Certified paralegals who have retired from the workforce may now petition the board for retired status. If granted, retired status allows a certified paralegal to hold him or herself out as a “North Carolina State Bar Retired Certified Paralegal.” Generally, retired status will be granted upon the petitioner’s demonstration of the following conditions:

1. Petitioner has been certified as a paralegal for five years or more;
2. Petitioner is at least 55 years of age or older;
3. Petitioner has discontinued all work as a paralegal;
4. Petitioner is current on all membership obligations with the North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal Program.

Retired certified paralegal status may continue for a period time not to exceed a total of five years (60 months). For additional information regarding the new retired certified paralegal status, see the North Carolina State Bar's Governing Rules. 

Petition for Retired Status