Vetting a lawyer
How to Check If Your Attorney Has Been Disciplined
Last updated June 13, 2026
- Attorney discipline — disbarment and suspension — is public record published by each state's licensing authority.
- You can see a lawyer's current disciplinary status on the official roster for free, before you hire.
- An administrative suspension (e.g. unpaid dues) is different from a disciplinary one — read the official status to tell them apart.
attorneys are currently disbarred or suspended of record across the 37 states we track.
Source: official state bar registration rosters.
What 'discipline' means on the record
When a state bar finds that a lawyer violated the rules of professional conduct, it can impose discipline — from a private reprimand up to suspension or disbarment. The most serious outcomes change the lawyer's license status, which is published on the public roster. That's the status you can check yourself.
How to check a disciplinary record
Search the lawyer on the official roster (use the free lookup on this site for the states we cover). The record shows the current license status verbatim. For the underlying order — the charges, dates, and any reinstatement — follow the link to the licensing authority's own record. We republish the official status; we don't interpret it.
Disciplinary vs. administrative status
Not every suspension is misconduct
A license can be suspended for administrative reasons — unpaid bar dues or missed continuing-legal-education credits — which is very different from a suspension for mishandling client money. Always read the official status string before drawing a conclusion.
Check an attorney's record
Look up any attorney's license status and disciplinary standing against the official state roster — free, no account.
Frequently asked questions
Are attorney disciplinary records public?
Yes. License status, including disbarment and suspension of record, is public information published by each state's licensing authority. Private reprimands and pending complaints are usually not public until resolved.
How do I report a problem with my lawyer?
You file a complaint (often called a grievance) with the licensing authority that admitted the lawyer — the state bar or supreme court. They investigate and can impose discipline. See our guide on filing a complaint against an attorney.
Does a past suspension mean I shouldn't hire them?
Not automatically. The reason matters — an administrative lapse years ago is different from repeated misconduct. Read the official record and weigh it alongside everything else you know.
Related guides
- How to Check If a Lawyer Is Legitimate
- Attorney Suspension vs. Disbarment, Explained
- How to File a Complaint Against an Attorney
Numbers on this page are computed from official rosters — see our data sources & methodology. This guide is part of the verify an attorney series.
This site republishes official public records and is not legal advice, a lawyer referral service, or a consumer reporting agency. Information here may not be used to make decisions about employment, tenancy, or credit (FCRA). Records are shown as published by their official sources and may contain errors or be out of date; consult the linked official source to verify. To correct or dispute a record, contact the licensing authority of record.