Ohio Gov. Bar. R. 5

As amended through October 29, 2024

Section 5 - Inactive Attorney Registration

(A) Registration

An attorney who is admitted to the practice of law in Ohio may change the attorney's status to inactive by registering as such in a manner authorized by the Office of Attorney Services.

(B) Scope of practice

Until the attorney requests and is granted reinstatement of active status pursuant to Section 2 of this rule, an inactive attorney shall not do any of the following:

(1) Practice law in Ohio;

(2) Hold the attorney's self out as authorized to practice law in Ohio;

(3) Hold nonfederal judicial office in Ohio;

(4) Occupy a nonfederal position in Ohio in which the attorney is called upon to give legal advice or counsel; to examine a law; or to pass upon the legal effect of any act, document, or law;

(5) Be employed in the Ohio judicial system in a position required to be held by an attorney;

(6) Practice before any nonfederal court or agency in Ohio on behalf of any person except the attorney's self.

(C) Obligation to provide and update contact information

An inactive attorney is not required to register biennially pursuant to Section 2 of this rule, but shall keep the Office of Attorney Services apprised of the attorney's current residence address, office address, office telephone number, and office or residence e-mail address, and shall notify the office of any change in the information provided on the most recent registration completed by the attorney pursuant to Section 2 or 3 of this rule.

(D) Law firm letterhead

A law firm may include the name of an inactive attorney on its letterhead if the name was included prior to the time the attorney registered for inactive status, provided the attorney is not suspended from the practice of law and the letterhead includes a designation that the attorney is "inactive." An inactive attorney shall not be listed as "of counsel" or otherwise be represented as being able to engage in the practice of law.

Ohio. Gov. Bar. R. 5

Amended February 9, 2023, effective 7/1/2023.