How to check whether an attorney is licensed to practice
You can find out whether an attorney's license is suspended or revoked by checking your state bar's public records. Every state maintains a searchable directory of licensed attorneys, and most include disciplinary history. The search is free and takes a few minutes. You do not need to know the attorney's bar number — searching by name and city usually works.
The state bar is the official body that issues, suspends, and revokes law licenses in your state. It is not a private organization; it is part of your state's court system. When an attorney faces discipline — for billing fraud, missing court dates, neglecting a client's case, or other violations — the bar records that action publicly.
Finding the right bar website is the first step. Your state bar's name follows a standard pattern: "State Bar of [Your State]" or "[Your State] Bar Association." A search for "state bar [your state]" will take you to the official site. Once there, look for a link labeled "Find a Lawyer," "Lawyer Directory," "Member Search," or "Public Records."
Key Takeaways
- Every state bar maintains a free public directory where you can search for an attorney's license status and disciplinary history by name.
- A suspended license means the attorney cannot practice law during the suspension period; a revoked license is permanent.
- If you discover an attorney's license is suspended or revoked, you should not hire them and may want to report the violation to your state bar if they are still offering legal services.
- Some states also allow you to search by bar number, city, or practice area, which can help if the attorney's name is common.
- The search results typically show the attorney's address, phone number, practice areas, and a link to any disciplinary actions or suspensions.
What suspended and revoked licenses mean
A suspended license means the attorney is prohibited from practicing law for a set period — usually months or years. The suspension is temporary. Once the suspension ends, the attorney can petition to have their license reinstated, though reinstatement is not automatic and may require additional steps, such as passing an ethics exam or completing continuing education.
A revoked license is permanent. The attorney cannot practice law in that state again unless they go through a lengthy reinstatement process, which is rarely granted. Revocation is the most serious discipline the bar can impose.
Between suspension and revocation, the bar may also issue a reprimand or censure, which is a formal warning that stays on the attorney's record but does not prevent them from practicing. The bar's website will show which type of discipline was imposed and when.
How to search your state bar's directory
Once you are on your state bar's website, the search box usually appears on the home page or under a "Find a Lawyer" tab. Type the attorney's last name and first name. If the name is common, you can narrow the results by city or county. Some bars also let you search by bar number if you have it.
The search results will show the attorney's current status — "Active," "Suspended," "Revoked," "Inactive," or "Retired." If the status is anything other than "Active," the attorney is not currently licensed to practice. Click on the attorney's name to see their full record, which usually includes their address, phone number, practice areas, and a link to any disciplinary history.
If the attorney's name does not appear in the search results at all, they may never have been licensed in that state, or they may be licensed in a different state. Attorneys are licensed by state, not nationally. An attorney licensed in New York cannot practice in California unless they also pass California's bar exam.
What disciplinary records show
When you click on an attorney's disciplinary history, you will see a summary of any complaints, investigations, or sanctions. The bar publishes the reason for the discipline — for example, "failure to return client funds," "neglect of a legal matter," or "misrepresentation to a client." The date the discipline was imposed and the length of any suspension are also listed.
Some bars provide a full text of the disciplinary decision, which explains what the attorney did and why the bar imposed that penalty. Others provide only a summary. Either way, the information is public record and available to anyone who searches.
A single reprimand or censure on an old case does not necessarily mean the attorney is untrustworthy now — attorneys sometimes make mistakes and learn from them. But a pattern of complaints, or a recent suspension, is a red flag. If you are considering hiring this attorney, you should ask them directly about the discipline and decide whether you are comfortable working with them.
What to do if you find a suspended or revoked attorney still practicing
If an attorney's license is suspended or revoked but they are still offering legal services to you or others, you can report them to your state bar. Most bars have an online complaint form or a phone number for reporting violations. The bar will investigate whether the attorney is illegally practicing law.
Practicing law without a license is a crime in every state. If the bar confirms the violation, it can file a complaint with law enforcement. You can also contact your state's attorney general office, which handles consumer complaints and may pursue criminal charges.
If you have already paid this attorney for services, you may be able to recover your money through the bar's client security fund, which exists in most states to reimburse clients who are harmed by attorney misconduct. The bar's website will explain how to file a claim.
Searching for attorneys in other states
If the attorney is licensed in a different state than where you live, you will need to search that state's bar directory instead. Each state bar maintains its own records and discipline system. An attorney suspended in one state may still be licensed in another, though many states share disciplinary information.
You can find links to all state bar directories through the American Bar Association's website, which maintains a national directory of state bars. Search for "ABA state bar directory" to find the link. From there, you can navigate to the bar in the state where the attorney is licensed.
If an attorney is licensed in multiple states, you should check all of them. Discipline in one state does not automatically affect their license in another state, though the bar in the second state may investigate based on the first state's action.
Why attorneys get suspended or revoked
The most common reasons for suspension or revocation are failure to return client money, neglecting a client's case, missing court important date, dishonesty, and conflicts of interest. The bar also disciplines attorneys for substance abuse, criminal conduct, and violations of the rules of professional conduct that govern how attorneys must behave.
Some suspensions are temporary and result from minor violations — for example, a three-month suspension for missing a continuing education requirement. Others are longer and result from serious misconduct. Revocation is reserved for the most serious violations, such as stealing from clients or committing felonies.
The bar's goal in imposing discipline is to protect the public. By suspending or revoking licenses, the bar prevents attorneys who have shown they cannot be trusted from continuing to harm clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an attorney practice law while their license is suspended?
No. A suspended attorney cannot accept new clients, appear in court, or provide legal information during the suspension period. If they do, they are breaking the law. Once the suspension ends, they can resume practicing if they meet any conditions the bar imposed, such as completing ethics training.
How long does a typical suspension last?
Suspensions vary widely depending on the violation. Minor suspensions may last a few months; serious ones can last years. The bar's disciplinary decision will state the exact length. Some suspensions are indefinite, meaning the attorney must petition for reinstatement and prove they have corrected the problem.
If an attorney was suspended years ago but is now active, should I still be concerned?
An old suspension does not automatically disqualify an attorney from your consideration, but it is worth asking them about it directly. Ask what happened, why it happened, and what they have done since to prevent it from happening again. Their honesty and willingness to take responsibility matter more than the fact that the suspension occurred.
What if I cannot find the attorney in the state bar directory?
They may be licensed in a different state, retired, or never licensed at all. Ask the attorney directly which state bar they are licensed under, then search that bar's directory. If they refuse to tell you or claim to be licensed but do not appear in any state bar's records, that is a serious warning sign.
Can I sue an attorney if I discover they were suspended when I hired them?
Yes, you may have grounds for a malpractice claim or a claim for breach of contract. You should consult with another attorney about your options. You can also file a complaint with the bar and may be able to recover money through the client security fund if you suffered financial harm.