RULES FOR LAWYER DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT

10/30/2020 RULES FOR LAWYER DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT Case Number: AF 06-0628 I. STRUCTURE AND SCOPE RULE 1. COMPREHENSIVE LAWYER REGULATION SYSTEM The Court hereby establishes a comprehensive lawyer discipline'and disability system, consisting of an Office ofDisciplinary,Counsel and a Commission on Practice. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall perform central intake functions and shall process, investigate, and prosecute those grievances against lawyers which are within the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Court. The Commission on Practice, which shall be divided into Review and Adjudicatory Panels, shall approve the filing of Complaints by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, shall hear and decide Complaints and, in appropriate cases, shall make recommendations to . the Court for discipline. Prosecutorial and adjudicatory functions shall be separated and managed to secure responsiveness, efficiency, and fairness. RULE 2. THE COMMISSION ON PRACTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA; APPOINTMENT; COMPOSITION; OFFICERS; ELECTIONS;POWERS AND DUTIES; QUORUM;MEETINGS A. Appointment.• The Court shall appoint a fourteen-member commission to be known as "The Commission on Practice of the Supreme Court of the State of Montana," hereinafter referred to as the "Commission," which shall consist ofnine practicing lawyers, who shall be residents ofthe state of Montana and licensed and admitted to practice in the state of Montana, and five nonlawyers. One of said lawyers shall be appointed from each ofthe areas hereinafter defined. One lawyer member shall be at large and may be appointed from any area set forth below. The nonlawyer members of the Commission shall be appointed at large, but they shall be residents of the state of Montana. The term of office of all members of the Commission shall be four years. The persons serving on the Commission on the effective date ofthese Rules shall continue to serve on the Commission for the rernainder ofthe terms for which they were appointed, unless their mernbership on the Commission is terminated as hereinafter provided. The areas from which the lawyer members of the Commission shall be appointed shall be comprised of the various judicial districts of the state of Montana, and are to be designated as follows: Area A,comprising the Eleventh and Nineteenth Judicial Districts; Area B,comprising the Fourth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first Judicial Districts; Area C,comprising the Second, Third, and Fifth Judicial Districts; Area D,comprising the Eighth and Ninth Judicial Districts; Area E, comprising the Seventh, Tenth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth Judicial Districts; Area F, comprising the First Judicial District; Area G,comprising the Sixth and Eighteenth Judicial Districts; and Area H,comprising the Thirteenth and Twenty-second Judicial Districts. 1 Except for the at-large lawyer member, appointments to the Commission ofthe lawyer members shall be made by the Supreme Court from a list of three practicing lawyers in each Area having the three highest number of votes in an election by the Area members of the State Bar of Montana. The time, place, and method of such election shall be in accordance with the orders of this Court. In the event that said election is not held in any Area as ordered, the Supreme Court shall appoint a member from that Area to serve on the Commission. The nonlawyer members and the at-large lawyer member ofthe Cornmission shall not be subject to the election procedure, but shall be appointed by the Court. In the event of a vacancy on the Commission, a successor shall be appointed by the Supreme Court for the unexpired term of the rnember whose office is vacated. Members ofthe Commission may terminate their membership at their pleasure, and their membership may be terminated by the Court at its pleasure. B. Election of Officers. The mernbers of the Commission shall annually elect a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and an executive secretary. The chairperson and vice chairperson must be lawyer members of the Commission. The chairperson, and in the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson, shall preside at meetings of the Commission except that in the conduct of disciplinary hearings the chairperson may appoint another lawyer member ofthe Commission to act as presiding officer. A presiding officer shall have all of the powers of the chairperson in any case in which he or she has been appointed. C. Quorum. Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum when the Commission is acting as a whole. The act ofa majority ofthe mernbers present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act ofthe Comrnission. D. Meetings. Members ofthe Commission shall meet at times and places designated by the chairperson or, in the absence ofthe chairperson, by the vice Chairperson, who shall determine the agenda for the meetings. Except in cases of emergency, notice of Commission meetings shall be given as provided by law or by these Rules at least seven calendar days in advance of the meeting. Notice may be delivered electronically or by mail. In cases of emergency requiring, in the judgment of the person calling the meeting, a shorter time, reasonable notice appropriate under the circumstances should be given. In addition, the Supreme Court may call a meeting of the members to be held at a time and place ordered by the Court. Notice ofsuch meeting shall be given as above provided. The minutes of any meeting of the Commission shall state the forrn and time of notice of meeting given to the members. Also, the Supreme Court may call a meeting of the members to be held at a time and place ordered by the Court. Notice ofsuch meeting shall be given as above provided. The minutes of any meeting of the Commission shall state the form and time of notice of rneeting given to the members. E. Executive Committee. The chairperson, vice chairperson, and executive secretary ofthe Cornmission shall constitute the executive committee. The principal function ofthe executive committee shall be to attend to administrative matters during the interval 2 between meetings of the Commission. The executive committee shall have such other duties and authority as the Commission shall determine from time to tirne. F. Compensation and Expenses. Members of the Comrnission shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incidental to the performance oftheir duties. G. Powers and Duties of the Commission. The Commission shall exercise the following powers and duties: (1)Adopt rules or policies providing for the time and place ofmeetings, and such other procedural rules not in conflict with these Rules, as may be necessary to expedite the conduct ofits business; (2) Periodically review the operation of the lawyer disciplinary system with the Supreme Court; (3)Establish Review Panels pursuant to Rule 3; (4)Establish Adjudicatory Panels pursuant to Rule 4; (5) Supervise Commission staff; (6)Assure that a Review Panel member who sits on a particular case does not also sit on an Adjudicatory Panel for that case; (7) Maintain all permanent records of disciplinary rnatters and proceedings; and (8)EXercise such other authority and perform such other duties as are provided in these Rules, or that may be required in,order to carry out the provisions of these Rules. RULE 3. REVIEW PANELS: COMPOSITION; POWERS AND DUTIES; QUORUM A. Composition. The Chairperson of the Commission shall appoint one or more Review Panels of five members each, at least two of whorn shall be nonlawyers; shall designate a Chairperson for each Review Panel; and shall realign the membership of Review Panels from time to time. B.Powers and Duties. A Review Panel shall: (1) Review Disciplinary Counsel's request to flle a Complaint, together with the grievance, the response froin the lawyer against whom the grievance was made, and any reply from the grievant, together with other relevant documents and Disciplinary Counsel's intake summary, investigative report, and recommendations; (2)Refer the grievance to Disciplinary Counsel for any further investigation, ifneeded, to determine whether a Complaint is appropriate; (3)Approve Disciplinary Counsel's request to file a Complaint when the facts appear to warrant disciplinary action or transfer to disability/inactive status or reject the request to file a Complaint if discipline does not appear to be warranted; (4)Hear requests by Disciplinary Counsel for private adrnonitions and render the sarne upon approval; (5) Hear . and determine requests for review pursuant to Rule 10C(3) and for reconsideration pursuant to Rule 14; (6) Authorize the stay of disciplinary proceedings for good cause shown pursuant to Rule 28; (7) Conduct show cause hearings when a lawyer has refused to respond to inquiries from the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel or the Commission; and (8)Notify the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the responding lawyer or his or her counsel ofaction by a Review Panel and the reasons for any deriial ofthe request to approve the filing of a Complaint. C. Review Panel File Review and Deliberation. The consideration of a request by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for a private admonition or to review investigative materials and file a Complaint shall be made by a Review Panel. The Office ofDisciplinary Counsel shall attend the file review for the purpose of responding to Panel members regarding its investigation and a request to approve a private admonition or to file a Complaint. Neither the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel, the referenced attorney, nor his or her counsel shall be entitled to participate in or attend the Review Panel's deliberations, which are confidential. D. Quorum. Three members of a Review Panel, at least two of whom are lawyers, shall constitute a quorum; however, any act of a Review Panel shall require the vote of a majority of the members present. RULE 4. ADJUDICATORY PANELS: COMPOSITION;POWERS AND DUTIES; QUORUM A. Composition. The Chairperson of the Commission shall appoint one or mOre Adjudicatory Panels of nine members each, at least three of whom shall be nonlawyers; shall designate a Chairperson for each Adjudicatory Panel; and shall realign the membership of Adjudicatory Panels from time to time. B. Powers and Duties. Adjudicatory Panels shall, in accordance with the specific procedures and.provisions of these Rules: (1) Hold hearings on Complaints and Complaints for interim suspension filed by Disciplinary Counsel; (2)After hearing, dismiss the Complaint, order discipline that may be imposed by the Commission under these Rules, or make findings of fact, conclusions of law, .and recommendations to the Montana Supreme Court when indicated by these Rules, or engage in other disposition of Complaints; (3) Hear and determine preliminary and procedural matters incidental to the exercise of its powers and duties; (4) Following the filing of a Complaint and proceedings thereon, an Adjudicatory Panel may determine to sanction a lawyer by the imposition of a public admonition or a letter of caution, which the Adjudicatory Panel shall administer or issue; (5)Hear and determine requests for reconsideration pursuant to Rule 14; (6)Administer oaths, provide for discovery, and exercise its subpoena power pursuant to Rule 19; (7) Authorize the stay of a disciplinary proceeding for good cause shown pursuant to Rule 28; 4 (8).Hold show cause hearings when a lawyer has refused to respond or cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, a Review Panel, or an Adjudicatory Panel pursuant to Rule 24; (9) Conduct proceedings relative to disability and transfer to inactive status pursuant to Rule 28; (10)Hold hearings on petitions for reinstatement and make recommendations for their disposition to the Supreme Court pursuant to Rule 29; and , (11)Hold hearings and make recommendations to the Court concerning assessment of the costs of proceedings, investigations, and audits pursuant to Rule 9. C. Quorum. Five members of an Adjudicatory Panel, at least three of whom are lawyers, shall constitute a quorum; however, any act ofan Adjudicatory Panel shall require the vote of a majority ofthe members present. RULE 5. OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL A. Appointment. The Court shall appoint a lawyer to serve as Chief Disciplinary Counsel and rnay appoint such Deputy Disciplinary Counsels as it deems necessary. Disciplinary Counsel shall not engage in private practice; shall be admitted to practice in Montana at the time of appointment or within a reasonable time thereafter as determined by the Court; and shall maintain offices in Helena, Montana, in facilities designated by the Court. ChiefDisciplinary Counsel and Deputy Disciplinary Counsels serve at the pleasure ofthe Court. B.Powers and Duties. Disciplinary Counsel shall perforrn all prosecutorial functions and shall have the following powers and duties: (1)Supervise Office ofDisciplinary Counsel(Office)staffin performing central intake functions; (2)Evaluate all information coming to the attention ofthe Office to determine whether it is within the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Court; (3) Investigate all information corning to the attention of the Office which, if true, would be grounds for discipline or transfer to disability/inactive status; (4)Investigate all facts pertaining to petitions for reinstatement or readmission; (5) Dismiss a grievance that Disciplinary Counsel determines does not warrant disciplinary action; (6)In addition to dismissing the grievance, Disciplinary Counsel may issue a letter of caution or take other corrective action when Disciplinary Counsel deems it appropriate; (7) Request a Review Panel to approve a private admonition or for leave to file a Complaint when Disciplinary Counsel determines that disciplinary action by the Commission or the Montana Supreme Court is warranted; (8)Prosecute before Adjudicatory Panels and the Court discipline, interim suspension, reinstatement, and readmission proceedings, and proceedings for transfer to or from disability/inactive status; (9) Employ and supervise Office staff needed for the performance of prosecutorial functions and, when circuinstances necessitate their use, appoint and supervise special investigators and volunteer special counsel; 5 (10)Notify promptly the grievant and the lawyer that an investigation is to be initiated by Disciplinary Counsel, or where Disciplinary Counsel dismisses, provide a concise written statement ofthe facts and reasons a matter has been dismissed; (11)Develop written guidelines for determining which matters fail to allege facts that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action; (12) Request the Clerk of the Supreme Court to notify each jurisdiction in which a lawyer is admitted of a transfer to or from disability/inactive status, reinstatement, readmission, or any public discipline imposed in this state; (13) Whenever costs have been assessed against a lawyer by the Supreme Court, assemble and serve on the lawyer an itemized list of the costs of proceedings, investigations, and audits; (14)Seek reciprocal discipline when inforrned of any public discipline imposed in any other jurisdiction; (15) Forward a certified copy of the judgment of conviction to the disciplinary office in each jurisdiction in which a lawyer is admitted when the lawyer is convicted of a serious crime (as hereinafter defined) in this state; (16) Maintain permanent records of discipline and disability matters and compile statistics to aid in the administration ofthe system; (17)Prepare an annual budget for the Office and submit it to the Board of Trustees of the State Bar of Montana for review; (18) Make reasonable and necessary expenditures pursuant to the reviewed budget to perform the duties ofthe Office; (19) Supervise and direct Office staff and operations; (20) Prepare and submit tò the Court recommendations concerning the annual assessment of Bar members; and (21) Make recommendations to the Court about the lawyer regulation system. C. Prohibited Activities. Disciplinary Counsel shall not have authority to render advisory ethics Opipions, either orally or in writing, or to impose any form of discipline on a lawyer. RULE 6. COSTS AND EXPENSES; FISCAL REVIEWS AND AUDITS A. Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The costs and expenses of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall be paid from an annual assessment of active members of the State Bar of Montana and of nonmembers admitted to practice under the Montana State Bar pro hac vice rules. The Supreme Court shall determine the amount of the annual rnember assessment. B. Commission on Practice. The costs and expenses ofthe Commission shall be paid from legislatively appropriated public funds. C. Fiscal Reviews and Audits. The Court may direct fiscal reviews and audits ofthe components ofthe lawyer regulation system. 6 RULE 7. JURISDICTION A. Members of the State Bar of Montana. Any lawyer admitted to practice law in this jurisdiction, including any formerly admitted lawyer with respect to acts committed prior to resignation, suspension, disbarment, or transfer to inactive status, or with respect to acts subsequent thereto which amount to the practice of law or constitute a violation of these Rules, of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, or of the conditions of the order of discipline or transfer, is subject to the -disciplinary jurisdiction of the Montana Supreme Court and the Commission. B. Other Attorneys. Any lawyer specially adrnitted by a Montana court for a particular proceeding, appearing by pleading or otherwise in any judicial or administrative proceeding in Montana, and any lawyer not admitted in this jurisdiction who practices law or renders" or offers to render any legal services in this jurisdiction, is subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Supreme Court ofMontana and the Commission for conduct pertaining to his or her practice oflaw in Montana. C.Disciplined or Resigned Attorneys. Ifa lawyer is suspended, disbarred, or resigns as member ofthe State Bar of Montana, or the lawyer's special admission or appearance a in any judicial proceeding in Montana has terminated, the lawyer remains subject to disciplinary proceedings for conduct occurring prior to the effective date ofthe suspension, disbarment, resignation, or termination, or for conduct that violates the order of discipline. D. Grounds Cumulative.;The grounds for disciplinary jurisdiction enumerated herein are in addition to those set forth in Rule 8.5, Montana Rules ofProfessional Conduct. RULE 8. GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE A. Reasons for Discipline. Discipline may be imposed for any of the following reasons: (1)Acts or omissions by a lawyer, individually or in concert with any other person or persons, which violate the Rules ofProfessional Conduct or the disciplinary rules adopted from time to time by the Supreme Court; (2) Any act committed by an attorney contrary to the highest standards of honesty, justice, or morality, including but not limited to those outlined in Title 37, chapter 61, parts 3 and 4, MCA,whether committed in such attorney's capacity as an attorney or otherwise; (3) Conduct which results in conviction of a criminal offense; (4) Conduct which results in lawyer discipline in another jurisdiction; (5) Violation ofthe terms of any discipline or disciplinary order; (6)Failure to promptly and fully respond to an inquiry from Disciplinary Counsel, an investigator,.or the Commission, or failure to justify such refusal or nonresponse; or (7) Willful contempt of court or ofthe Cornmission and failure to purge the contempt. B. Relationship to Criminal Proceedings. Acquittal of a charge of crime, plea bargain, conviction of a lesser crime, or dismissal of a charge of crime after deferred imposition of sentence shall not constitute a bar to lawyer discipline for that act, nor shall conviction in a criminal proceeding be a condition precedent to the institution of disciplinary proceedings for that act. RULE 9. DISCIPLINE AND SANCTIONS A. Forms of Discipline. Discipline may take one or more ofthe following forms: (1) Disbarment. "Disbarment" means the unconditional termination of any privilege to practice law in this state and, when applied to any attorney not admitted to practice law in this state, means the unconditional exclusion from the admission to or the exercise of any privilege to practice law in this state. (2)Suspension from the practice oflaw for a definite period oftime or for an indefinite period of time with a fixed minimum term. "Suspension" means the temporary or indefinite termination ofthe privilege to practice law in this state and, when applied to any attorney not admitted to practice law in this state, means the temporary or indefinite exclusion from the admission to or the exercise ofany privilege to practice law in this state. (3) Public censure. Public censure declares the conduct of the lawyer improper but does not limit the lawyer's right to practice. (4)Private admonition or a letter of caution. A private admonition by a Review Panel and a letter of caution are non-public forms of discipline. They should be irnposed only in cases of minor misconduct or a technical violation of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct when there is little or no injury to the public, the legal system, or the profession, and when there is little likelihood of repetition by the lawyer. A private admonition and a letter of caution are instructive, to inform the lawyer that his or her conduct is unethical but does not unnecessarily stigmatize a lawyer from whom the public needs no protection. Private admonitions may be delivered orally by a Review Panel ofthe Commission or in a writing.. Private admonitions given orally are not recorded and, if given in writing, are not retained in the Commission's files. A private admonition and a letter of caution do not limit the lawyer's right to practice. (5)Public Admonition. An admonition by an Adjudicatory Panel is a public reprimand that declares the conduct of the lawyer in violation of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct. Admonitions may be delivered orally by the Commission or in writing. Oral public admonitions are not recorded and no record is made ofthe content ofa written public admonition. The fact a public adinonition was delivered is a part of an attorney's disciplinary record. (6) Probation. Probation allows a lawyer to practice under specified conditions and can be imposed alone or in conjunction with an admonition or a suspension or as a condition of readmission. A lawyer against whom disciplinary proceedings are pending may be placed on probation by the Supreme Court or, with the lawyer's concurrence, by an Adjudicatory Panel. The probation shall be for such time and upon such terms and conditions as are determined appropriate in the case. Discipline inay be imposed for violation of any of the terms and conditions of such probation, including failure to satisfy completion of a diversion, mentoring, or treatment program. (7)Interim suspension pending final determination of discipline. B. Discipline Criteria. The following factors shall be considered in determining discipline to be recommended or imposed: (1)The gravity and nature ofthe duty violated, including whether the duty is owed to a client, to the public, to the legal system, or to the profession; 8 (2)The lawyer's mental state; (3)The actual or potential injury caused by the lawyer's misconduct; (4)The existence of aggravating or mitigating factors; and • (5)The existence of prior offenses. Aggravating factors include but are not limited to: (a) dishonest or selfish motive; (b) a pattern of misconduct; (c) multiple offenses; (d) bad faith obstruction of the disciplinary proceeding by intentionally failing to comply with rules or orders ofthe disciplinary agency; . (e) submission of false evidence, false statements, or other deceptive practices during the disciplinary process; (f)refusal to acknowledge wrongful nature of conduct; (g)vulnerability of victim; (h) substantial experience in the practice oflaw; (i) indifference to making restitution; and (j) illegal conduct, including that involving the use of controlled substances. Mitigating factors include but are not limited to: .(a) absence of a prior disciplinary record; (b)absence of a dishonest or selfish motive; (c) personal or emotional problems; (d) timely good faith effort to make restitution or to rectify consequences of misconduct; (e) full and free disclosure to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel or cooperative attitude toward proceedings; (f) inexperience in the practice oflaw; (g) character or reputation; (h)physical or mental disability or impairment; (i) interim rehabilitation; (j) delay in disciplinary proceedings; (k)imposition of other penalties or sanctions; (1) remorse; and (rn) remoteness of prior offenses. C.Sanctions. The following non-exclusive and cumulative sanctions may be imposed in connection with a form of discipline: (1)Restitution to persons financially injured; (2)Disgorgement of any fees and costs earned or claimed; (3)Reimbursement to the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection; (4)Assessment ofthe cost of proceedings, investigations, and audits; (a) Whenever costs of proceedings are assessed by the Supreme Court or the Commission as part of the discipline imposed upon a lawyer, Disciplinary Counsel shall assemble and serve upon the lawyer an iternized list ofthose costs. .The lawyer shall then have ten days thereafter in which to file written objections with the Commission and, if so desired, request a hearing before an Adjudicatory Panel on whether the amount ofsuch costs is reasonable and necessary. (b) An Adjudicatory Panel shall thereafter recommend an amount of costs to be imposed, and shall file its recommendation with the Supreme Court, which shall then issue an appropriate order assessing costs. (5)Probation; and (6) Other requirements the Commission or the Montana Suprerne Court deems consistent with the purposes oflawyer sanctions. D. Procedure for Discipline for Willful Contempt of Court or the Commission and Failure to Purge the Contempt. Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of contempt that has become final, the Supreme Court may,in its discretion, issue an order to show cause why the lawyer's license to practice law should not be suspended or other discipline should not be irnposed. The lawyer against whom such an order has been entered in district court or by the Commission shall not have the right or opportunity to re-litigate the merits ofthe contempt order,the right to hearing and due process having been afforded him or her in the district court or before the Commission. In the alternative, the Supreme Court may direct an Adjudicatory Panel to issue .the order to show cause or direct the lawyer to appear before the Adjudicatory Panel. In that event, the Adjudicatory Panel shall make a written recommendation to the Supreme Court regarding suspension ofthe lawyer's license or other discipline. An attorney who has been purged ofthe contempt order may be reinstated to practice law. Prior to reinstatement,the lawyer shall be required to pay the costs ofany proceedings before the Commission. II. PROCEDURE RULE 10. OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL A. Central Intake and Evaluation. The Office ofDisciplinary Counsel shall perform central intake functions including, but not limited to, the following: (1)Receive information and grievances regarding a lawyer's alleged misconduct; (2) Make appropriate referrals regarding information and grievances while assuring that any member ofthe public who wishes to make a grievance against a lawyer is able to do so; (3) Provide the grievant access to a packet of written materials containing forms, instructions, and information about Montana's lawyer disciplinary process; and (4)Receive written'grievances on the forms provided. B. Preliminary Review and Processing of Grievances. The Office of Disciplinary 'Counsel shall conduct a preliminary review of each written grievance received by the Office and deterrnine whether the grievance involves a matter that is within the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Court. 10 C.Investigation. (1) All investigations shall be conducted by or under the authority and direction of Disciplinary Counsel. Upon such investigation as Disciplinary Counsel deems appropriate, he or she may: (a)(1) Send the grievance to the lawyer against whom the grievance is made; (2) Send the lawyer's response to the grievant and, if appropriate, request his or her reply to the lawyer's response; (3)Prepare an intake summary; and (4) Conduct an investigation and prepare an investigative report; or (b) With or without some or all of the process set forth in Rule 10C(1)(a), dismiss the grievance without prejudice where the grievance does not appear to be within the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Court or the facts do not appear to warrant disciplinary action. (c)Issue a letter of caution to a lawyer, request a Review Panel to approve a private admonition or issue a letter of caution, or take other corrective action when Disciplinary Counsel deems it appropriate. Any such action by Disciplinary Counsel is not disciplinary action. (2)Notice ofDisposition. In the event of a dismissal, Disciplinary Counsel shall give written notice to the grievant and to the lawyer ofthe dismissal, stating the reasons for the action taken, and advising the grievant ofthe right to request review ofthe dismissal. (3) Request for Review. The grievant may file a written request for review of Disciplinary Counsel's dismissal within 30 days of the notice of disposition pursuant to Rule 10C(2). Disciplinary Counsel's dismissal shall be reviewed by a Review Panel upon the record before it. The Review Panel may approve, disapprove, or modify Disciplinary Counsel's disposition. A lawyer against whom Disciplinary Counsel determines to take corrective action other than a letter ofcaution may file a written request for review ofDisciplinary Counsel's determination within 30 days after Disciplinary Counsel notifies the lawyer of the corrective action. Disciplinary Counsel's determination shall be reviewed by a Review Panel upon the record before the Review Panel. The Review Panel may approve, disapprove, or modify Disciplinary Counsel's determination as to corrective action. D. Review Panel Proceeding. Disciplinary Counsel shall: (1)Request leave of a Review Panel to approve and deliver a private admonition or to file a Complaint; and (2)Provide additional inforination to or conduct further investigation at the request of a Review Panel. E. Adjudicatory Panel Proceeding. Disciplinary Counsel shall: (1) Draft and prosecute Complaints and Complaints proposing interim suspension before an Adjudicatory Panel,represent the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel in appeals from Adjudicatory Panel decisions or recommendations and in other disciplinary matters that come before the Commission,'the Montana Supreme Court, or other courts; (2)Recommend discipline or other disposition of a case to an Adjudicatory Panel; (3) Conduct and respond to discovery pursuant to Rule 19; and 11 (4) Investigate a petition for reinstatement and present relevant evidence at an Adjudicatory Panel hearing on the petition. RULE 11. LIMITATION ON TIME TO BRING COMPLAINT A. Time Limit for filing,a Complaint. Except as otherwise provided in these rnles, from the tirne the alleged misconduct giving rise to the inquiry or grievance is discovered or, with due diligence, should have been discovered, a Complaint must be filed within six years from the date ofthe alleged rnisconduct. B. When Violation Occurs. A Rule ofProfessional Conduct is violated when every element of a violation has occurred. If the violation is a continuing offense, the violation occurs when the offensive conduct ends. C. Tolling. The six-year limit is tolled during the period: (1)The lawyer represents the grievant, the grievant's family rnember, or the grievant's business or employer; (2)The grievant is a minor, or is physically or mentally incapacitated; (3) Civil, criminal, or administrative investigations or proceedings based on the same acts or circumstances as the violation are pending with any governmental agency, court, or tribunal; (4)The lawyer conceals facts about the violation; (5)The lawyer fails to cooperate with an investigation ofthe violation; (6) The lawyer'makes false or misleading statements to .the Office of Disciplinary Counsel concerning the violation; or (7)The disciplinary investigation or proceeding is abated under Rule 28. D.Rule of Repose. Except as provided in subsection 11E,notwithstanding any tolling under subsection 11C, a Complaint rnay not be filed more than 10 years after the date of the alleged misconduct. E. Exceptions. There shall be no lirni:t on the time to file a Complaint for: (1) Any alleged misconduct based upon a plea of guilty to a felony, with or without a reference to an Alford or a nolo contendere plea, or upon conviction of a felony; or (2) Any alleged misconduct that constitutes a felony, without regard to whether the lawyer is charged, prosecuted, or convicted of a crime for the conduct. RULE 12. FILING,SERVICE,AND CASE PROCEDURES A. Complaint and Citation. When a Review Panel has granted the Office of Disciplinary Counsel leave to file a Cornplaint against a respondent lawyer: (1) Disciplinary Counsel shall file a Complaint with the Clerk of the Supreme Court and shall furnish a copy to the Commission; (2)The Complaint shall set forth the charges with'sufficient clarity and particularity as to inform the lawyer ofthe alleged misconduct; (3) The Complaint shall be signed by Chief Disciplinary Counsel or Deputy Disciplinary Counsel but need not be verified; and (4) The Clerk ofthe Supreme Court shall issue a citation that, together with a copy of the Complaint, shall be served on the lawyer. The citation shall require the lawyer to file 12 a written Answer to the Complaint with the Clerk of the Montana Supreme Court within twenty-one days and indicate that a failure to file an Answer within the time prescribed may subject the attorney to default as provided by Rule 12C(2). B. Service. (1) Service of Complaint. Service upon the lawyer of a Complaint shall be made by personal service as provided in Rule 4, Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, or by registered or certified mail to the last address that the lawyer provided to the State Bar of Montana. Ifservice is made by registered or certified mail, service is deemed complete upon mailing. (2)Service of Other Papers. Excepting the Complaint and Answer,service of all other pleadings, papers, or notices required by these Rules shall, unless otherwise provided by these Rules, be made in accordance with Rule 5, Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, and shall be filed with the Commission. The Commission shall maintain a docket record of all documents filed with it. C. Answer. (1) The lawyer shall furnish a copy of the Answer to the Commission at the time of filing with the Montana Supreme Court and service on Disciplinary Counsel. (2)If the lawyer fails to file an Answer within the prescribed time, the allegations in the Complaint shall be deemed admitted and an Adjudicatory Panel to which the case has been assigned shall conduct a hearing to rnake findings of fact, conclusions of law, and impose discipline the Commission is authorized to order or make a recommendation to the Supreme Court for discipline or other disposition ofthe case. (3) Absent good cause arid entry of an order by the Commission, an Answer rnay not include motions under Rules 9, 11, 12, 13, or 14 of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. (4) Amended and supplernental pleadings before the Commission shall be governed by Rule 15, Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. D. Hearing, Findings, Conclusions, and Disposition or Recommendation. (1) If the lawyer files an Answer, the Commission shall consult with Disciplinary Counsel and counsel for the respondent lawyer or, if not represented, the respondent, to determine a hearing date before an Adjudicatory Panel. The Commission shall file and serve upon Disciplinary Counsel, the lawyer, and the lawyer's counsel, if any, a notice of hearing setting forth the date, tirne, and place ofhearing, which notice shall be served upon said persons at least twenty days in advance thereof. The lawyer is entitled to be represented by counsel, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present evidence. The hearing shall be recorded. (2) In the conduct of a hearing, the Chairperson of an Adjudicatory Panel shall have authority to rule on all motions, objections, and other matters presented in connection with the hearing. Except as may otherwise be provided herein, and except as an Adjudicatory Panel Chairperson may determine in the interests of justice and fairness, hearings in disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure and the Montana Rules of Evidence. (3) Following the hearing, an Adjudicatory Panel shall make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation to the Supreme Court for discipline or other disposition ofthe case. 13 RULE 13. ADJUDICATORY HEARINGS; PUBLIC ADMONITIONS (ABROGATED) RULE 14. REQUEST FOR REVIEW BY GRIEVANT OF A REVIEW PANEL'S DECISION A. Dismissal of Grievance. Upon review of Disciplinary Counsel's dismissal of a grievance pursuant to Rule 10C(3), if a Review Panel affirms the dismissal, Disciplinary Counsel shall notify the grievant in writing that the grievant may, within thirty days ofthe date on which the notice was sent, request, in writing to the Supreme Court, review of the disposition by the Supreme Court. B. Review Discretionary. The Supreme Court may, in its sole discretion, review the Panel's disposition. RULE 15. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS PROHIBITED Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Counsel staff, members ofReview or Adjudicatory Panels,the Commission, Commission staff, and the Supreme Court shall not communicate ex parte between or among themselves or with others regarding the inerits of a pending or impending investigation or a disciplinary proceeding except as permitted by the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement. Communications for purposes of scheduling, administration, and procedural matters shall not be prohibited but shall be conducted to assure fairness to all parties. In the event a Commission member is a potential or an actual witness in a matter to come before the Commission, this Rule does not prevent such person from cooperating with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the respondent in their investigation, prosecution, and defense of any claimed ethical violations. RULE 16. REVIEW BY THE SUPREME COURT AFTER CONTESTED CASE HEARING After service of a copy ofthe Commission's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendatiori, a party shall have thirty days from date of service within which to file with the Supreme Court objections to the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation. The objecting party shall serve upon the opposing party a copy of any such objections. The opposing party shall have thirty days after date of service of such objections within which to file with the Court a written brief in opposition to such objections. A copy of such brief shall be served upon the objecting party. The Supreme Court may, in its discretion, set the matter for oral argument. In the event objections are not filed, the matter shall be deemed submitted at the expiration of the time for filing objections. The Supreme Court shall consider the matter, issue its written decision, and impose such discipline, if any, as it considers appropriate. The Supreme Court may consider a petition for rehearing in accordance with the provisions of M.R. App.P. 20. 14 RULE 17.PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS AND IMMUNITY A. Privileged Communications. Communications or grievances, oral or written, to or from the Commission and Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and testimony given in the proceedings, are privileged. Evidence thereof is inadmissible in any lawsuit against any grievant, witness, Commission member, Commission staff, Disciplinary Counsel, Office of Disciplinary Counsel staff, investigator, special counsel, or other person employed or retained by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Waiver, if any, of such privilege by voluntary disclosure by a grievant or witness shall be determined under Rule 503, Montana Rules ofEvidence. B. Immunity from Civil Suit. Members of the Comrnission, Commission staff, Disciplinary Counsel, Office ofDisciplinary staff, investigators, special counsel, any other person employed or retained by the Cornmission or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to represent it in Comrnission matters, staff rnernbers, and persons acting for the Commission or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall be immune from suit for any conduct undertaken in good faith in the course oftheir official duties under these Rules. All ofsaid persons are deemed officers and/or agents ofthe Court for all purposes rnentioned in these Rules. C.Immunity from Criminal Prosecution. Upon application ofDisciplinary Counsel or the Commission and after reasonable notice to and written consent frorn the appropriate county attorney(s), the Supreme Court may order that a witness cannot be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfiture other than a prosecution or action for perjury or contempt, for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the witness testified or produced in a lawyer disciplinary proceeding. RULE 18. SERVICE(ABROGATED) RULE 19. OATHS,SUBPOENA POWER,AND DISCOVERY A. Oaths. Any member of the Commission or other person authorized by law may administer oaths and affirmations in matters pending before the Commission, but subpoenas may only be issued on approval of the chairperson of the Commission or the Chair of an Adjudicatory Panel. B. Investigative Subpoenas. (1) Before a Complaint has been filed, the chair of the Commission or of an Adjudicatory Panel inay cause subpoenas to be issued commanding the persons to whom they are directed to produce books, records, papers, documents, and other objects as may be necessary and proper to the investigation. (2) An investigative subpoena may be issued upon the affidavit of Disciplinary Counsel showing good cause to believe that: (a) the lawyer who is the subject of the investigation, or the person from whom information is sought, has failed to cooperate with Disciplinary Counsel's request for inforrnation in connection with that investigation; (b) a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or these Rules has been committed; and 15 (c)the information relative to the commission of that violation is in the possession ofthe person or institution to whom the subpoena is directed. (3)The lawyer who is the subject ofthe investigation need not be given advance notice ofthe investigative subpoena. Upon execution ofthe investigative subpoena and return of service, Disciplinary Counsel shall provide a copy of the investigative subpoena to the lawyer who is the subject of the investigation. C. Subpoenas for Deposition or Hearing. After a Complaint has been filed, any rnember of the Commission may, at the request of Disciplinary Counsel or the lawyer, compel, by subpoena or order, the attendance of witnesses and the production of pertinent books, papers, and documents. A copy of the subpoena must be served on the opposing party at the time return of service is filed with the Comrnission. D. Enforcement of.Subpoenas. Any person subpoenaed or ordered to appear and give testimony, or to produce pertinent books, papers, or documents, who fails or refuses to appear or to produce such books, papers, or documents, or any person having been sworn to testify, who refuses to answer any proper questions, may, upon request ofthe Office of Disciplinary Counsel or upon determination by the Chairperson, be cited for contempt. The Supreme Court may, upon proper application, also enforce the attendance of any witness and the production ofany documents subpoenaed as well as hear proceedings based upon a finding of conteinpt by the Commission. E. Subpoena Pursuant to Law of Another Jurisdiction. Whenever a subpoena is sought in Montana pursuant to the law of another jurisdiction for use in lawyer disciplinary or disability proceedings or investigations, and where the issuance of the subpoena has been duly approved under the law of the other jurisdiction, the chairperson of the Commission, upon request of Disciplinary Counsel (in a case where the request is by the disciplinary authority ofthe foreign jurisdiction) or an attorney admitted to practice in this jurisdiction (in a case where the request is by a respondent in a proceeding in the foreign jurisdiction), may issue a subpoena as provided in this section to compel the attendance of witnesses and production of documents in the county where the witness resides or is employed or elsewhere as agreed by the witness. Service, enforcement, or challenges to this subpoena shall be as provided in these Rules. F. Challenging Subpoena. Any challenge to the validity of a subpoena issued under this Rule shall be heard and determined by the chairperson ofthe Commission or, in his or her absence, the vice-chairperson or executive secretary, subject to review by the Supreme Court, at the request of Disciplinary Counsel or the lawyer. Upon a determination that an investigative subpoena issued under Rule 19B was improper or overly broad, any information improperly obtained through the subpoena must not be used as evidence in any disciplinary proceeding against the lawyer who is the subject of the investigation unless such evidence is otherwise lawfully obtained. G. Discovery. Disciplinary Counsel and the lawyer shall be afforded reciprocal discovery. Disputes concerning the scope and other aspects of discovery shall be determined by the chairperson, or in his or her absence the vice-chairperson, of the Adjudicatory Panel. 16 H. Witnesses and Fees. Witness fees and mileage shall be the same as provided by law for witnesses in civil actions in the district courts ofthe state of Montana. RULE 20. ACCESS TO DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION A. Confidentiality. All disciplinary information provided to the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel and proceedings before the Commission prior to the filing of a Complaint with the Clerk of the Supreme Court shall be confidential, except that Disciplinary Counsel may disclose information if: (1)The respondent has waived confidentiality; (2) The proceeding is based upon allegations that include either the conviction of a crime or reciprocal discipline; (3)The proceeding is based upon allegations that have become generally known to the public; (4) There is a need to notify another person or organization, including the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection Board, the Commission on Character and Fitness, other lawyer disciplinary agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the Montana Lawyer Assistance Program,in order to protect the public,the administration ofjustice, or the legal profession, unless Disciplinary Counsel reasonably determines that disclosure would hinder an ongoing investigation or prosecution, infringe upon the privacy interests of a reporting or other third party, or constitute an unduly broad or burdensome request; or, (5) There is a need to disclose information to third parties while investigating a grievance. B.Public Information. Upon the filing of a Complaint with the Clerk ofthe Supreme Court in a disciplinary matter, or upon the filing with the Clerk ofthe Suprerne Court of a petition for reinstatement,the proceedings before the Commission and pleadings and other documents filed with the Clerk or Cominission shall be public except for: (1)Deliberations and minutes of the Commission; (2) Information or proceedings with respect to which an Adjudicatory Panel or the Supreme Court has issued a protective order; (3) Conditional adinissions and affidavits of consent submitted pursuant to Rule 26 of these Rules until, and if, approved by the Court or, if applicable, an Adjudicatory Panel, and public discipline is imposed; and (4)Hearings conducted pursuant to Rule 26 ofthese Rules. C. Admissibility in Other Proceedings. The conclusions, opinions, and recommendations ofDisciplinary Counsel or any investigator or special counsel acting on behalf of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel while acting in those capacities are not relevant or admissible for any purpose in any quasi-judicial or judicial forum, exclusive of the Commission on Practice and the Montana Supreme Court in a disciplinary action. RULE 21. DISSEMINATION OF DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION Notice of Discipline Imposed. The Clerk of the Supreme Court shall cause copies of orders and notices of transfer to disability/inactive status, public admonition or censure, suspension, disbarment, and reinstatement to be given to the Clerks of all of the District 17 Courts ofthe State of Montana, all ofthe District Judges ofthe State of Montana,the Clerk of the Federal District Court for the District of Montana, the Clerk ofthe Circuit Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit, the Chairperson of the Commission, and the Executive Director ofthe State Bar of Montana, or as the Supreme Court otherwise may direct. RULE 22. ADDITIONAL RULES OF PROCEDURE A. Proceedings Governed by Rules of Civil Procedure. Except as otherwise inconsistent with these Rules, the Rules of Civil Procedure ofthe State of Montana apply in disciplinary cases. B. Standard ofProof. Allegations in a Complaint and grounds for reinstatement shall be established by clear and convincing evidence. C. Burden of Proof. The burden of proof in proceedings seeking discipline is on Disciplinary Counsel. The burden of proof in reinstaternent proceedings is on the person seeking reinstatement. D.Availability of Hearing Transcript. A copy ofthe record of a public hearing shall be made available to any person at his or her expense on request made to the Commission. E. Related Pending Litigation. After the filing of a Complaint, disciplinary proceedings shall not be delayed because of substantial similarity to the material allegations of pending criminal or civil litigation. The chairperson of an Adjudicatory Panel in his or her discretion may, upon request of a party, authorize a stay for good cause shown, but only after notice and opportunity to be heard. F. Delay Caused by Grievant. Neither withdrawal of an informal grievance by a grievant, nor a settlement, nor a compromise between the grievant and the lawyer, nor restitution by the lawyer shall, in itself, justify abatement of the processing of any grievance. G. Effect of Time Limitations. Except as is otherwise provided in these Rules, time is directory and not jurisdictional. Failure to observe prescribed time intervals may result in sanctions against the violator but does not justify abatement of any disciplinary investigation or proceeding. H.Grievances Against Commission Members. Allegations ofgrounds for discipline against lawyer members of the Commission shall be processed in the same manner as allegations against nonmembers of the Commission; provided, however, that the Commission member against whom such allegations are made shall be disqualified from participating in any rnanner as a Commission member with respect to that matter. I. Dismissed.Grievances. A grievance that has been dismissed, or upon which no disciplinary action is taken or recommended, shall be expunged from Commission and Disciplinary Counsel records and, for all purposes, shall be considered as null, void, and nonexistent. RULE 23. LAWYERS CONVICTED OF A CIUMINAL OFFENSE A. Transmittal of Certificate of Conviction. The clerk or other official of any court in this state in which a lawyer,subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe.Supreme Court has been convicted of a criminal offense shall, within thirty days ofthe date of conviction, 18 transrnit a certificate of conviction to the Supreme Court, Disciplinary Counsel, and the Commission on Practice. B.Procedure on Receipt of Certificate of Conviction. Upon receipt ofthe certificate of conviction, the Supreme Court, either on its own motion or on that of Disciplinary Counsel, shall deterrnine whether the criminal offense is one which affects the lawyer's ability to practice law. If the Court determines that the lawyer was found guilty of a criminal offense that affects the lawyer's ability to practice law, the Supreme Court shall enter an order immediately suspending the lawyer from the practice of law pending final disposition of a disciplinary proceeding predicated upon the conviction. The Supreme Court shall in the same order direct Disciplinary Counsel to prepare and file a Complaint against the lawyer predicated upon the conviction. Ifthe crirriinal offense does not involve the lawyer's ability to practice law, the Supreme Court shall enter an order to that effect and, thereafter, the matter shall be processed like any other information coming to the attention of the Commission. The Court need not give notice to the lawyer, nor shall a hearing be required prior to its deterrnination of whether the criminal offense of which the lawyer was convicted was one which affects the lawyer's ability to practice law, nor shall a hearing be required prior to the Supreme Court's entering an interim order ofsuspension. A copy of any order entered pursuant to this Rule shall be served upon the lawyer, Disciplinary Counsel, and the Commission. Upon good cause shown,the Court may in the interest of justice set aside or modify the interim suspension; however, the interim suspension may not be set aside solely by reason of a pending appeal ofthe conviction to the Supreme Court, to another tribunal, or because of a inotion for a new trial. C. Proceedings After a Conviction. The sole issue to be determined in the disciplinary proceedings conducted after a lawyer is convicted of a criminal offense which affects the lawyer's ability to practice law shall be the extent of the final discipline to be imposed, provided that a disciplinary proceeding so instituted will not be brought to hearing until all appeals from the conviction are concluded unless the lawyer requests that the matter not be deferred. D. Certificate of Conviction Conclusive. A certificate of conviction of a lawyer for a criminal offense shall be conclusive evidence of the commission .of that crime in any disciplinary proceeding instituted against the lawyer based upon the conviction. E. Automatic Reinstatement from Interim Suspension Upon Reversal of Conviction. If a lawyer suspended solely under the provisions of paragraph B above demonstrates that the underlying conviction has been reversed or vacated, the order for interim suspension shall be vacated and the lawyer placed on active status. The vacating of the interim suspension will not automatically terminate any proceeding then pending against the lawyer, the disposition of which shall be determined by the Adjudicatory Panel on the basis ofthe available evidence. F. Notice to Clients and Others on Interim Suspension. An interim suspension order entered pursuant to this Rule shall constitute a suspension ofthe lawyer for purposes ofRule 21. 19 RULE 24. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY. COUNSEL OR THE COMMISSION If a lawyer subject to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court should fail or refuse to promptly and fully respond to a grievance or other inquiry communicated to such lawyer in writing by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel or the Adjudicatory or Review Panel before which the matter is pending, the Panel, in addition to other proceedings authorized by these Rules, may direct such lawyer to appear before the Panel and show cause why appropriate discipline or sanction should not be imposed for failure to respond or cooperate. If the matter is pending before a Review Panel, and the lawyer fails to show good cause, the Review Panel shall refer the matter to an Adjudicatory Panel. Notice of such show cause hearing shall be served upon the lawyer and provided to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at least twenty days prior to the hearing. If at such hearing the lawyer fails to respond or show a just or reasonable cause for not responding, then in addition to the disciplines and sanctions otherwise provided by these Rules, the Adjudicatory Panel may, upon determination of its appropriateness, recommend to the Supreme Court the immediate interim suspension of such lawyer for a period not to exceed thirty days or recommend other interim discipline. RULE 25. CONDUCT CONSTITUTING THREAT OF HARM TO CLIENTS OR THE PUBLIC A. Petition for Interim Suspension. Upon receipt of evidence constituting probable cause that a lawyer subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Supreme Court has committed a violation ofthe Rules ofProfessional Conduct or is incapacitated and,in either case, poses a substantial threat ofserious harm to clients or the public, Disciplinary Counsel may file a petition with the Supreme Court to have, the lawyer suspended pending proceedings. The clerk shall send the lawyer a copy ofthe petition to his or her last known address. B. Interim Suspension. Upon review of the petition, the Supreme Court may either deny the petition or direct the lawyer to show good cause, if any, why the lawyer should not be suspended during the pendency of either criminal proceedings or disciplinary proceedings. After providing the lawyer with the opportunity to be heard, the Court may enter an order suspending the lawyer from the practice of law or may order such other action as it deems appropriate. C. Notice to Clients. A lawyer suspended pursuant to this Rule shall comply with the notice requirements of Rules 30 and 32. RULE 26. DISCIPLINE BY.CONSENT A. Adjudicatory Panel Approval of Tendered Admission. (1) A lawyer against whom a Complaint has been filed may tender to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel within the time set by scheduling order a conditional admission to the Complaint, addressing all ofthe alleged rule violations in the Cornplaint, in exchange for a stated form of discipline. 20 (2)If accepted by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the conditional admission shall be ,filed and an Adjudicatory Panel shall determine whether to approve or reject it. In the event the tendered admission is not accepted by the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel and the Commission, an adjudicatory hearing will be set at the next regular or special hearings session of the Commission. (3) When a tendered conditional admission is submitted to an Adjudicatory Panel, the tendered conditional admission shall remain confidential until the Supreme Court issues an order approving or modifying an Adjudicatory Panel's recommendation. (4) The Adjudicatory Panel may either approve or reject the tendered admission. The Adjudicatory Panel may hold a private hearing for the purpose of obtaining information to aid the Adjudicatory Panel in determining whether to approve or reject the tendered admission. (a)If the tendered admission is approved by the Adjudicatory Panel, such approval shall be final ifthe stated form of discipline is a letter of caution, a public admonition, probation imposed by an Adjudicatory Panel as provided in Rule 9C ofthese Rules, or any combination of these forms of discipline, with or without imposition of costs of the proceeding; but, in all other instances, the tendered admission shall be subject to approval or rejection by the Supreme Court. (b) If the tendered admission is rejected by either the Adjudicatory Panel or the Supreme Court, the admission shall be deemed withdrawn and cannot be used against the lawyer in any subsequent proceedings. B. Affidavit of Consent. A tendered admission shall intlude an affidavit stating the lawyer's consent to the discipline and that: (1) The lawyer's consent is freely and voluntarily tendered, and that the lawyer is not being subjected to coercion or duress, and that the lawyer is fully aware ofthe implications of submitting the consent; (2) The lawyer is aware that there has been a Complaint filed against the lawyer, the nature of which the lawyer shall specifically set forth; and (3) The lawyer acknoWleclges that the rnaterial facts so alleged are true or the lawyer submits his or her consent because he or she knows that ifthe case proceeded to a hearing, he or she could not Successfully defend himself or herself The final order of discipline shall 1346 predicated upon the Complaint, the conditional admission,the affidavit, and such other information and evidence to which the Disciplinary Counsel and the lawyer may have stipulated, or which may have been elicited at a private hearing referred to in Rule 26A. C. Order of Discipline. If the discipline by consent is a form of discipline that may be imposed by the Adjudicatory Panel, the Adjudicatory Panel shall enter the order.'In all other instances in which the proposed discipline has been approved, the Supreme Court shall enter the order. The order of discipline by consent shall be filed with the Clerk ofthe Suprerne Court, and a copy thereof shall be served upon the lawyer, the lawyer's counsel, the Comrnission, Disciplinary Counsel, and the grievant. D. Confidentiality. All tendered admission proceedings prior to entry of a consent discipline order shall be confidential and subject to the provisions ofRule 20 ofthese Rules. 21 Upon entry of an order imposing public discipline, the conditional admission and affidavit of consent shall be filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court and made public. RULE 27. RECIPROCAL DISCIPLINE AND RECIPROCAL DISABILITY INACTIVE STATUS A. Office of Disciplinary Counsel to Obtain Order of Discipline or Disability/Inactive Status from Other Jurisdiction. Upon being disciplined or transferred to disability/inactive status in another jurisdiction, a lawyer admitted to practice in Montana shall prornptly inform the Office ofDisciplinary. Counsel ofsuch action. Upon notification that a lawyer subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction ofthe Supreme Court has been disciplined or transferred to disability/inactive status in another jurisdiction, Disciplinary Counsel shall file a petition, attaching a certified copy of the order, with the Supreme Court. B. Notice Served Upon the Lawyer. Upon receipt ofDisciplinary Counsel's petition, the Court shall issue an order directing the lawyer to inform the Court, within thirty days from the date of service, of any claim by the lawyer predicated upon the grounds set forth in Rule 27D,that the imposition ofthe identical discipline or transfer to disability/inactive status in the state of Montana would be unwarranted and the reasons therefor. A copy of the order from the other jurisdiction shall be attached to the order. C. Effect of Stay of Discipline in Other Jurisdiction. In the event the discipline imposed in another jurisdiction has been stayed, any reciprocal discipline imposed in Montana may be deferred until the stay expires. D. Discipline to be Imposed or Transfer to Disability/Inactive Status. Upon expiration ofthirty days from service of the order pursuant to the provisions of Rule 27B, the Supreme Court shall impose the identical discipline or transfer to disability/inactive status unless the lawyer demonstrates, or the Court finds that upon the face of the record from which the discipline was predicated it clearly appears that: (1) The procedure was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process; (2)There was such infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct as to give rise to the clear conviction that the Supreme Court could not, consistent with its duty, accept as final the conclusion on that subject; (3)The imposition ofthe same discipline by the Supreme Court would result in grave injustice; or (4) The misconduct established warrants substantially different discipline in the state of Montana. If the Supreme Court determines that any of those elements exist, it shall enter such other order as it deems appropriate. E. Conclusiveness of Adjudication in Other Jurisdiction. In all other aspects, a final adjudication in another jurisdiction that a lawyer has been guilty of misconduct or transferred to disability/inactive status shall establish conclusively the misconduct or disability for purposes of proceedings in Montana. 22 RULE 28. DISABILITY/INACTIVE STATUS A. Automatic Transfer to Disability/Inactive Status. The Supreme Court shall enter an order immediately transferring a lawyer to disability/inactive status upon receipt of a certified copy of a judgment, order, or other appropriate document demonstrating that,the lawyer: (1) Was found to be incapable of assisting in his or her own defense in a criminal action; (2) Was acquitted of a crime based on mental disease or defect; (3) Had a guardian or conservator appointed, but not a temporary guardian or conservator, for his or her person or estate on a judicial finding of incapacity; or, • (4) Was involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. A copy of the order shall be served, in the manner the Court may direct, upon the lawyer, his or her guardian, or the director of the institution to which the lawyer has been committed. B. Assertion of Inability to Assist in Defense. If, during the course of a disciplinary investigation or proceeding,'a lawyer alleges an inability to assist in his or her defense due to mental or physical incapacity, Disciplinary Counsel shall notify the Court. The Court shall immediately transfer the lawyer to disability/inactive status until further order of the Court. C. Notice of Transfer. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, notice of transfer to disability/inactive status shall be given to those persons and in the manner provided in Rule 30. All orders transferring a lawyer to or from disability/inactive status are public. D. Term of Disability/Inactive Status. Transfer to disability/inactive status, unless otherwise specified by order, shall be for an indefmite period and may include such terms and conditions for transfer to active status as may be appropriate. E. Stay of Disciplinary Proceedings. Pending disciplinary proceedings shall be deferred during the period a lawyer is on disability/inactive status. Such proceedings shall be heard and disposed of as provided in these Rules upon reinstatement of the lawyer to active status. F. Reinstatement to Active Status. (1)A lawyer transferred to disability/inactive status may petition for transfer to active status after six inonths or such other time period specified in the order of transfer, or in subsequent oiders. (2)Upon receipt of a petition for transfer to active status, the Adjudicatory Panel shall schedule a hearing on the petition as soon as practicable. Proceedings for transfer to active status shall be conducted in the same manner as proceedings pursuant to Rule 29. Upon motion by Disciplinary Counsel, the chairperson of the Adjudicatory Panel may order examination ofthe lawyer by qualified experts. (3) A lawyer transferred to disability/inactive status based on an assertion of an inability to assist in his or her defense of disciplinary proceedings due to mental or physical incapacity must show by clear and convincing evidence the lawyer did in fact suffer from a condition that prevented the lawyer from assisting in his or her defense and that the lawyer can now assist in his or her defense. 23 (4)Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, any other petition for transfer to active status shall be granted upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that the disability has been removed. (5) A lawyer previously judicially declared incompetent may petition for immediate transfer to active status, without hearing, upon proof ofjudicial declaration ofcompetency by a court of competent jurisdiction. RULE 29. REINSTATEMENT FOLLOWING DISCIPLINE A. After Suspension of Six Months or Less. A lawyer suspended for no more than six months may resurne practice at the end of the period of suspension by filing with the Court, and serving upon the Administrative Officer of the Commission and Disciplinary Counsel, an affidavit stating that the lawyer has fully complied with the requirements of the suspension order, and has paid any required fees and costs ordered by the Court. B. After Disbarment or Suspension for More Than Six Months. Subject to the limitations set forth in Rule 29C, any lawyer who shall have been disbarred or who shall have been suspended indefinitely or for more than six rnonths may, by verified petition, apply for: (1) An order of reinstatement; (2)An order shortening the term of a fixed period of suspension; or (3)An order modifying an order ofindefinite period of suspension by fixing a definite period of suspension. The petition shall bear the case nurnber and caption appearing in the order ofdiscipline. An original and seven copies shall be filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The lawyer shall serve a copy of the petition on the Commission and on Disciplinary Counsel. The petition shall set forth the facts that the lawyer contends show that he or she has rehabilitated himself or herself, and that he or she is entitled to have the order of discipline vacated, terminated, or rnodified. C. Time for Filing Petition. (1) A lawyer suspended from practice rnay not petition for reinstatement earlier than ninety days prior to the end of the period of the fixed term or minimum fixed term of the suspension. (2) A lawyer serving an indefinite suspension beyond the minimum fixed term may petition for reinstatement at ariy time. (3) A disbarred lawyer may not petition for reinstatement until five years after the effective date of disbarment. D. Hearing and Notice on Application. Upon receipt of a petition, the Commission shall, within ninety days after receipt ofsuch petition, or such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by petitioner and the Commission,schedule an Adjudicatory Panel hearing on the petition. The petitioner shall have the burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence that he or she meets the following criteria or, if not, has presented good and sufficient reason why he or she should nevertheless be reinstated: 24 (1)The lawyer has fully complied with the terms of all prior disciplinary orders; (2) The lawyer has not engaged nor attempted to engage in the unauthorized practice oflaw; (3)Ifthe lawyer was suffering under a physical or mental disability or infirmity at the time of suspension, including alcohol or other drug abuse, the disability or infirmity has been removed,and where alcohol or other drug abuse was a causative factor in the lawyer's misconduct, the lawyer: (a)has pursued appropriate rehabilitative treatment; and (b)has abstained from the use of alcohol or other drugs for at least one year, and is likely to continue to abstain from alcohol or other drugs; (4)The lawyer recognizes the wrongfulness and seriousness ofthe misconduct; (5)The lawyer has not engaged in any other professional misconduct since suspension; (6)The lawyer has the requisite honesty and integrity to practice law; and (7)The lawyer has kept informed about recent developments in the law and is competent to practice. The proceedings before the Adjudicatory Panel relating .to such petition shall be governed .by the applicable provisions of these rules governing hearings in disciplinary proceedings including Rule 20 concerning confidentiality, unless otherwise provided herein or unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the public in such manner and to such extent as the Adjudicatory Panel deems appropriate in each case. In any event, notice of such application or petition shall be given to the Supreme Court, all ofthe Judges ofthe District Courts ofthe State ofMontana, all ofthe Federal District Judges ofthe District ofMontana, and the Executive Director of the State Bar of Montana. The notice of hearing shall set forth that any interested person may testify at the hearing. Disciplinary Counsel may investigate the contentions set forth in the petition for reinstatement and present relevant evidence at the hearing. E. Deposit for Cost.of Proceeding. Upon receipt of a petition for reinstatement, an Adjudicatory Panel, before proceeding further, may require the petitioner to deposit with the Commission an amount deemed reasonable by the Commission to cover anticipated costs ofthe reinstatement proceedings. F. Recommendation of Commission and Action by Court. The Adjudicatory Panel shall make a written recommendation to the Supreme Court on the petition for reinstaternent, including the imposition of such conditions to reinstatement as it deems appropriate to protect the public interest. Thereupon the Supreme Court shall, in the exercise of its discretion, take such action as it deems advisable. RULE 30. NOTICE TO CLIENTS AND OTHERS A. Recipients of Notice and Contents of Notice. Unless otherwise ordered by the Adjudicatory Panel or the Supreme Court, within ten days after the date ofthe order ofthe Court imposing the discipline of disbarment or suspension,the lawyer shall notify or cause to be notified by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested: (1)A11 clients being represented in pending matters; 25 (2)Any co-counsel in pending matters; (3) Any opposing counsel in pending matters or, in the absence of such counsel, the adverse parties, that the Court has ordered the disbarment or suspension ofthe lawyer and that the lawyer is therefore disqualified to act as a lawyer after the effective date of the order; and (4) any court in which the respondent attorney appears as counsel of record in any pending matter in compliance with Uniform District C.ourt Rule 10(and any corresponding Local Rule), as well as § 37-61-403, MCA. B. Notice to Clients of Lawyers Who Are Disbarred or Suspended. The lawyer shall deliver to all clients being represented in pending rnatters any papers or other property to which they are entitled and shall notify them and any counsel representing thern of a suitable time and place where the papers and other property may be obtained, calling attention to any urgency for obtaining the papers or other property. C. Notification to Court. In the event the client does not obtain another lawyer before the effective date ofthe disbarment or suspension,it shall be the responsibility ofthe lawyer to notify in writing the judge ofthe court having jurisdiction of the pending matter ofthe circumstances. RULE 31. EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDER,WINDING UP OF AFFAIRS Orders imposing discipline shall be effective immediately upon entry unless the Adjudicatory Panel or the Supreme Court specifies otherwise in the order. The lawyer, after entry of a disbarment or suspension order, shall not engage as a lawyer for any new case or legal matter of any nature. The lawyer shall refund any part of any fees paid in advance which have not been earned. RULE 32. AFFIDAVIT FILED WITH COURT Within twenty days after the effective date of the disbarment or suspension order, the lawyer shall file with the Supreme Court, the Adjudicatory Panel, and the Disciplinary Counsel an affidavit showing:' (1) The lawyer has fully cornplied with the provisions.of the order and with these Rules; (2)A list.of all other state, federal, and administrative jurisdictions to which the lawyer is admitted to practice; and (3) The lawyer's residence or other addresses where communications may thereafter be directed to him or her. RULE 33. APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE TO PROTECT CLIENTS'INTERESTS A. Appointment of Trustee. If a lawyer has been disbarred or suspended, or is deceased, disabled, or missing, and there is reasonable cause to believe it is necessary to protect the interests of a lawyer's clients, and no partner, personal representative, or other responsible party capable of conducting the lawyer's affairs is known to exist, a district judge in the judicial district in which the lawyer maintained his or her practice shall appoint 26 an attorney or attorneys, including attorneys on inactive or senior status, as trustee over the lawyer's practice. B. Terminology. (1)"Disabled" means that a lawyer has a physical or mental condition resulting from accident, injury, disease, chemical dependency, mental health problems, or age that significantly impairs the lawyer's ability to practice law. The term includes, but is not limited to, a lawyer who has been transferred to disability/inactive status. (2)"Missine means that a lawyer is unavailable or unwilling to attend to the needs of his or her client(s) for a period beyond what is reasonable and customary to the practice of law and/or by conduct has demonstrated that he or she is unlikely to properly discharge his or her professional duties in the future. C. Procedure. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall file an ex parte verified petition, which may be based on hearsay, requesting the appointment of a trustee with the clerk of the district court for any county in the judicial district in which the lawyer maintained his or her practice. The petition may be filed without notice. The clerk shall send the lawyer a copy of the petition at his or her last known address. If a district judge in the judicial district in which the lawyer maintained his or her practice is unavailable, any district judge may consider the petition. The court may grant or deny the petition without a hearing. All orders issued by a district judge pursuant to this Rule shall be served upon the lawyer at his or her last known address. D. Duties and Powers 'of Trustee. Upon appointment, the .trustee shall take reasonable ineasures to protect the interests of the lawyer's clients. Such measures may include, but are not limited to, the following: (1)Take possession of and examine the files and records ofthe law practice and obtain information as to any pending matters which may require attention; (2)Provide notice to the lawyer's active clients of the lawyer's status; (3)Provide a client with his or her file on request; (4) With leave ofthe court, destroy any inactive or closed files; (5) With leave of the court, access and take possession of the lawyer's operating and trust bank accounts and, upon approval of the court, refund any unearned fees or funds belonging to third persons; (6) Make appropriate distribution, upon approval of the court, of any other assets in the lawyer's possession belonging to the lawyer, clients, or third persons; (7)Notify persons and entities who appear to be clients ofthe lawyer that it may be in their best interest to obtain replaceinent counsel and advise them, when appropriate, of any statute of limitations; (8) Apply for stays and extensions of time pending employment of replacement counsel by a client; (9) Make referrals to replacement counsel with the agreeinent of a client or accept representation of a client with the agreernent of the client; (10) Retain the services of other professionals and third parties when necessary to perform the trustee's duties; and, (11)Obtain further court orders or other reliefnecessary to perform the trustee's duties. 27 E. Review of Court Orders. Within thirty days from the filing of any order issued pursuant to this rule, the lawyer or someone on his or her behalf, a client or former client, or any other interested person may file a written request that the court reconsider its order de novo. Within thirty days ofthe filing ofthe court's decision reconsidering its order, the trustee, the lawyer or someone on his or her behalf, a client or former client, or any other interested person may file a petition requesting review of the decision with the Supreme Court. F. Protection of Client Information. A trustee shall not be permitted to disclose any inforrnation contained in any client file without the consent of the client to whom the file relates, except as necessary to carry out the trustee's duties. G.Expenses. Any fees and expenses associated with the appointment ofa trustee shall be paid by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel may negotiate the fees and expenses for which it will be responsible prior to the attorney's appointment as trustee. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall be entitled to reimbursement from the lawyer for whom the trustee is appointed. H. Final Report. When the purposes ofthe trusteeship have been accomplished with respect to the lawyer's law practice, the trustee shall file a final report and an accounting of all funds and property coming into the custody ofthe attorney trustee. The trustee shall serve a copy ofthe final report on the Office ofDisciplinary Counsel and upon the lawyer at his or her last known address. Upon the filing ofthe final report, the trustee is discharged frorn further duties, subject to further order ofthe court. I. Immunity. A trustee shall be immune from suit for any conduct undertaken in good faith in the course of performing his or her duties. This immunity shall.not extend to any matter in which a trustee has assumed representation of a client as an attorney. RULE 34. VERIFICATION OF BANK ACCOUNTS Whenever Disciplinary Counsel has probable cause to believe that the bank accounts of a lawyer that contain, should contain, or have contained funds belonging to clients have not been properly maintained or that the funds have not been properly handled, Disciplinary Counsel may initiate an investigation for the purpose ofverifying the accuracy and integrity of all bank accounts maintained by the lawyer, and an investigator may be appointed by Disciplinary Counsel for that purpose. Investigations, examinations, and verifications shall be conducted so as to preserve the private and confidential nature of the lawyer's records insofar as is consistent with these Rules and the attorney-client privilege, provided however that all investigatory materials may be provided to, or exchanged with,the State Bar ofMontana Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection. RULE 35. EFFECTIVE DATE These rules are effective January 1, 2021, provided however that any matter then pending shall be concluded under the rules existing on the date the Complaint was filed. 28