Registration FAQs
1. What are Maine’s registration requirements for attorneys? Show answer
Each lawyer admitted to the active practice of law in Maine shall file a registration statement with the Board of Overseers of the Bar beginning July 1st every year.
Full-time and active retired judges who are members of the Maine or federal judiciary shall be exempt from the payment of the annual registration fee during the time they serve in office. Judges shall remain on the roll of lawyers in judicial status, and may retire in judicial status or resume active practice upon completion of their tenure in office, by filing registration documents and paying the annual registration fee required for the year in which active practice is resumed. Additionally, lawyers who have notified the Board that they are (a) members of the armed forces of the United States who are on active duty outside of Maine, or (b) judicial law clerks, or (c) emeritus attorneys, shall be exempt from the payment of the annual registration fee. Judicial law clerks and emeritus attorneys shall remain on the roll of lawyers during the tenure of their service and annually file registration documents.
Hide answer
2. Does each attorney in my firm have to list the firm's IOLTA account numbers on their individual Annual IOLTA Trust Account Report? Show answer
Yes. Every attorney must verify banking institution/branch names, account names, and account numbers (or if exempt from Maine Bar Rule 6, confirm the reason for your exemption).
Hide answer
3. What are the registration requirements for newly-admitted attorneys? Show answer
Prior to being sworn in, newly-admitted attorneys must register with the Board. The forms (registration and IOLTA) can be found on our website under New Attorney Registration. A separate form, the Maine Judicial Information System (MEJIS) Attorney Information Form, must be submitted by the attorney to the Court after being sworn in and being assigned a bar number.
Hide answer
4. What is my Maine Bar Number? Show answer
A unique Maine Bar Number is assigned to each registered attorney upon swearing in.
Hide answer
5. When do I register? Show answer
The Board of Overseers’ fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Online registration begins on July 1st. Registration statements received after August 31st are considered late and late charges will apply.
Hide answer
6. I'm admitted in Maine but practice out-of-state, do I still have to register in Maine? Show answer
Yes. Upon admission, all attorneys admitted to the Maine Bar, regardless of whether they practice or reside in-state or out-of-state, must immediately register with the Board of Overseers and each year thereafter.
Hide answer
7. What about retirement? Show answer
Maine does not have a retirement status for attorneys. Attorneys may assume inactive status or emeritus status (see Maine Bar Rule 4) when retiring from the practice of law in the State of Maine.
Hide answer
8. How do I assume inactive status? Show answer
Any lawyer, not under an administrative suspension or the subject of a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under these Rules, who has retired or is not engaged in practice may advise the Board in writing, along with a notarized affidavit (examples on our website) of their desire to assume inactive status and discontinue the practice of law. Upon the filing of the notice, the lawyer shall no longer be elligible to practice law in Maine, and will have no registration or CLE requirements with the Board.
Hide answer
9. What is the reinstatement procedure for an inactive attorney to become actively registered? Show answer
Any lawyer on inactive status under Rule 4(e) shall be reinstated by administrative order of the Board is the lawyer seeks reinstatement within five years of the effective date of transfer to inactive status. Any lawyer who fails to seek reinstatement within five years of the effective date of transfer to inactive status may, in the discretion of the Court, be required to petition for reinstatement under Rule 29.
In addition to all other requirements, an inactive lawyer seeking reinstatement shall remit to the Board a reinstatement fee and an arrearage registration payment equal to the total registration fees that the lawyer would have been obligated to pay the Board had the lawyer remained actively registered to practice in Maine during that period of inactive status, but no more than $1,000, and must show proof of a maximium of 24 hours of Continuing Legal Education, to include two live ethics credits and two in-person avoidance of harassment and discrimination credits.
Hide answer
10. How do I update my contact information? Show answer
Registered attorneys are required to update contact information with the Board within 30 days of such change. Attorneys may update their contact information on the Board’s website by logging in using their bar number and PIN. Attorneys may also submit contact information updates by email, Change of Address Form, (board@mebaroverseers.org), fax (207-623-4175) or mail.
Board of Overseers of the Bar
PO Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527
Hide answer
12. What do I need to do if my name changes? Show answer
The Board of Overseers requires written notice of name changes. Name change requests shall be accompanied by a copy of the name change order, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, court order, etc. You can use the Change of Information Form or send the same to the address provided below.
Board of Overseers of the Bar
PO Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527
Hide answer
13. For what purposes is attorney registration money used? Show answer
Registration fees are used to defray the cost of attorney registration, disciplinary investigation, hearings and enforcements, expenses of fee arbitrations and for such other purposes as the Board, with the approval of the Court, may determine.
Hide answer
14. Who do I contact if I have additional questions about registration? Show answer
If you have additional questions, please contact the Board of Overseers using the below contact information.
Board of Overseers of the Bar
PO Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527
Telephone: 207-623-1121
Fax: 207-623-4175
E-mail: board@mebaroverseers.org
Hide answer
