## Information Provided in the Public Registry Once you locate the correct attorney profile, the database provides a comprehensive overview of their professional status in New York. The public record typically includes: * **Registration Number:** The unique identification number assigned to the attorney upon admission. * **Current Status:** The attorney's current standing, indicating whether they are active, retired, suspended, or disbarred. * **Year and Department of Admission:** The year the attorney was admitted to the New York Bar and the specific Judicial Department (First, Second, Third, or Fourth) that administered the oath. * **Contact Information:** The official business address and telephone number registered by the attorney. * **Law School:** The legal institution from which the attorney graduated. ## Understanding Attorney Registration Statuses
When reviewing the search results, the "Status" field is the most critical indicator of an attorney's eligibility to practice law. * **Currently Registered:** The attorney is in good standing, has completed their biennial registration, and is legally permitted to practice law in New York. * **Delinquent:** The attorney has failed to submit their biennial registration fee or paperwork. While they may still hold a license, they are not in compliance with state requirements. * **Suspended:** The attorney's license to practice law has been temporarily revoked due to disciplinary action or failure to comply with registration rules. * **Disbarred:** The attorney has been stripped of their license to practice law in the state, usually due to professional misconduct. * **Resigned:** The attorney has voluntarily surrendered their license, often due to retirement or relocation to another state. ## Alternative Ways to Verify a New York Attorney While the Unified Court System database is the primary official source, alternative resources can help verify an attorney's credentials or provide additional professional background.
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) maintains a voluntary member directory. While not all registered attorneys are members of the NYSBA, this directory can provide details on practice areas and committee involvements. Local county and city bar associations, such as the New York City Bar Association, also offer referral services and directories for local practitioners. For historical records or detailed disciplinary files that may not be fully detailed in the online database, you can contact the Clerk of the Appellate Division in the judicial department where the attorney was admitted. The four appellate departments handle the formal admission and discipline of attorneys and maintain physical archives of registration records.
