "suspended until [date]," it is temporary. If it says "disbarred," it is permanent.
Filing a complaint against an attorney
If an attorney violated professional conduct rules, you can file a complaint with your state bar's disciplinary office. You do not need a lawyer to do this. The complaint is free.
Go to your state bar's website and find the disciplinary complaint form or the section for filing a complaint. You will need to describe what the attorney did, when it happened, and how it harmed you. Attach any documents you have — emails, letters, billing statements, court papers. Be specific about dates and facts.
Mail or submit the form online to your state bar's disciplinary office. They will send you a case number and tell you what happens next. The bar investigates, and if they find a violation, they may recommend discipline. You will not be the one deciding the punishment — that is up to the bar's disciplinary board or a hearing officer.
The investigation takes months or sometimes over a year. You may be asked to provide more information. The attorney will have a chance to respond to your complaint. If the bar finds a violation, the attorney can appeal the decision.
Finding a new attorney after yours is suspended
Start by asking for a referral from someone you trust — a friend, family member, or another professional like your accountant or doctor. You can also contact your local bar association's lawyer referral service, which matches you with attorneys in your area who handle your type of case.
When you call a new attorney, tell them your old attorney was suspended and explain what stage your case is in. Ask whether they are willing to take over mid-case. Some attorneys prefer to start fresh, while others routinely step in for suspended counsel. Ask about their fee — whether they charge hourly, a flat fee, or a contingency (a percentage of what you win).
Before you hire, ask the new attorney to check the court file to see what has happened so far. This helps them understand the case and give you an honest estimate of what it will cost to finish. If you cannot afford a private attorney, contact your local legal aid office or ask the court whether you may have access to for a public defender.
How long suspensions typically last
Suspension length varies widely by state and by violation. A suspension for failing to pay bar dues might last only a few months. A suspension for neglecting client cases might last one to three years. A suspension for dishonesty or substance abuse can last several years or longer.
The state bar's disciplinary decision will state the exact length. For example, it might say "suspended for 18 months" or "suspended until January 1, 2026." Once that period ends, the attorney can petition for reinstatement. They usually have to show they have met any conditions the bar set — paid fines, completed ethics training, or proved they are no longer abusing substances.
Reinstatement is not automatic. The bar reviews the petition and decides whether to grant it. Some attorneys are reinstated quickly; others are denied and have to wait longer before petitioning again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended attorney still give legal information or help with paperwork?
No. A suspended attorney cannot practice law in any form — that includes giving legal information, drafting documents, representing someone in court, or negotiating on a client's behalf. Doing any of these things during a suspension is a violation that can lead to disbarment. If you need help with your case, you must hire a different attorney or represent yourself.
Will my case be thrown out if my attorney is suspended?
No. The court recognizes that you lost your attorney and will give you time to hire a new one. You may have to ask the judge for a continuance, or the judge may grant one automatically once they learn your attorney is suspended. Your case stays open and active.
How do I know if an attorney's suspension has ended?
Check your state bar's disciplinary records again. If the suspension has ended and the attorney was reinstated, the record will show a reinstatement date. If the suspension is still active, the record will show the end date. You can also call the state bar's disciplinary office and ask directly.
What if my attorney was suspended and I already paid them thousands of dollars?
Contact your state bar's client security fund office. If the attorney mishandled your money — took it without doing the work, or failed to keep it in a separate trust account — you may be able to recover it. You will need to provide proof of what you paid and what work was not done. The process takes several months, and there are limits on how much you can recover.
Can a disbarred attorney ever practice law again?
Disbarred attorneys can petition for reinstatement, but it is extremely rare for the bar to grant it. Most states require a waiting period of five to ten years before a disbarred attorney can even petition. Even then, the bar almost always denies the petition. Disbarment is meant to be permanent.