1. How do I retire from the bar? 
A retirement form, JD-CL-68, is available at any judicial district clerk's office or at the office of the Client Security Fund Committee.
 
The form must be filed with the superior court clerk in triplicate at the following address:

Clerk, Superior Court
Hartford Judicial District
95 Washington Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Written notice of retirement from the practice of law does not constitute removal from the bar or the roll of attorneys, but it is noted on the roll of attorneys kept by the clerk in Hartford County who notifies the Statewide Bar Counsel of the retirement. The notice must include the attorney's juris number and must be filed in triplicate with the clerk. Upon the filing of the notice, the attorney is no longer eligible to practice law as an attorney admitted in the State of Connecticut. Section 2-55 of the Connecticut Practice Book.

2. Is retirement permanent or can I revoke it? 
Retirement may be revoked at any time upon written notice to the clerk for Hartford County and the Statewide Bar Counsel. There is no form to fill out to revoke retirement; it can be done with a letter. Disciplinary proceedings against an attorney are not stayed or terminated on account of the attorney’s retirement from the practice of law.

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3. How is retirement different than resignation? 
Retirement is a voluntary decision by an attorney to stop practicing law because the attorney does not want to practice law in Connecticut any longer. Section 2-55 of the Connecticut Practice Book. The attorney may come out of retirement at any time; retirement is not discipline.

Resignation is the voluntary decision by an attorney who is the subject of a disciplinary investigation to stop practicing law. If the attorney waives his or her right to apply for reinstatement as part of the resignation, he or she will never be able to practice law in Connecticut again.  Resignation is treated as a disciplinary sanction and can lead to reciprocal discipline in other jurisdictions.

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4. Do I have to register with the Statewide Grievance Committee if I am retired? 
Yes.  Attorneys can elect retirement status pursuant to Section 2-55 of the Connecticut Practice Book.  Retirement does not constitute removal from the bar or the roll of attorneys.  Retirement is not permanent and can be revoked at any time.  Section 2-27 of the Connecticut Practice Book does not exempt retired attorneys from the registration requirement.   There are no fees involved with the registration process, the only requirement is that you register annually, and notify the Statewide Grievance Committee of any changes pertinent to registration.

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5. Do I have to pay the Client Security Fund fee if I am retired?
No.  See Section 2-70 of the Connecticut Practice Book.  If you wish to revoke your retirement, you will owe the Client Security Fund fee for the year in which you retired.

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