Disbarment

Disbarment is a form of discipline of a lawyer resulting in the loss (often permanently) of that lawyer's right to practice law. It is contrasted with censure or suspension.

Notable Examples

• Mike Nifong was disbarred for his prosecution of the innocent Duke lacrosse players in 2006.
• Fred Phelps, better known as the former pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church, was also a lawyer who was disbarred (by agreement) after filing numerous frivolous lawsuits against persons attempting to sue him.
• Alger Hiss was disbarred after being convicted of perjury in 1951. His Massachusetts law license was later reinstated in 1975.