Background
Richard J. Tappan petitioned the Supreme Court of Maryland for reinstatement to the Maryland Bar. The nature and circumstances of his prior removal from the Bar are not detailed in the order itself, but reinstatement proceedings before the Supreme Court of Maryland follow Bar Counsel review under the Maryland Rules governing attorney discipline and reinstatement.
Bar Counsel filed a response to Tappan’s reinstatement petition, as required by the applicable rules. The court considered both the petition and Bar Counsel’s response before acting.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Maryland, per Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, granted Tappan’s petition and reinstated him as a member of the Maryland Bar, effective May 26, 2026. The court further directed the Clerk to provide notice of the order in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761, which governs notification procedures in attorney discipline and reinstatement matters.
The order is brief and purely dispositional; the court did not issue a written opinion elaborating on the grounds for reinstatement or the weight given to Bar Counsel’s response.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court of Maryland granted Richard J. Tappan’s petition for reinstatement to the Maryland Bar as of May 26, 2026.
- Bar Counsel responded to the petition, and the court considered that response before granting reinstatement.
- The Clerk of Court was ordered to provide notice pursuant to Maryland Rule 19-761.
Why It Matters
Reinstatement orders from the Supreme Court of Maryland signal that a previously disciplined attorney has satisfied the requirements for readmission, including demonstrating rehabilitation and fitness to practice. This order confirms that the court, after receiving input from Bar Counsel, found Tappan eligible to resume the practice of law in Maryland.
Practitioners and bar applicants should note that the reinstatement process requires Bar Counsel participation and court approval at the Supreme Court level, underscoring the rigorous oversight Maryland applies to the readmission of attorneys who have previously been removed from the Bar.