Vetting a lawyer
What Does "Good Standing" Mean for an Attorney?
Last updated June 13, 2026
- "Good standing" means a lawyer is licensed, current on dues and continuing-education requirements, and not suspended or disbarred.
- It is the licensing authority's confirmation that the lawyer is eligible to practice — not a rating of their skill.
- You can verify it for free on the official roster: an 'active' status is the everyday equivalent of good standing.
attorneys are on active status across the 37 states we currently track.
Source: official state bar registration rosters.
The plain-English definition
A lawyer is in "good standing" when their state licensing authority recognizes them as eligible to practice: they're admitted, their registration and dues are current, they've met continuing-legal-education requirements, and they're not suspended or disbarred. Many bars will issue a formal "certificate of good standing" confirming this — often required when a lawyer applies to practice in another court or state.
What good standing is NOT
Good standing is a compliance status, not a quality score. It doesn't mean the lawyer has never been sued, never had a complaint, or is the right fit for your case. It means the licensing authority currently considers them eligible to practice. Use it as a baseline, then look at disciplinary history and experience.
How to verify good standing
On the official roster, an 'active' license status is the everyday equivalent of good standing. Search the lawyer for free using the lookup on this site (for states we cover) or the licensing authority's own search. For an official certificate, contact the bar directly — many issue them online.
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
Is 'active' the same as 'good standing'?
In practice, yes — an active license means the lawyer is currently eligible to practice. Some bars use the specific phrase 'good standing' on a certificate; the public roster typically shows it as an 'active' status.
Can a lawyer be in good standing and still have had complaints?
Yes. Good standing reflects current eligibility to practice. A resolved complaint that didn't result in suspension or disbarment won't necessarily change it. Check the full disciplinary status for the complete picture.
How do I get a certificate of good standing for a lawyer?
Certificates are issued by the licensing authority, not third parties. Contact the state bar or supreme court that admitted the lawyer — many offer online requests.
Related guides
- How to Check If a Lawyer Is Licensed
- How to Check If Your Attorney Has Been Disciplined
- How to Check If a Lawyer Is Legitimate
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.