R. Con. Bar Mich. 3
A person engaged in the practice of law in Michigan must be an active member of the State Bar. In addition to its traditional meaning, the term "person engaged in the practice of law" in this rule includes a person licensed to practice law in Michigan or another jurisdiction and employed in Michigan in the administration of justice or in a position which requires that the person be a law school graduate, but does not include (1) a judicial law clerk who is a member or is seeking to become a member of the bar of another jurisdiction and who does not intend to practice in Michigan after the clerkship ends, or (2) an instructor in law. Only an active member may vote in a State Bar election or hold a State Bar office. A person not an active member who engages in the practice of law is subject to discipline or prosecution for unauthorized practice.
An active member may request an inactive classification.
If the inactive member has been or is currently subject to disciplinary action in another jurisdiction, the application must be referred to the Attorney Discipline Board and action on the application delayed until the board makes a decision.
A student in good standing at a law school approved by the Board of Law Examiners or the American Bar Association may be a member of the law student section.
A legal assistant as defined in the State Bar bylaws may become an affiliate member of the State Bar of Michigan and shall thereupon be a member of the legal assistants section. A legal administrator as defined in the State Bar bylaws may become an affiliate member of the State Bar of Michigan and shall thereupon be a member of the legal administrators section.
An active or inactive member who is not subject to pending disciplinary action in this state or any other jurisdiction may resign from membership by notifying the secretary of the State Bar in writing. The secretary shall notify the member when the request is accepted, whereupon the member no longer will be qualified to practice law in Michigan and no longer will be eligible to receive any other member benefits. The secretary of the State Bar also shall notify the clerk of the Supreme Court of the resignation. To be readmitted as a member of the State Bar, a person who has voluntarily resigned and who is not otherwise eligible for admission without examination under Rule 5 of the Rules for the Board of Law Examiners must reapply for admission, satisfy the Board of Law Examiners that the person possesses the requisite character and fitness to practice law, obtain a passing score on the Michigan Bar Examination, and pay applicable fees and dues. Resignation does not deprive the Attorney Grievance Commission or the Attorney Discipline Board of jurisdiction over the resignee with respect to misconduct that occurred before the effective date of resignation.
Effective October 1, 2004, an active or inactive member who is 70 years of age or older or has been a member of the State Bar for at least 30 years, and who is not subject to pending disciplinary action in this state or any other jurisdiction, may elect emeritus status by notifying the secretary of the State Bar in writing. The secretary shall notify the member when the request is accepted, whereupon the member no longer will be qualified to practice law in Michigan, but will be eligible to receive other member benefits as directed by the Board of Commissioners of the State Bar. The secretary of the State Bar also shall notify the clerk of the Supreme Court when a member is given emeritus status. Members who were age 70 or older as of October 1, 2003, who resigned or were suspended from membership after October 1, 2003, but before September 30, 2004, for nonpayment of dues are to be automatically reinstated as emeritus members, effective October 1, 2004, unless they notify the secretary of the State Bar that they do not wish to be reinstated.
R. Con. Bar Mich. 3