Grievance Revisions Postponed

The Judges of the Superior Court have voted to postpone until January 1, 2004, revisions to the attorney grievance process. The vote, which occurred over the past week, was necessary because it is taking longer than expected to fill the position of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

The rules were to have taken effect on October 1, 2003, and included creating the position of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

"This delay is necessary to ensure that the right person is chosen for this very important position," Chief Court Administrator Joseph H. Pellegrino said.

State judges approved the changes to the grievance process during their annual meeting in 2002. Among the revisions was the creation of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, who will work within the Office of the Chief Court Administrator. The Chief Disciplinary Counsel will initiate presentment proceedings and assume other responsibilities, including pursuing applications for the interim suspension, reciprocal discipline and placement on inactive status of attorneys. The Office of Statewide Bar Counsel will retain its administrative duties.

All of the new rules will apply to grievances filed on or after January 1, 2004.

For further information, contact Rhonda Stearley-Hebert, Manager of Communications, at 860-757-2270.