How to Check a Lawyer's License in Pennsylvania

Before you hire anyone to handle a legal matter, it is reasonable to confirm that the person is authorized to practice law. A lawyer's name on a website or a business card does not tell you whether the lawyer is currently licensed, whether the license is in good standing, or whether there is a disciplinary history. Checking takes a few minutes and can prevent serious problems later.

This article explains the general steps. It does not recommend any particular lawyer, and it does not tell you whether a particular attorney is a good fit for your case.

Who licenses lawyers in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, lawyers are admitted to practice through the state's highest court, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Discipline for lawyers who break professional rules is handled through the state's disciplinary system, which includes the Disciplinary Board. The Pennsylvania Bar Association offers consumer resources and general information, but it is not the body that licenses lawyers.

Because roles can be confusing, start by checking the official state records, and use the bar association for general guidance.

What to check

When you look up a lawyer, focus on these items:

• Name and license status. Confirm the name matches the person you are speaking with, and that the license is active rather than inactive or suspended.
• Admission details. Note the admission information and make sure it matches what the lawyer tells you.
• Discipline history. Look for public disciplinary records. A past issue does not automatically mean a lawyer is unsuitable, but you should understand what it was and when it happened.
• Practice area. Ask whether the lawyer regularly handles your type of matter.
• Office address and contact information. Confirm they match the office you visit or the location where services are provided.

If something does not match, ask the lawyer to explain. A legitimate lawyer will understand why you are asking.

Warning signs

Be cautious if a person:

• Cannot give you a license or bar number when asked
• Claims to be a lawyer but does not appear in official records
• Uses the title "notary" or "notario" in a way that suggests legal representation
• Asks for a large payment before explaining the work
• Promises results or pressures you to sign quickly

A notary public is not the same as a lawyer in the United States. Notaries witness signatures and may be authorized in limited ways, but they generally cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission publishes general consumer information about scams, which can help you recognize warning signs.

Questions to ask at your first contact

• What is your license number, and where can I verify it?
• Is your license active, and has it ever been suspended or disciplined?
• How many cases like mine have you handled in Pennsylvania courts?
• Who will work on my matter day to day?
• How do you charge, and will you give me a written agreement?
• What will happen if we decide not to work together?

Save the answers, and compare them with the official record.

Using the bar association

The Pennsylvania Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service and consumer resources. These can help you start a search, learn what questions to ask, and understand general steps in finding counsel. A referral service is not an endorsement of any particular lawyer, so verify the license directly even when a referral comes from a trusted source.

Our business practice page and lawyers in Pennsylvania overview explain how the local market is organized, and lawyers in Philadelphia lists local options by practice area. Review any listing against the official records before you rely on it.

Keep a record

Once you have checked a lawyer, keep a short note with the lawyer's name, license information, the date you checked, and the official source you used. If you later have questions about your representation, this record makes it easier to follow up.

Free and low-cost help

If you are not sure where to start, the Legal Services Corporation's legal aid finder can help you locate civil legal aid providers, and many of them can explain how to evaluate a lawyer. Ask any program whether it can confirm general information about the bar process.

FAQ

Is the Pennsylvania Bar Association the same as the licensing authority?

No. The bar association is a professional organization that provides information and services. Licensing and discipline are handled through the state's official court and disciplinary system.

What if I cannot find the lawyer in the official records?

Ask the person to confirm their full name and license information in writing. If the information still cannot be found, do not hire them until you understand why.

Does a discipline record mean I should never hire the lawyer?

Not automatically. Read the public record, ask the lawyer to explain the matter, and decide whether it is relevant to your situation.

Is a lawyer's website a good place to verify a license?

A website can give you contact details and background, but it is not an official record. Always confirm the license through the state's official source.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Pennsylvania attorney about your situation.