What is Emeritus Status?
All members who have been Active or Judicial, or a combination of Active and Judicial, members of the WSBA or the bar of any other United States jurisdiction for 40 years or more may elect to become Emeritus members of the Bar. Emeritus members are not required to pay a license fee. A member who otherwise qualifies for Emeritus membership but wants to continue to practice law in any manner must be an Active member or, if applicable, a Pro Bono member. Emeritus members may be appointed to serve as voting or nonvoting members on any committee, board, panel, council, task force, or other Bar entity, as deemed appropriate.
How do I change to Emeritus Status?
- You must have served on Active and/or Judicial status for 40 years. Time spent on any other status does not count toward the 40-year requirement.
- Complete and submit the Application to Emeritus.
- While on Emeritus status:
- You are not permitted to practice law, as defined by Washington Supreme Court General Rule 24.
- You pay no annual license fee.
- You are not required to earn or report MCLE credits, but you will be required to have completed a certain number of MCLE credits to return to Active status.
Returning to Active from Emeritus Status
Emeritus status is a type of Inactive status that does not require payment of an annual license fee. Complete details about Inactive status and the full requirements to return to Active status. More information here.
Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, bylaws and policies.
