Clinton suspended from practicing law in high court

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court yesterday suspended former President Clinton from practicing law before the high court and gave him 40 days to say why he should not be permanently disbarred there.

A Clinton lawyer said the ex-president will argue that disbarment before the high court is inappropriate.

The order likely means Clinton could not argue a case before the high court should he ever return to private law practice. Most lawyers who are admitted to the Supreme Court bar never actually argue a case there, but the right to do so is considered an honor.

The court did not explain its reasons, but Supreme Court disbarment often follows disbarment in lower courts. The court acted after it was notified by the Arkansas Supreme Court that Clinton's Arkansas law license was suspended for five years and he paid a $25,000 fine. The Arkansas suspension took effect in April.

Clinton agreed to the Arkansas fine and suspension Jan. 19, the day before he left office, as part of an understanding with Independent Counsel Robert Ray to end the Monica Lewinsky investigation.