Registration FAQ's

Maine Bar Rule 6(a) requires all attorneys admitted to practice in the State of Maine, except attorneys who have notified the Board of Overseers that they are members of the armed forces of the United States who are on active duty outside of the State of Maine, file an annual registration statement.

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Yes. All lawyers who have IOLTA accounts have to list their accounts and sign the report form so that Maine Bar Foundation can access information to verify that the banks have the account properly designated as IOLTA and are remitting funds accordingly. Where there is a discrepancy, Maine Bar Foundation staff cannot discuss this with the bank without a signature and account information on the same sheet.

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When sworn in, newly-admitted attorneys receive an informational packet from the Court Clerk. The packet contains a first registration statement which must be completed, signed and returned to the Board of Overseers with a check for the required fees. The informational packet also contains the Maine Judicial Information System (MEJIS) Attorney Information Form and the Annual Trust Account Report and IOLTA Election Form.

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A unique Maine Bar Number is assigned to each registered attorney. A registration card providing notice of that Bar Number is mailed annually to registered attorneys.

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The Board of Overseers’ fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th. Registration statements are mailed on or about July 1st of each year. Registration statements received after August 31st are considered late and late charges will apply.

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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.

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Maine does not have a retirement status for attorneys. Attorneys may either assume inactive status or withdraw from the practice of law in the State of Maine.

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Attorneys not currently the subject of disciplinary investigations or proceedings may advise the Board of Overseers in writing of their desire to discontinue the practice of law in Maine and be placed on inactive status. Attorneys seeking inactive status must comply with Maine Bar Rule 7.3(i)(2). Inactive status requests will not be completed without the accompanying affidavit required by Maine Bar Rule 7.3(i)(2). Upon the filing of such notice, the attorney is no longer eligible to practice law in Maine or allowed in any manner to indicate or advertise an authority to so practice in Maine. Attorneys on inactive status must file a registration statement with the Board of Overseers for three years after their change to inactive status. During that period, inactive attorneys pay an annual registration fee equal to one-half of the fee required under Bar Rule 10 for a similarly situated active attorney. See Maine Bar Rule 6(c)(1). Inactive attorneys have no CLE requirements.

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Attorneys not currently the subject of disciplinary investigations or proceedings may advise the Board of Overseers in writing of their desire to discontinue the practice of law in Maine. Attorneys seeking to withdraw must comply with Maine Bar Rule 7.3(i)(2). Withdrawal requests will not be completed without the accompanying affidavit required by Maine Bar Rule 7.3(i)(2). Upon the filing of such notice, the attorney is no longer eligible to practice law in Maine or allowed in any manner to indicate or advertise an authority to so practice in Maine. See Maine Bar Rule 6(c)(2).

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Pursuant to Maine Bar Rule 6(c)(3), inactive attorneys or attorneys who have withdrawn from practice in Maine must petition the Board Chair and provide persuasive evidence of compliance with the factors as enumerated under Rule 7.3(j)(5), (B), (E) & (F). The petitioner must demonstrate compliance with the continuing legal education requirements of Rule 12(a)(1) for each year the attorney has been inactive, withdrawn or prohibited from the practice of law in Maine, but need not complete more than 22 credit hours of approved continuing legal education for that entire period of absence from practice, provided that: (1) no more than one half of the credits are earned through in-office courses, self-study, or a combination thereof; and (2) at least two credit hours are primarily concerned with the issues of ethics or professional responsibility.

In addition to all other requirements, attorneys seeking reinstatement must remit to the Board a $ 125.00 reinstatement fee and an arrearage registration payment equal to the total fee that the attorney would have been obligated to pay the Board under Rule 10 had the attorney remained actively registered to practice in Maine during that period of inactive or withdrawn status, minus a credit for the total payment made by the attorney for the first three years of the inactive period but not more than $1,000.00.

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Registered attorneys may update their contact information on the Board’s website. Attorneys must login to the website using the unique username and PIN assigned to update contact information. Attorneys may also submit contact information updates by email, (board@mebaroverseers.org), fax (207-623-4175) or mail.

Board of Overseers of the Bar
PO Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527

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The Board of Overseers requires written notice of name changes. Please send the same to the address provided below.

Board of Overseers of the Bar
PO Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527

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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.

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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

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