What does disbarment mean?
Disbarment is the formal expulsion of a lawyer from the legal profession, stripping them of the right to practice law within a given jurisdiction. It is imposed by bar associations, courts, or disciplinary tribunals after findings of serious misconduct — most commonly dishonesty, misappropriation of client funds, conflicts of interest, or repeated ethical violations. The term derives from the word "bar," which refers to the physical barrier separating the public from judges and counsel in a courtroom, with those permitted to argue admitted to the bar. Disbarment carries severe practical consequences: a disbarred lawyer cannot appear in court on behalf of clients, usually loses the right to give legal advice for pay, and often faces lasting reputational damage. In some jurisdictions disbarment can be permanent; in others, readmission remains theoretically possible. By extension, the word occasionally denotes expulsion from any profession or learned society.
nounThe formal removal of a lawyer from the bar, barring them from practicing law in a jurisdiction. More broadly, the act of expelling a member from a profession or organization as a disciplinary measure.
- The official revocation of a lawyer's license to practice law, typically following professional misconduct such as fraud, theft of client funds, or serious ethical violations.
- The act of expelling a person from any profession, society, or organization by formal disciplinary action.
"The attorney faced disbarment after evidence emerged that she had misappropriated client funds."
"After being convicted of embezzling millions from clients' trust accounts, he knew disbarment was inevitable."
"The state bar association initiated disbarment proceedings against the attorney who had repeatedly falsified court documents."
Rarely pluralized; used mainly when referring to multiple separate cases across jurisdictions or time periods.
"The report tallied all disbarments handed down by state bars last year."
In some U.S. states, a disbarred lawyer can technically apply for reinstatement — but only a handful ever succeed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disbarment
Disbarment derives from the verb "disbar," formed in English by adding the negative prefix "dis-" to "bar," the term for the railing separating the bench and counsel from spectators in a courtroom — hence an attorney qualified to plead was said to be "admitted to the bar." The verb "disbar" is attested by the mid-17th century, and "disbarment" followed as its noun form. The root "bar" itself traces back through Old French "barre" to Late Latin "barra," meaning a rod or barrier. Related words sharing this root include "barrier," "embargo," and "barrister."
Related word forms
How disbarment is actually used
Disbarment is a formal, legal register term used almost exclusively in professional and journalistic contexts. It carries strong connotations of disgrace and finality, since disbarred lawyers lose their livelihood and standing. In American usage, it may be temporary or permanent depending on the jurisdiction; British practice distinguishes 'struck off' (removal by the Solicitors Regulation Authority) from other sanctions, though 'disbarment' also applies to barristers via the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service.
Easily confused with disbarment
Defrocking is the removal of a member of the clergy from their priestly status, whereas disbarment specifically concerns lawyers and the bar.
Debarment is the general exclusion of a person or firm from participation in something (such as government contracting), while disbarment is limited to removing someone from the legal profession.