The New Jersey Supreme Court has made a landmark decision, overturning a 45-year precedent, to allow disbarred attorneys to reapply for legal membership after a period of at least five years. This decision marks a significant shift in the state's policy, aligning it with the majority of states that offer disbarred lawyers a second chance. The ruling comes as part of a broader trend towards rehabilitation and reintegration of professionals who have faced severe career penalties, including those disbarred for stealing client funds.