To Active from Emeritus Information

General Requirements for Returning to Active Membership from Emeritus/Pro Bono

Membership changes are granted in accordance with the provisions of the WSBA Bylaws.  Members should review Article III of the WSBA Bylaws as changes in the Bylaws can affect membership change requirements. Some key provisions to consider are:

  • Emeritus members are not required to earn or report MCLE credits while Emeritus, but may choose to do so, and will be required to do so to return to Active membership.
  • Emeritus members who have been Emeritus for less than six consecutive years will be required to have earned 45 MCLE credits within six years prior to the return to Active.
  • Emeritus members who have been Emeritus for greater than six consecutive years must earn 45 MCLE credits within three years prior to the return to Active date and, in addition, complete 15 hours of live reinstatement courses sponsored by the WSBA and specifically approved for this purpose.  The reinstatement course credits will apply to the member’s next reporting period.
  • For purposes of determining whether a member has been Emeritus for more than six consecutive years, the time continues to run until the change to Active membership is completed, regardless of when the application is submitted to the WSBA.
  • If a member has been Emeritus for less than one year, and the member is in an MCLE reporting group that was required to report during the time the member was Emeritus, the member must establish compliance with the MCLE reporting requirements for that reporting period before changing to Active.
  • Emeritus members must pay a non-refundable $100 fee and submit a Request for Application to Active form.  Upon receipt, an application packet with the member’s detailed requirements for returning to Active will be provided to the member.
  • The Bar exam may be required in unusual cases, e.g., reason to suspect inability to practice or a lack of  “active legal experience” (as defined in APR 3(b)(iii)) for an extended period of time.

Reinstatement Course

Information and registration for the required reinstatement/readmission course for those away from active membership for more than six years, or who resigned less than four years ago, is available online at the CLE Store.