Upcoming Events
07/14/2026
Ethical Legal Research with Generative AI
09/09/2026
Attorney Well-Being Committee Meeting
09/17/2026
Power Prompting: Unlocking AI's Potentia
10/05/2026
WCBA Annual Golf Outing & Dinner
WCBA Attorney Succession Registry
The Lawyer Succession Registry is a program which seeks to encourage and enable lawyers to plan for law practice contingencies by designating in advance another lawyer who is willing to assist in the transfer of client files in the event of disability, death or unavailability of the registering lawyer. The Registry does not transfer legal representation from one attorney to another, nor does the Registry convey any representation responsibility to the Designated Lawyer. All information is maintained in a confidential database by Westchester County Bar Association staff.
Program Overview
Program Guidelines
Program Overview
Program Guidelines
Click HERE for the September 2022 article in Westchester Lawyer magazine announcing this new program.
How to Apply
The Lawyer Succession Registry Form must be completed and signed by the requesting attorney. Each registering lawyer will provide the name, address and contact information of a Designated Lawyer whose sole responsibility will be to assist the clients of the registrant in locating and obtaining their files and other property (i.e. Last Will and Testament). The more information completed, the easier the transfer of files/information will be. Applications can be submitted to the Lawyer Succession Registry at the above address by mail, hand delivery, email or fax. A letter confirming registration will be sent.
Click HERE for the WCBA Lawyer Succession Program Application.
Click HERE to update your existing information in the WCBA Lawyer Succession Program.
Cost
Participation in the Registry is free to WCBA members. The cost for non-WCBA members will be $ 300.00 for initial registration and $ 50.00 for renewal and/or changes to the Registry.
Accessing Registry Information
Clients seeking documentation and information concerning files and other property held for them by the registering attorney, as well as courts, representatives and others with a legitimate need for information are required to complete and submit an Information Request Form. The Information Request specifically states that the Registry information is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Designated Lawyer. For an inquiry from the Court or Designated Lawyer, the entire Registry form information for the attorney shall be provided. Only the Designated Lawyer name and contact information will be given out for other requests. All Information Requests must be accompanied by a Court order or photo/government ID, as applicable.
Click HERE if you would like to make an Information Request.
Additional Information for Attorneys
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) offers a free guide for attorneys entitled The Planning Ahead Guide: How to Establish an Advance Exit Plan to Protect Your Clients' Interest in the Event of Your Disability, Retirement or Death. The NYSBA Planning Ahead Guide is provided to all attorneys as a courtesy of the NYSBA and outlines the steps a lawyer must take to protect his or her clients in the event of a sudden inability to continue in practice.
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