The Board of Bar Overseers and the Office of Bar Counsel investigate complaints of wrongdoing and violations of the Rules of Ethics brought against attorneys. The number of complaints and investigations has risen in recent years. Practice before the BBO is a unique hybrid of civil / criminal / administrative and regulatory practice with special rules and procedures adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court and developed informal practice.
This program will afford participants an opportunity to learn from BBO experts, including lawyers who represent lawyers before the BBO, a BBO hearing officer, and an Assistant Bar Counsel at the BBO.
The speakers also will address available opportunities to provide pro bono service to lawyers defending against BBO complaints and lawyers seeking reinstatement to the bar after a disciplinary suspension.
Topics:
I. Steps of a BBO Investigation from Complaint to Discipline or Resolution
a. Differences from civil and criminal litigation
b. Similarities to civil or criminal litigation
II. Sanctions
a. Presumptive Sanctions
b. Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
III. Negotiating a Stipulation
a. Role of Bar Counsel
b. Role of Respondent’s Counsel
IV. Practical Tips, Pitfalls and Best Practices
a. Before a Hearing Panel
b. Before the Board
V. Pro Bono and Other Opportunities
Panelists:
Linda Bauer, Esq.
Assistant Bar Counsel
Board of Bar Overseers
George Berman, Esq.
Peabody & Arnold LLP
Edward Cheng, Esq.
Sherin and Lodgen LLP
Michael Frederickson, Esq.
General Counsel
Board of Bar Overseers
If you intend to take a course for CLE credit, please make sure your state is listed in the "Accreditation" section to the upper right of the program description. Accreditation displayed is unique to the purchased program format (live conference, live webcast, on demand, podcast). Credit totals listed for live conferences are the maximum credits available. Credits issued will be based upon actual time in attendance. Credit totals for other formats are for complete programs. Partial credit is not available for any online or downloadable format.
West LegalEdcenter will not provide accreditation for states not listed.
This product is intended for individual use by the named purchaser. Group viewings for online programs may be arranged for five or more attorneys within the same organization prior to viewing by emailing west.wlec-sales@thomson.com.