Colorado Supreme Court

Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel

Promoting Professionalism. Protecting the Public.

Disability Inactive Status

The rules governing disability proceedings have changed. Click here to review the new rules.

The practice of law can be a demanding profession. The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel understands that lawyers are people who may be experiencing difficult times in their personal lives due to numerous factors. The office will direct lawyers to resources that may help during challenging times, such as the Colorado Lawyers Assistance Program (COLAP), Colorado Mentoring Program (CAMP), Colorado Lawyers Helping Lawyers (CLHL), and other organizations.

However, when it is shown that an attorney is unable to fulfill professional responsibilities competently because of physical, mental, or emotional infirmity or illness, including addiction, this office may be required to petition the Court to transfer the attorney to disability inactive status. C.R.C.P. 243.1-243.8. Transfer to disability inactive status is not a form of discipline. The attorney may petition to be reinstated after proving that the disability has been removed and the attorney is once again competent to resume the practice of law.