How to Check a Lawyer's License in Michigan
Updated 2026-10-05
Before you hire a lawyer, it is reasonable to confirm that the person is licensed to practice law in Michigan and that the license is active. A lawyer who is not licensed in the state, or whose license is restricted or inactive, may not be allowed to represent you in Michigan courts. Checking takes only a few minutes and can prevent problems later.
This guide explains how the check generally works and what to look for. It is general information, not advice about choosing a particular lawyer.
Who licenses lawyers in Michigan
The State Bar of Michigan is the governing body for lawyers in the state. Its website includes an Attorney Search for people licensed to practice law in Michigan, information about the profession, and a list of registered lawyer referral programs. The State Bar is the official starting point when you want to confirm a lawyer's standing.
Be careful about sources that look official but are not. Some websites use names similar to government or bar associations. Start from the State Bar's own website, and type the address yourself rather than following a link in an advertisement or an unsolicited message.
Step by step: how to check
- Get the lawyer's full name. Ask for the name exactly as it appears on their professional materials. Some lawyers use a middle initial or a different name in directories.
- Search the State Bar of Michigan's Attorney Search. Use the search on the State Bar's website, and try more than one spelling if the first search returns nothing.
- Compare the details. Check that the name, city, and firm match what the lawyer told you.
- Read the status. Look for whether the license is active. Note any restriction, inactive status, or other designation.
- Look for discipline information. Check whether there are public records of discipline. The State Bar's website lists the Attorney Discipline Board among its regulatory agencies, and discipline information is generally available through official channels.
- Keep a record. Save a screenshot or a note with the date you checked.
What the status can tell you
An active license means the lawyer is currently authorized to practice law in Michigan. An inactive or otherwise non-active status can mean the person is not allowed to practice law in the state at that time, even if they were licensed in the past. Ask the lawyer to explain any status you do not understand, and do not rely on their explanation alone. Confirm with the State Bar.
Some lawyers are licensed in more than one state. If your matter is in a Michigan court, confirm that the lawyer is licensed in Michigan or is authorized in some other lawful way for that case.
Look at the discipline history
Public discipline records can show whether a lawyer has been suspended or disbarred, or has agreed to certain terms with regulators. Not every complaint leads to discipline, and a single item does not always tell the full story. Still, it is a reasonable part of your review. Ask the lawyer to explain any matter in their history that you find, and consider whether the explanation is clear and direct.
What the check does not cover
A license check confirms the lawyer's legal authority to practice. It does not tell you whether the lawyer has experience in your type of case, how they communicate, or what they charge. Those questions belong in your consultation. A license check is one step in a larger review.
Other things to confirm
- The lawyer's address and phone number match the firm's public information
- The person you meet with is the same person who will work on your case
- The engagement agreement names the lawyer and the firm, and says how fees are handled
- Anyone who is not a lawyer, such as a paralegal or a notary, is not presenting themselves as a lawyer
Some people offer legal document help without being licensed attorneys. Those services are regulated differently and may not provide the same protection or representation.
When to be cautious
Slow down if a person:
- Cannot give you a license number or a bar membership detail
- Says they are licensed but cannot be found in the State Bar directory
- Pressures you to pay immediately or to sign before you have checked
- Promises a specific outcome
- Asks you to send money to a personal account
Any of these signs deserves further review. You can always ask the State Bar directly.
Questions to ask at the first meeting
- Are you licensed in Michigan, and is your license active?
- Have you handled cases like mine in the Michigan courts where my matter would be heard?
- How do you charge, and what is included in the fee?
- Who will work on my case day to day?
- How will we communicate, and how quickly do you usually respond?
Finding a lawyer in Michigan
You can compare practice areas and firms through Lawyers in Michigan and lawyers in Southfield. Use the State Bar check described above before you share sensitive information or sign an agreement.
Free and low-cost options
If you want help with the search, the State Bar of Michigan lists registered lawyer referral programs. These programs can connect you with lawyers who agree to certain fee terms or a limited consultation. Ask about any conditions before you proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer practice in Michigan if they are licensed elsewhere?
Only in ways that Michigan rules allow. A lawyer licensed only in another state generally cannot simply practice in Michigan courts. Confirm the lawyer's status with the State Bar of Michigan before you hire them.
What if I cannot find the lawyer in the directory?
Check the spelling and try a search by a different name. If you still cannot find them, ask the lawyer for their license information in writing and confirm with the State Bar.
Does a license check tell me if the lawyer is good?
No. A license check confirms legal authority to practice, not quality or fit. Look at experience, communication, and fee terms too.
General information, not legal advice. Licensing rules and public records can change, and the right lawyer depends on your situation. Confirm details directly with the State Bar of Michigan and talk to a licensed attorney about your own matter.