This page helps with an attorney search in Ohio by showing how to use the Supreme Court of Ohio Attorney Search and related official services for directory lookup, registration questions, and good standing requests.
The Attorney Search directory is a statewide tool for finding attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio. It can also help users identify when a separate certificate of good standing request may be needed.
Supreme Court of Ohio Attorney Search
Use the Supreme Court of Ohio Attorney Search to search the attorney directory. The search accepts partial names, attorney registration numbers, and geographic information.
Helpful search fields include:
- Attorney registration number
- Last name and first name
- City, state, county, or ZIP code
- Language spoken through Advanced Search
After choosing the details you have, move through the search in order.
- Enter any part of the attorney name, registration number, or location information.
- Select Search to review matching directory results.
- Use Advanced Search when searching by language, including Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, or French.
- Reset the search if the first set of terms is too narrow or too broad.
Directory caution: being listed does not necessarily mean the attorney is in good standing with the Supreme Court or permitted to practice law in Ohio.
Good standing certificates
The Supreme Court Registration and Continuing Legal Education Section issues certificates of good standing for Ohio attorneys. A standard certificate includes the attorney’s full name, attorney registration number, admission date, and current registration status.
A certificate with disciplinary information includes the standard certificate details plus a summary of administrative actions, sanctions, suspensions, and disciplinary information, or a statement when none applies.
Use the Certificates of Good Standing page to review certificate types, eligibility, fees, and processing times. Use the Good Standing Request form to submit a request.
| Certificate type | Fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Certificate | $20 | Up to 4 business days |
| Certificate with Disciplinary Information | $35 | Up to 10 business days |
| Expedited Same-Day Certificate | $50 | Issued the same day if received by 2 p.m. ET |
Certificate fees are non-refundable. Online requests are payable by credit card, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Attorney registration and portal records
The Registration and Continuing Legal Education Section administers Ohio attorney registration. Active and corporate attorneys must register and pay the registration fee on or before Sept. 1 of each odd-numbered year.
The Attorney Registration page explains registration categories, forms, reinstatement, name changes, and related attorney services. Attorneys can use the Attorney Portal to access the Registration and Continuing Legal Education Section online portal with an attorney registration number.
Inactive attorneys are not required to file a certificate of registration, but they must keep a current residence or business address and other contact information on file with the Court.
Attorney status limits and disciplinary questions
The attorney directory is useful for locating attorneys admitted in Ohio, but it is not a complete proof of current practice authority. For a formal status check, use a certificate of good standing or contact the appropriate Supreme Court of Ohio attorney services office.
The Supreme Court of Ohio oversees the practice of law in the state. Attorney and judge complaint matters are handled through the disciplinary system, including the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Board of Professional Conduct, and Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.
Attorney search contacts
Use these contacts for attorney directory questions, registration issues, and good standing certificate support.
-
Office of Attorney Services, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, 5th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
Phone: (614) 387-9320
Fax: (614) 387-9349
Email: ATTYREG@sc.ohio.gov -
Registration and Continuing Legal Education Section, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, 5th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3431
Phone: (614) 387-9320
Fax: (614) 387-9349
Email: attyreg@sc.ohio.gov -
Good standing certificate support
Phone: (614) 387-9320
Email: GoodStandingRequests@sc.ohio.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Common questions
Where do I search for an Ohio attorney?
Use the Attorney Search directory from the Supreme Court of Ohio. You can search by name, attorney registration number, or location details.
Does an attorney directory listing prove good standing?
No. Inclusion in the directory does not necessarily show that the attorney is in good standing or permitted to practice law in Ohio. A certificate of good standing is the formal route for that review.
How long does a certificate of good standing take?
A standard certificate is usually processed within four business days. A certificate with disciplinary information may take up to 10 business days, and expedited same-day certificates are issued the same day if received by 2 p.m. ET.
Who handles Ohio attorney registration questions?
The Registration and Continuing Legal Education Section handles attorney registration requirements and related portal support. The section can be reached at (614) 387-9320.