The Reasons Why Lawyers Get Disbarred

However, no matter what the requirement are, not complying with the them could result in a
suspension of the attorney's license. Many jurisdictions are very careful not to call this type of lawdegree loss "disbarment," as "disbarment" is often associated with legal misconduct and
malfeasance. Unfortunately, much confusion still remains. Take for example, the Obamas.
However, Factcheck.org and other independent sources have confirmed that both Barack and
Michelle "have voluntarily elected to have their law license(s) placed on inactive status." Barack
even going the further step of changing his law license to "retired" after he became president.
In some cases, an attorney who has been disbarred for some kind of misconduct can petition a court
or bar association to have their license reinstated. Yet, this is much easier said than done. According
to this article in the ABA (American Bar Association) Journal, a recent survey shows that of the 674
petitions submitted for bar reinstatement/readmission, only 67 were successful. That's a paltry 10%
of applications accepted.
A simple google keyword planner search will reveal that two of the most common phrases searched
containing the search term "disbarred" are "Michelle Obama disbarred" and "Barack Obama
disbarred." Put these terms into a search engine and you will see everything from conspiracy theory
websites to forums dedicated to the birther movement raising suspicions about the circumstances
surrounding Barack and Michelle's "disbarment." Most of them will make the claim that Barack
Obama surrendered his law license in 2008 to escape the claim that he lied on his bar application.
They will also claim that Michelle, likewise, lost her license under similar circumstances.
This is another area of great confusion/misunderstanding for all non-legal experts. Disbarment is not
the only way an attorney can lose their license. Rather it is important to acknowledge that many bar
associations have clearly defined licensing requirements/duties that allow you to keep said license.
These licensing requirements can vary among the different bar associations or jurisdictions. Some
jurisdictions require the payment of dues while others may require that license holders obtain some
kind of continuing education or both.
Additionally, in most states, the process of reinstatement is full of extra roadblocks and barriers. For
instance, some states require disbarred lawyers to retake the bar exam and undergo a full ethics and
character review. And some bar associations require disbarred lawyers to pay extra fees in order to
take the bar exam.
Obviously, whoever started the rumor about the Obama's licensure loss was banking on the
commonly held view that service professionals who lose their license must have done something
wrong. For shame :(.
2.) In general, lawyers are disbarred for those offenses that indicate an inability to practice law with
honesty, integrity, etc....: This point has to be emphasized to understand exactly why some lawyers
are disbarred and some are given lesser punishments or simply ignored. For instance If an attorney
commits a crime, most courts and bar associations only really care about if the crime (whatever it is)
indicates that the attorney lacks the characteristics necessary to be an effective lawyer. So let's do a
thought experiment. Could a lawyer be convicted of drug possession or some other serious felony
and still hold on to their law license? The answer...well it depends on the jurisdiction, but it is
definitely possible. There have been more than a few cases of lawyers engaged in overtly criminal

acts but still retaining their licenses.

3.) Besides disbarment, there are other ways for an attorney to lose their license.
Moreover, many disbarred lawyers are themselves represented by counsel (other lawyers) as they
attempt to reclaim their licenses. And this counsel is usually paid for out of pocket.