(AP) — A critic of former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline says the ex-prosecutor has the right to renew his Kansas law license while a ruling from the Supreme Court on his conduct is pending.

Pedro Irigonegaray, a Topeka attorney who faced Kline in several abortion investigations, says Thursday that the state’s legal system is structured to protect Kline’s rights to practice law.

Kline, oncea national figure for investigating abortion providers, had allowed his Kansas law license to lapse for several years.

Kline said Wednesday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that he completed the necessary requirements to retain an active license.

He is awaiting a ruling from the Supreme Court in a disciplinary case regarding his alleged misconduct in prosecuting abortion clinics while attorney general.