Rule 19 Reinstatement
Rule Text
(a) Resuming Practice. No disbarred or suspended attorney may resume practice until reinstated by Supreme Court order.
(b) Timeline for Reinstatement Petition. An attorney who has been disbarred may not apply for reinstatement until 5 years after the effective date of disbarment. An attorney suspended from practice may not apply for reinstatement until the earlier of 5 years after the effective date of suspension or the expiration of at least one-half of the period of suspension. An attorney who has resigned under Rule 18 may not apply for reinstatement until 5 years after the Supreme Court order consenting to the resignation.
(c) Petition for Reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement by a disbarred or suspended attorney must be filed with the Supreme Court. The petitioner must pay the appropriate filing fee to the Commonwealth Treasurer. The petition must include:
(1) The name and residential address of the petitioner;
(2) The conduct upon which the disbarment was based;
(3) A copy of the suspension or disbarment order;
(4) A statement that the petitioner has made restitution to any person who suffered financial losses because of the petitioner’s actions that gave rise to the suspension or disbarment;
(5) A list of the names and addresses of the people who received restitution;
(6) A statement that the petitioner has paid all fines or costs imposed in conjunction with the disciplinary hearing that led to suspension or disbarment;
(7) A copy of the petitioner’s fitness and character application; and
(8) A copy of the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination showing that the petitioner has passed the exam after being disbarred or suspended.
(d) Petition Hearing. After receiving a petition for reinstatement, the Supreme Court must set the matter for a hearing. At the hearing, the petitioner has the burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence that he or she is qualified to practice law in the Commonwealth.
(e) Reimbursement of Expenses. The petitioner is responsible for reasonable expenses associated with a petition for reinstatement.