Why Credential Verification Matters
Hiring an attorney or engaging a legal professional is a significant decision. Whether you are a client seeking representation, a law firm conducting due diligence on a lateral hire, or a corporation onboarding outside counsel, verifying that an attorney is properly licensed and in good standing is an essential first step — not an optional one.
Unfortunately, credential fraud does occur. Individuals have misrepresented their bar admission status, fabricated certifications, or concealed disciplinary history. A few straightforward verification steps can protect you from serious harm.
Step 1: Search Your State Bar's Attorney Directory
Every state bar association maintains a publicly searchable online directory of licensed attorneys. These databases typically display:
- Full name and any former names
- Bar admission date and current status (active, inactive, suspended, disbarred)
- State of admission and bar number
- Business address and contact information
- Any publicly disclosed disciplinary history
Simply navigate to your state bar's website and use the "Find a Lawyer" or "Attorney Search" tool. This should always be your first verification step.
Step 2: Check for Multi-Jurisdictional Admissions
Many attorneys are admitted in more than one state or before federal courts. If an attorney claims admission in multiple jurisdictions, verify each one through the respective state bar's directory. For federal court admissions, the relevant federal district court's website often maintains a public attorney directory.
Step 3: Verify Specialty Certifications
If an attorney claims a board certification or specialization credential, that certification should be verifiable through the issuing organization. Steps to verify:
- Ask the attorney for the name of the certifying body and their certification number.
- Visit the certifying organization's website directly (not a link provided by the attorney).
- Use the organization's public certification lookup tool, if available.
- If no public lookup exists, contact the organization directly by phone or email to confirm.
Step 4: Review Disciplinary History
Bar directories typically include information about public disciplinary actions, but the level of detail varies by state. For a more thorough review:
- Search the ABA's National Lawyer Regulatory Data Bank (access typically for bar regulators, but disciplinary decisions are often published online).
- Review the state supreme court's published disciplinary orders — these are usually available on the court's website.
- Search the attorney's name alongside "disciplinary" or "suspension" in your preferred search engine for any news coverage.
Step 5: Confirm Law School Credentials If Relevant
For employment purposes, law school credentials can be confirmed through the National Student Clearinghouse, which verifies degrees from accredited institutions. You can also contact the law school's registrar directly to confirm graduation and degree conferral.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
| Red Flag | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Cannot provide bar number | May not be licensed |
| Vague about state(s) of admission | Unauthorized practice risk |
| Certification not verifiable online | Credential may be fabricated |
| Status shows "inactive" or "suspended" | Not authorized to practice |
| Disciplinary history not disclosed | Lack of transparency |
Quick Verification Checklist
- Search state bar directory for active status
- Confirm bar number matches records
- Verify any specialty certifications with issuing body
- Review publicly available disciplinary records
- Confirm law school degree if required for the role
Taking these steps takes only a few minutes but provides significant peace of mind when entrusting your legal matters to a professional.