Ohio Gov. Bar. R. 11

As amended through October 15, 2024

Section 11 - Retirement or Resignation from the Practice of Law

(A)Application to retire or resign

An attorney who wishes to retire or resign from the practice of law in Ohio shall file an application with the Office of Attorney Services. The application shall be on a form furnished by the office and contain both of the following:

(1) A notarized affidavit setting forth the attorney's full name, attorney registration number, date of birth, mailing address, and all other jurisdictions and registration numbers under which the attorney practices. The affidavit shall state all of the following:

(a) The attorney wishes to retire or resign from the practice of law in Ohio;

(b) The attorney fully understands that the retirement or resignation completely divests the attorney of the privilege of engaging in the practice of law, and of each, any, and all of the rights, privileges, and prerogatives appurtenant to the office of attorney and counselor at law;

(c) The attorney fully understands that the retirement or resignation is unconditional, final, and irrevocable.

(2) A written waiver allowing Disciplinary Counsel to review all proceedings and documents relating to review and investigation of grievances made against the attorney under the Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio and the Rules for the Government of the Judiciary of Ohio and to disclose to the Supreme Court any information it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, information that otherwise would be private pursuant to Gov.Bar R. V.

(B)Investigation by Disciplinary Counsel

The Office of Attorney Services shall refer an application received pursuant to division (A) of this section to Disciplinary Counsel. Upon receipt of the referral, Disciplinary Counsel shall determine whether any disciplinary proceedings are pending against the attorney. After completing this inquiry, Disciplinary Counsel shall submit to the office a confidential report, under seal, recommending whether the application should be accepted, denied, or delayed. If Disciplinary Counsel recommends that the application be accepted, the report shall indicate whether the attorney should be designated as "retired" or designated as "resigned with disciplinary action pending." If Disciplinary Counsel recommends that the application be denied or delayed, the report shall provide reasons for the recommendation. Upon receipt of the report from Disciplinary Counsel, the office shall file the application and the report with the Clerk of the Supreme Court.

(C)Order for Retirement, Resignation with Discipline Pending, or the Denial or Deferral of the Application.

Upon receipt and consideration of an application filed pursuant to division (B) of this section, the Supreme Court shall enter an order it deems appropriate. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall serve a copy of an order of retirement or a denial or deferment of an application on the attorney. The Clerk shall serve copies of an order of resignation with discipline pending as provided in Gov. Bar R. V, Section 17(D)(1).

(D)Law firm letterhead for retired attorney

A retired attorney may be designated as "retired" on law firm letterhead if the attorney's name was included on the letterhead prior to the time that the attorney's retirement was accepted by the Supreme Court. A retired attorney shall not be listed as "of counsel" or otherwise be represented as able to engage in the practice of law in Ohio.

Ohio. Gov. Bar. R. 11