“Retirement” means something different to each attorney.  OBLIC insured attorneys often call the Hotline to ask what Attorney Registration Status to select when they are retiring.  The Answer depends on what the attorney wants to do.

Here are options if attorney wants to:

Continue to work “part-time” at current firm:

• • ​Must maintain Active Attorney Registration Status
  • ​See Gov Bar R VI. Registration of Attorneys Section 2. Active Attorney Registration
  • ​Notify OBLIC to change to Part-time coverage

Become “Of Counsel” at current firm:

• • ​Must maintain Active Attorney Registration Status
  • See Ohio Board of Professional Conduct Opinion 2008-1, Opinion 2013-1,Opinion 2014-4, and Opinion 2020-7.
  • ​Notify OBLIC of “Of counsel” status and discuss coverage

Retire from current firm and practice in their own firm, as a sole practitioner, or as a LPA, LLC, or LLP, as permitted by Gov. Bar R. III. Legal Professional Association Authorized to Practice Law, whether the attorney is full-time or part-time:

• • ​Must maintain Active Attorney Registration Status
  • ​Apply to OBLIC for coverage for new firm entity

Retire from current firm and become “Of Counsel”:

• • Must maintain Active Attorney Registration Status
  • See Ohio Board of Professional Conduct Opinion 2008-1, Opinion 2013-1,Opinion 2014-4, and Opinion 2020-7.
  • ​​Notify OBLIC of “Of counsel” status and discuss coverage

Retire and cease the practice of law:

• • ​May take Inactive Attorney Registration Status as an alternative to Retirement or ​Resignation
  • ​See Gov. Bar R. VI. Registration of Attorneys Section 5. Inactive Attorney Registration
  • ​Notify OBLIC and discuss eligibility for “Tail” options

Provide limited legal service to pro bono organization recognized by Ohio Supreme Court:

• • ​May apply for Emeritus Pro Bono Status Registration
  • ​See Gov. Bar R. VI.  Registration of Attorneys Section 8.  Emeritus Pro Bono ​Registration
  • ​Notify OBLIC that Emeritus Pro Bono organization provides professional liability insurance and discuss eligibility for “Tail” options

Permanently retire or resign from the practice of law:

• • ​May apply for Retirement or Resignation from the Practice of Law.  This status is unconditional, final and IRREVOCABLE!
  • ​See Gov. Bar R. VI. Registration of Attorneys Section 11. Retirement or Resignation​from the Practice of Law
  • ​Notify OBLIC and discuss eligibility for “Tail” options

Whatever option the attorney selects, they should work with their OBLIC Underwriter to determine the malpractice insurance available.  If the attorney is taking Inactive Status, ALL active cases must be concluded while the attorney still has Active Status, with a current policy in effect. Discuss with your OBLIC Underwriter the timing of your inactive status and eligibility for purchasing “Tail” or An Extended Reporting Endorsement.  We are happy to further address any questions.  We’re here to help!

Gretchen Mote, Esq
Director of Loss Prevention

Monica Waller, Esq.
Senior Loss Prevention Counsel