OAG 1994-011.

• Case Date: March 18, 1994
• Court: Ohio

Ohio Attorney General Opinions 1994. OAG 1994-011. March 18, 1994OPINION NO. 1994-011The Honorable George V. VoinovichOffice of the Governor 77 South High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43266-0601Dear Governor Voinovich: You have requested an opinion on behalf of the Ohio Notary Commission regarding the status of an attorney's commission as a notary public when the attorney is registered as inactive or retired pursuant to Gov. Bar R. VI.(fn1) Specifically, you ask whether, assuming all other requirements of R.C. 147.03 for maintaining a commission as a notary public are met, such attorneys continue to be "in good standing before the Ohio supreme court" within the meaning of R.C. 147.03 so that they can maintain their commissions.

Attorney Registration Status

Article IV, §2(B)(1)(g) of the Ohio Constitution confers upon the Ohio Supreme Court original jurisdiction regarding "[a]dmission to the practice of law, the discipline of persons so admitted, and all other matters relating to the practice of law." Pursuant to this constitutional directive, the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio address in a comprehensive manner each of the foregoing matters. In particular, all attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio are required to register with the Clerk of the Ohio Supreme Court. Gov. Bar R. VI. Attorneys in active status must file a certificate of registration biennially, together with the required fee, and keep the Attorney Registration Office apprised of any address changes. Gov. Bar R. VI, §1(A), (D). Pursuant to Gov. Bar R. X, attorneys in active status are also subject to continuing legal education (CLE) requirements. As an alternative to active status, an attorney may register as inactive or retired, pursuant to the following provisions of Gov. Bar R. VI:

SECTION 2. Inactive Attorneys

An attorney who is admitted to the practice of law in Ohio may be granted inactive status by applying to the Clerk for an exemption from payment of the registration fee at the time the attorney files a Certificate of Registration. Until the attorney requests and is granted reinstatement of active status, an inactive attorney shall not be entitled to practice law in Ohio; hold himself or herself out as authorized to practice law in Ohio; hold nonfederal judicial office in Ohio; render any legal service for an attorney

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