By Order dated October 29, 2020, the Supreme Court has adopted a set of amendments to the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement to allow for “permanent resignation” from the bar.
One amendment adds a new Rule 404, providing that an attorney who is not under disciplinary investigation may submit for permanent resignation from the bar without disciplinary stigma. The option is also available to attorneys on administrative suspension but not to those against whom a complaint of misconduct is pending. The resignation would not be defined as “discipline” under Rule 204(a). Additionally, an attorney who has permanently resigned under Rule 404 and desires to be readmitted to the Pennsylvania bar may not be reinstated under the Enforcement Rules and must seek readmission to the bar pursuant to the Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rules.
The Order also amends Rules 102, 201, 204, and 217 to include permanent resignation.