Since mid-2018, emeritus status has been an option for retired attorneys who desire to perform pro bono work with legal aid organizations. Emeritus attorneys fulfill valuable roles in the community by bolstering legal aid and other nonprofit programs to help close the gap between the need for and the availability of free legal services. Read the full press release.

HOW DO I ASSUME EMERITUS STATUS?

Application – Attorneys on retired status in Pennsylvania must complete and submit an Application for Emeritus Status, including appropriate documentation and payment as detailed on the application. *Attorneys not currently on retired status may be eligible to simultaneously assume retired and emeritus status.

Legal Aid Organization Approval – Attorneys who have assumed emeritus status must submit an Eligible Legal Aid Organization Form for approval PRIOR to the commencement of services. (A separate form shall be submitted for each organization for which the attorney expects to perform pro bono services.)   

Renewal – Attorneys on emeritus status are required to renew annually by January 31. Renewal forms are distributed on or before January 1. Failure to renew by January 31 will result in the transfer to retired status.

• Find Applicable Forms
• Pa.R.D.E. 403 – Emeritus Status
• FAQs for Emeritus Attorneys
• Contact the Disciplinary Board