ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


[photo, 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland] In 1975, the Attorney Grievance Commission was created by Rule of the Court of Appeals.

The Commission investigates complaints against lawyers practicing in Maryland and administers discipline to them (Maryland Rule 19-702). It also supervises the inactive status of lawyers and monitors nonmembers of the Maryland Bar who practice in Maryland. The Commission approves all recommendations for dismissal or reprimand made by the Bar Counsel or Peer Review Panels and may direct that public charges be filed against an attorney. All reprimands are public. The Commission meets monthly (Maryland Rule 19-702).

200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland, March 2020. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.


The Commission is funded by annual assessments paid by attorneys wishing to practice in Maryland which constitute the Disciplinary Fund (Maryland Rule 19-705). A portion of the fee also is deposited in the Clients' Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland. The Disciplinary Fund reimburses clients and third-parties for losses (not recoverable from other sources) caused by misuse of client money.

Twelve members make up the Commission. They are nine lawyers and three lay persons appointed to three-year terms by the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Commission selects the Executive Counsel and Director (Maryland Rule 19-702).

The Commission formerly was at the People's Resource Center, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland. It moved to 200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, in April 2015.

BAR COUNSEL

The Bar Counsel and staff investigate all matters involving possible attorney misconduct, prosecute disciplinary proceedings, and investigate petitions for reinstatement.

Subject to approval of the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Commission appoints an attorney to serve as Bar Counsel and principal executive officer of the disciplinary system (Maryland Rule 19-703, 19-711 through 19-718).

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