IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

AF 06-0628

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IN RE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

TO THE MONTANA RULES FOR

LAWYER DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT

O R D E R

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The members of the Commission on Practice have submitted proposed 

amendments to the Montana Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement to the Court for 

its consideration. After consideration of the proposed amendments, the Court has 

determined that the bench and bar of the State of Montana should be provided an 

opportunity to comment thereon.

The proposed amendments to the Rules are attached to this Order. Language 

proposed to be stricken from the Rules is interlineated, and language proposed to be 

added is underlined.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that all members of the bench and bar of 

Montana and any other interested persons are granted 60 days from the date of this Order 

in which to file with the Clerk of this Court appropriate comments and/or suggestions to 

the attached Proposed Revisions to the Montana Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary 

Enforcement.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Proposed Revisions to the Montana Rules 

for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement in their entirety shall be posted on the websites of 

the Montana State Law Library and the State Bar of Montana. The State Bar of Montana 

is further requested to give notice of this Order and of its website posting of the Proposed 

Revisions in the next available issue of The Montana Lawyer.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of this Court shall post this Order with 

attached proposed amendments on the Court’s website and shall provide copies of such to 

05/27/2020

Case Number: AF 06-0628
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the State Bar of Montana, and shall provide to each District Court Judge and each Clerk 

of the District Court a copy of this Order with attached proposed amendments with a 

request that each Clerk of the District Court make the Order available for public review 

in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court.

DATED this 26th day of May, 2020.

For the Court,

/S/ MIKE McGRATH
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 of Disciplinary Counsel and a Commission on Practice. The Office of 

Disciplinary Counsel shall perform central intake functions and shall process, investigate, and 

prosecute those grievances complaints against lawyers which are within the disciplinary 

jurisdiction of the Court. The Commission on Practice, which shall be divided into Review and 

Adjudicatory Panels, shall approve the filing of formal Complaints by the Office of Disciplinary 

Counsel, shall hear and decide cComplaints 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 of nine practicing lawyers, who shall be residents of 

the 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 of the 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 of these Rules shall continue to 

serve on the Commission for the remainder of the terms for which they were appointed, unless 

their membership 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 shall comprise the Eleventh and Nineteenth Judicial Districts.

Area B shall comprise the Fourth, Twentieth and Twenty-First Judicial Districts.

Area C shall comprise the Second, Third, and Fifth Judicial Districts.

Area D shall comprise the Eighth and Ninth Judicial Districts.

Area E shall comprise the Seventh, Tenth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and 

Seventeenth Judicial Districts.

Area F shall comprise the First Judicial District.

Area G shall comprise the Sixth and Eighteenth Judicial Districts.

Area H shall comprise the Thirteenth and Twenty-Second Judicial Districts.

Except for the at-large lawyer member, appointments to the Commission of the 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 

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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 of the Commission shall not be 

subject to the election procedure, but shall be appointed by the Court.

In the event of a vacancy in the Commission, a successor shall be appointed by the 

Supreme Court for the unexpired term of the member whose office is vacated. Members of the 

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 members 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 members of the Commission 

shall annually elect lawyer members as chairperson, vice chairperson, and executive secretary. 

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 of the 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 of a majority of the members present at a meeting at 

which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Commission.

D. Meetings. Members of the Commission shall meet at times and places designated by 

the chairperson or, in the absence of the 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 of 

such meeting shall be given as above provided. The minutes of any meeting of the Commission 

shall state the form and time of notice of meeting given to the members.

Members of the Commission shall meet at times and places designated by the chairperson or, in 

the absence of the chairperson, by the vice chairperson, who shall determine the agenda for the 

meetings. Notice of any such meeting shall be given by mail or

by telephone not less than seven calendar days in advance of the time for such meeting, except in 

cases of emergency or urgency requiring, in the judgment of the person calling the meeting, a 

shorter time of notice. Also, the Supreme Court may call a meeting of the members to be held

at a time and place ordered by the Court. Notice of such meeting shall be given as above 

provided. The minutes of any meeting of the Commission shall state the form and time of notice 

of meeting given to the members.

E. Executive Committee. The chairperson, vice chairperson, and executive secretary of 

the Commission shall constitute the executive committee. The principal function of the executive 

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committee shall be to attend to administrative matters during the interval between meetings of

the Commission. The executive committee shall have such other duties and authority as the 

Commission shall determine from time to time.

F. Compensation and Expenses. Members of the Commission shall receive no 

compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incidental 

to the performance of their 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 of meetings, and such other 

procedural rules not in conflict with these rules, as may be necessary to expedite the conduct of 

its 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) Appoint and sSupervise any 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 matters 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. ; and

(9) Operate subject to budgetary limitations imposed by the Court.

RULE 3 - REVIEW PANELS: Composition; Powers & Duties; Quorum

A. Composition. The Chairperson of the Commission shall appoint one or more Review Panels 

of five members each, at least two of whom 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 file a formal cComplaint, together with the

grievance complaint, the response from the lawyer against whom the grievance complaint was 

made and any reply from the grievant complainant together with other relevant documents and 

Disciplinary Counsel’s intake summary, investigative report, and recommendations;

(2) Refer the grievance complaint to Disciplinary Counsel for any further investigation, if needed 

to determine whether a formal cComplaint is appropriate;

(3) Approve Disciplinary Counsel’s request to file a formal cComplaint when the facts appear to 

warrant disciplinary action or transfer to disability/inactive status or reject the request to file a 

formal cComplaint if discipline does not appear to be warranted;

(4) Hear requests by Disciplinary Counsel for private admonitions and render the same upon 

approval;

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(5) Hear and determine requests for review pursuant to Rule 10C(3) and for reconsideration 

pursuant to Rule 14;

(56) Authorize the stay of disciplinary proceedings for good cause shown pursuant to Rule 28;

(67) Conduct show cause hearings when a lawyer has refused to respond to inquiries from the 

Office of Disciplinary Counsel or the Commission; and

(78) Notify parties of action by a Review Panel the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the 

responding lawyer or his or her counsel of action by a Review Panel and the reasons for any 

denial of the 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 of Disciplinary 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 of Disciplinary 

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 athe Review Panel shall require the vote of a majority 

of the members present three members.

RULE 4 - ADJUDICATORY PANELS: Composition; Powers & 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 formal cComplaints and cComplaints 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 for discipline or other disposition of formal 

complaints; when indicated by these Rules, or engage in for discipline or other disposition of 

cComplaints;

(3) Hear and determine preliminary and procedural matters incidental to the exercise of its 

powers and duties;

(4) Administer public admonitions and issue letters of caution;

(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;

(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;

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(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. ; and; and

(12) Approve Disciplinary Counsel’s request to file a formal complaint when the facts appear to 

warrant disciplinary action or transfer to disability/inactive status.

C. Quorum. Five members of an Adjudicatory Panel, at least three of whom are lawyers, shall 

constitute a quorum; however, any act of anthe Adjudicatory Panel shall require the vote of a 

majority of the members present three members.

RULE 5 - OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL

A. Appointment. The Court shall appoint a lawyer to serve as Chief Disciplinary Counsel and 

may appoint such Deputy Disciplinary Counsels as they it theydeems 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.

B. Powers and Duties. Disciplinary Counsel shall perform all prosecutorial functions and shall 

have the following powers and duties:

(1) Supervise Office of Disciplinary Counsel (Office) staff in performing central intake 

functions;

(2) Evaluate all information coming to the attention of the Office to determine whether it 

is within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court;

(3) Investigate all information coming 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 complaint that Disciplinary Counsel determines does not warrant 

disciplinary action;

(6) In addition to dismissing the grievance complaint, Disciplinary Counsel may issue a 

letter of caution or take other corrective action when Disciplinary Counsel deems it appropriate;

(7) Request leave a Review Panel to approve a private admonition or for leave to file a 

formal cComplaint when Disciplinary Counsel determines that disciplinary action by the 

Commission or the Montana Supreme Court is warranted;

(8) Prosecute before Review Panels,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 circumstances necessitate their use, appoint and supervise special 

investigators and volunteer special counsel;

(10) Notify promptly the grievant complainant and the lawyer that an investigation is to 

be initiated by Disciplinary Counsel, or, where Disciplinary Counsel dismisses, provide a 

concise written statement of the 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;
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(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 informed 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 of the 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 of the Office;

(19) Supervise and direct Office staff and operations;

(20) Prepare and submit to 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 

opinions, 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 member assessment.

B. Commission on Practice. The costs and expenses of the Commission shall be paid from 

legislatively-appropriated public funds.

C. Fiscal Reviews and Audits. The Court may direct fiscal reviews and audits of the 

components of the lawyer regulation system.

RULE 7 - Jurisdiction

A. Members of the State Bar of Montana. Any lawyer who is a member of the State Bar of 

Montanais subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Montana, regardless of 

where the lawyer’s conduct occurs. 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 or of the Montana 

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Rules of Professional Conduct, any lawyer specially admitted by a court of this jurisdiction for a 

particular proceeding, 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 of the Montana Supreme Court and the Commission on Practice.

B. Other Attorneys. Any lawyer specially admitted by a Montana court for a particular 

proceeding, appearing by pleading or otherwise in any judicial or administrative proceeding in 

Montana, or otherwise engaging in the practice of law in Montana, is subject to the disciplinary 

jurisdiction of the

Supreme Court of Montana, for conduct pertaining to his or her practice of law in Montana.

C. Disciplined and Resigned Attorneys. If a lawyer is suspended, disbarred or resigns as a 

member of the State Bar of Montana, or the lawyer’s special admission or appearance in any 

judicial proceeding in Montana has terminated, the lawyer remains subject to disciplinary 

proceedings for conduct occurring prior to the effective date of the suspension, disbarment,

resignation or termination.

D. Grounds Cumulative. The grounds for disciplinary jurisdiction enumerated herein are in 

addition to those set forth in Rule 8.5, Montana Rules of Professional 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 of Professional 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 of the 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.

(7) Willful contempt of court or of the Commission 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 of the following forms:

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(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 of law for a definite period of time or for an indefinite 

period of time with a fixed minimum term. “Suspension” means the temporary or indefinite 

termination of the 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 of any 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 imposed 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 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. administered by an Adjudicatory Panel of the Commission. An 

admonition by an Adjudicatory Panel is a public reprimand that declares the conduct of the 

lawyer to be 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 of the content of a written public admonition. The fact a 

public admonition 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 may 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.

(6) Requirement of restitution to persons financially injured.

(7) Reimbursement to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection.

(8) Assessment of the cost of proceedings, investigations, and audits. Whenever costs of 

proceedings are assessed by the Supreme Court as part of the discipline imposed upon a lawyer, 

the Disciplinary Counsel shall assemble and serve upon the lawyer an itemized list of those 

costs. The lawyer shall then have ten days thereafter in which to file written objections with the 

Commission on Practice and, if so desired, request a hearing before an Adjudicatory Panel on 

whether the amount of such costs is reasonable and necessary. 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.

I (79) Interim suspension pending final determination of discipline.

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B. Discipline Criteria. The following factors shall be considered in determining discipline to be 

recommended or imposed:

(1) The gravity and nature of the duty violated, including whether the duty is owed to a 

client, to the public, to the legal system, or to the profession;

(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 of the 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 of law;

(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 ODC or cooperative attitude toward proceedings;

(f) inexperience in the practice of law;

(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;

(l) remorse;

(m) 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.

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(4) Assessment of the cost of proceedings, investigations, and audits. Whenever costs of 

proceedings are assessed by the Supreme Court or the Commission as part of the discipline 

imposed upon a lawyer, the Disciplinary Counsel shall assemble and serve upon the lawyer an 

itemized list of those costs. The lawyer shall then have ten days thereafter in which to file written 

objections with the Commission on Practice and, if so desired, request a hearing before an 

Adjudicatory Panel on whether the amount of such costs is reasonable and necessary. 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.

(6) Oher requirements the Commission or the Montana Supreme Court deems consistent with the 

purposes of lawyer sanctions.

C. Probation. 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 may be imposed for violation of any of the terms and 

conditions of such probation, including satisfactory completion of a diversion or treatment 

program.

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 

imposed. The lawyer against whom such an order has been entered in district court or by the 

Commission on Practice shall not have the right or opportunity to re-litigate the merits of the 

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 of the lawyer’s license or other discipline.

An attorney who has been purged of the contempt order may be reinstated to practice 

law. Prior to reinstatement, the lawyer shall be required to pay the costs of any proceedings 

before the Commission on Practice.

II. PROCEDURE

RULE 10 - Office of Disciplinary Counsel

A. Central Intake and Evaluation. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall perform central 

intake functions including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Receive information and grievances complaints regarding lawyer’s alleged 

misconduct;

(2) Make appropriate referrals regarding information and grievances complaints while 

assuring that any member of the public who wishes to make a grievance complaint against a 

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lawyer is able to do so;

(3) Provide the grievant complainant access to a packet of written materials containing 

forms, instructions, and information about Montana’s lawyer disciplinary process; and

(4) Receive written grievances complaints on the forms provided.

B. Preliminary Review and Processing of Grievances Complaints. The Office of Disciplinary 

Counsel shall conduct a preliminary review of each written grievance complaint received by the 

Office and determine whether the grievance complaint involves a matter that is within the 

disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court.

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 complaint to the lawyer against whom the grievance complaint 

is made;

(2) Send the lawyer’s response to the grievant complainant 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 complaint without prejudice, where the grievance complaint does not appear to be 

within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the 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 of Disposition. In the event of a dismissal, Disciplinary Counsel shall give written 

notice to the grievant complainant and to the lawyer of the dismissal, stating the reasons for the 

action taken, and advising the grievant complainant of the right to request review of the 

dismissal.

(3) Request for Review. The grievant complainant 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 of caution may file a written request for review of Disciplinary 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.

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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 formal cComplaint; and

(2) Provide additional information to or Cconduct further investigation at the request of a 

Review Panel.

E. Adjudicatory Panel Proceeding. Disciplinary Counsel shall:

(1) Draft and prosecute formal cComplaints and Complaints proposing interim 

suspension and complaints proposing interim suspensionbefore an Adjudicatory Panel, represent 

the Office of Disciplinary 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 any anydiscovery pursuant to Rule 19; and

(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 Formal Complaint

A. Time Limit for filing a Formal Complaint. Except as otherwise provided in these 

rules, from the time the alleged misconduct giving rise to the inquiry or grievance complaint is 

discovered or, with due diligence, should have been discovered, a formal Complaint must be 

filed within six years from the date of the alleged misconduct.

B. When Violation Occurs. A Rule of Professional Conduct is violated when every 

element of a violation has occurred. But if the violation is a continuing offense, the violation 

occurs when the offensive conduct ends.

C. Tolling. The six-year limit is tolled, but in no case may a formal Complaint be filed 

after 10 years from the date of the misconduct, while during the period:, but in no case may a 

formal Complaint be filed after 10 years from the date of the misconduct, while:

(1) The lawyer represents the grievant, the grievant’s family member,

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 of the 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 may not be filed more than 10 years after the date of the alleged 

misconduct.

E. Exceptions. There shall be no limit on the time to file a formal Complaint for:

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(1) Any alleged misconduct based upon a plea of guilty to a felony, with or without a 

reference to an Alford or a nolo contender 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 Formal Case Procedures

A. Complaint and Citation. When a Review Panel has granted the Office of 

Disciplinary Counsel leave to file a formal Complaint against a respondent lawyer:

(1) Disciplinary Counsel shall file a formal 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 of the 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 of the 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 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 be in default as provided

by Rule 12C(2).

B. Service.

(1) Service of Complaint. Service upon the lawyer of a Complaint in a formal 

disciplinary proceeding 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. If service is made by registered or certified mail, service is deemed 

complete upon mailing.

(2) Service of Other Papers. Excepting the Complaint and Answer, Sservice of any allany

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 keep a registry of all 

documents filed with it the Commission.

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 is made is madeon Disciplinary Counsel.

(2) If the lawyer fails to file an Answer within the prescribed time, the allegations in the 

Complaint shall be deemed admitted. An . and an Adjudicatory Panel to which the case has been 

assigned shall conduct a hearing to may make 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 of the case.

(3) Absent good cause and entry of an order by the Commission, an Answer may not include 
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motions under Rules 9, 11, 12, 13 or 14 of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure.

(4) Amended and supplemental pleadings before the Commission shall be governed by Rule 15, 

Montana Rules of Civil Procedure.

D. Hearing, Findings, and 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, time, and place of hearing, 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) An Adjudicatory Panel may elect to hold a hearing notwithstanding the lawyer’s failure to 

answer.

(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 formal 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 of the 

case.

RULE 13 -Adjudicatory Hearings; Public Admonitions ( Abrogated)

Following the filing of a formal complaint, an Adjudicatory Panel may determine to 

sanction a lawyer by the imposition of an admonition. The Adjudicatory Panel shall determine 

whether to impose the admonition publicly or privately after weighing, on a case-by-case basis, 

the lawyer’s privacy interests and the public’s right to know. The demands of the lawyer’s 

individual privacy must clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure in order for an 

Adjudicatory Panel to impose a private admonition. An Adjudicatory Panel may do so, however, 

only after consulting Disciplinary Counsel and the lawyer subject to sanction, to apprise the 

interested parties of its reasoning for such decision and to allow for comment.

An Adjudicatory Panel’s decision to close an adjudicatory hearing and/or impose an 

admonition, either publicly or privately, shall be final unless, within ten days of the Adjudicatory 

Panel’s decision, the lawyer subject to sanction, Disciplinary Counsel, or a member of the public,

files a petition with the Clerk of the Supreme Court asking the Court to review the Adjudicatory 

Panel’s decision. The Court shall conduct an in camera review of the Adjudicatory Panel’s 

decision in which it evaluates the lawyer’s privacy interest and the public’s right to know.

A private admonition should be imposed only in cases of minor misconduct, 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 informs the lawyer that his or her 

conduct is unethical, but does not unnecessarily stigmatize a lawyer from whom the public needs 

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no protection.

RULE 14 - Request for Review by Grievant Complainant of a Review Panel’s Decision

A. Dismissal of Grievance complaint. Upon review of Disciplinary Counsel’s dismissal 

of a grievance complaint pursuant to Rule 10C(3), if a Review Panel affirms the dismissal,

Disciplinary Counsel the Commission shall notify the grievant complainant in writing that the 

grievant complainant may, within thirty-five days of the date on which the notice was sent, 

request in writing to the Supreme Court Commission, 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, and and members of Review or Panels,

Adjudicatory Panels, the Commission, Commission staff, and the Supreme Court shall not 

communicate ex parte between or among themselves or with others regarding the merits 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 of the Commission’s findings of fact, conclusions of law, and 

recommendation, a party shall have thirty days from date of service within which to file with the 

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 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. 

RULE 17 – Privileged Communications and Immunity

From Civil Suit. 

A. From Civil SuitPrivileged Communications. Communications or grievances complaints, 

oral or written to, or from, the Commission and Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and testimony 

given in the proceedings, are privileged. and no Evidence thereof is inadmissible in any lawsuit 

against any grievant complainant, witness, Commission member, Commission staff, Disciplinary 

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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 complainant or witness shall be determined under Rule 503, 

Montana Rules of Evidence. 

B. Immunity from Civil Suit. Members of the Commission, Commission staff, Disciplinary 

Counsel, Office of Disciplinary staff, investigators, special counsel, any other person employed 

or retained by the Commission or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to represent it in 

Commission matters, staff members, 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 of their official duties under these Rules. All of said persons are deemed officers and/or 

agents of the Court for all purposes mentioned in these Rules.

B. From Criminal Prosecution. 

CB. Immunity Ffrom Criminal Prosecution. Upon application of Disciplinary Counsel or the 

Commission and after reasonable notice to and written consent from the appropriate county 

attorney(s), the Supreme Court may order that a witness cannot be prosecuted or subjected to any 

penalty or forfeiture 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 formal Complaint has been filed, the chairperson of the Commission or of an 

Adjudicatory Panel may 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 

information in connection with that investigation; 

(b) a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct or these Rules has been committed; 

and

(c) the information relative to the commission of that violation is in the possession of the 

person or institution to whom the subpoena is directed.

(3) The lawyer who is the subject of the investigation need not be given advance notice of 

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the investigative subpoena. Upon execution of the 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 formal charges are a Complaintcharges are has 

been filed, any member 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 Commission.

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 of the Commission or the Office of 

Disciplinary Counsel or upon determination by the Chairperson, be cited for contempt of the 

Supreme Court. The Commission or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel shall report to the Court 

the facts relating to any such contempt. Thereupon, proceedings before the Supreme Court shall 

be had as in cases of other contempts. The Supreme Court may, upon proper application, also 

enforce the attendance of any witness and the production of any documents subpoenaed as well 

as hear proceedings based upon a contempt citation.

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 discipline 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 of the 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 of the 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 subsection B of this Rule 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.

H. Witnesses and Fees. Witness fees and mileage shall be the same as provided by law for 

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witnesses in civil actions in the District Courts of the State of Montana.

RULE 20 - Access to Disciplinary Information

A. Confidentiality. All disciplinary information provided to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel 

and proceedings before the Commission on Practice prior to the filing of a formal cComplaint 

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 Lawyer’s Assistance Program, in order to protect 

the public, the administration of justice, 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

complaint.

B. Public Information. Upon the filing of a formal cComplaint with the Clerk of the Supreme 

Court in a disciplinary matter, or upon the filing with the Clerk of the Supreme Court of a 

petition for reinstatement, the proceedings before the Commission and pleadings and other 

documents filed with the Clerk or Commission shall be public except for:

(1) Deliberations and minutes of the Commission;

(2) Information or proceedings with respect to which an Adjudicatory Panel or Supreme 

Court has issued a protective order;

(3) Conditional admissions 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 of these Rules.

C. Admissibility in Other Proceedings. The conclusions, opinions, and recommendations of 

Disciplinary 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 Courts of the State 

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of Montana, all of the District Judges of the State of Montana, the Clerk of the Federal District 

Court for the District of Montana, the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit, 

the Chairperson of the Commission, and the Executive Director of the 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 of the State of Montana apply in disciplinary cases.

B. Standard of Proof. Allegations in a formal Complaint and grounds for reinstatement shall be 

established by clear and convincing evidence.

C. Burden of Proof. The burden of proof in formal proceedings seeking discipline is on 

Disciplinary Counsel. The burden of proof in reinstatement proceedings is on the person seeking 

reinstatement.

D. Availability of Hearing Transcript. A copy of the record of a public hearing shall be made 

available to any person to the lawyer at his or her expense on request made to the Commission.

E. Related Pending Litigation. After the filing of a formal 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 Complainant. Neither withdrawal of an informal grievance

complaint by a grievant complainant, nor a settlement, nor a compromise between the grievant

complainant and the lawyer, nor restitution by the lawyer shall, in itself, justify abatement of the 

processing of any grievance complaint.

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 Complaints Against Commission Members. Allegations of grounds 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 

manner as a Commission member with respect to that matter.

I. Dismissed Grievances Complaints. An grievance informal complaint 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.

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RULE 23 - Lawyers Convicted of a Criminal 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 of the Supreme Court has been 

convicted of a criminal offense shall, within thirty days of the date of conviction, transmit 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 of the certificate of 

conviction, the Supreme Court, either on its own motion or on that of Disciplinary Counsel, shall 

determine 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 formal cComplaint against the lawyer predicated upon the 

conviction. If the criminal 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 determination 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 of suspension. 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 of the conviction to the Supreme

Court, to another tribunal, or because of a motion for an appeal by a new trial de novo.

C. Formal Proceedings After a Conviction. The sole issue to be determined in the formal 

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 formal proceeding then pending against the lawyer, the disposition 

of which shall be determined by the Adjudicatory Panel on the basis of the available evidence.

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F. Notice to Clients and Others on Interim Suspension. An interim suspension order entered 

pursuant to this Rule shall constitute a suspension of the lawyer for purposes of Rule 21.

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 Commission should fail or refuse to 

promptly and fully respond to a grievance complaint 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 shall fail 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 such other interim disciplineearlier date as the attorney shall fully respond 

to and cooperate with the Disciplinary Counsel and the Commission on Practice.

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 of the Rules of Professional Conduct or is incapacitated and, in 

either case, poses a substantial threat of serious 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 of the 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

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A. Adjudicatory Panel Approval of Tendered Admission. 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 of 

the alleged rule violations in the Complaint, in exchange for a stated form of discipline. 

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 of Disciplinary Counsel and the 

Commission, an adjudicatory hearing will be set at the next regular or special hearings 

session of the Commission. 

When a tendered conditional admission is submitted to an Adjudicatory Panel, the 

tendered conditional admission shall remain confidential until the Montana Supreme 

Court issues an order approving or modifying an Adjudicatory Panel’s recommendation.

A lawyer against whom formal disciplinary proceedings have been filed may tender a 

conditional admission to the cComplaint or to particular allegations therein in exchange for a 

stated form of discipline. The tendered admission shall be submitted to an Adjudicatory 

Panel. An Adjudicatory Panel may refer the tendered admission to the Disciplinary Counsel 

for recommendations.

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. If the

tendered admission is approved by the Adjudicatory Panel, such approval shall be final if the 

stated form of discipline is a an letter of caution, an public admonition, probation imposed by an 

Adjudicatory Panel as provided in Rule 9C of these Rules, or any combination of these forms of 

disciplineboth, 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. 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 include 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 of the implications of 

submitting the consent;

(2) The lawyer is aware that there has been a Complaint formal charge filed against the 

lawyer, the nature of which the lawyer shall specifically set forth; and

(3) The lawyer acknowledges that the material facts so alleged are true or the lawyer 

submits his or her consent because he or she knows that if the case proceeded to a formal

hearing, he or she could not successfully defend himself or herself.

The final order of discipline shall be predicated upon the formal cComplaint, 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.

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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 of the Supreme Court, and a copy 

thereof shall be served upon the lawyer, the lawyer’s counsel, the Commission, Disciplinary 

Counsel, and the grievant complainant.

D. Confidentiality. All tendered admission proceedings prior to entry of a consent discipline 

order shall be confidential and subject to the provisions of Rule 20 of these Rules. 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 promptly inform the 

Office

of Disciplinary Counsel of such action. Upon notification that a lawyer subject to the disciplinary 

jurisdiction of the 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 of Disciplinary 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 paragraph D of this 

rule, that the imposition of the 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 of 

thirty days from service of the order pursuant to the provisions of paragraph B of this rule, 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 

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clear conviction that the Supreme Court could not, consistent with its duty, accept as final the 

conclusion on that subject;

(3) The imposition of the 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 exists, 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.

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 indefinite 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.

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F. Reinstatement to Active Status.

(1) A lawyer transferred to disability/inactive status may petition for transfer to active status after 

six months or such other time period specified in the order of transfer, or in subsequent orders.

(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 formal proceedings pursuant to Rule 29. Upon motion by 

Disciplinary Counsel, the chairperson of the Adjudicatory Panel may order examination of the 

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.

(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 of judicial declaration of competency 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 resume 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 months 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 of indefinite period of suspension by fixing a definite 

period of suspension.

The petition shall bear the case number and caption appearing in the order of discipline. 

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 

modified.

C. Time for Filing Petition.

(1) A lawyer suspended from practice may 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.

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(2) A lawyer serving an indefinite suspension beyond the minimum fixed term may petition for 

reinstatement at any 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 of such 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:

(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 of 

law;

(3) If the 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 of the 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 of the Judges of the District Courts of the 

State of Montana, all of the Federal District Judges of the District of Montana, 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 of the 

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 reinstatement, including the 

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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 of the order of the 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) All clients being represented in pending matters;

(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 of the 

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 Court 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 matters any papers or 

other property to which they are entitled and shall notify them and any counsel representing them 

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 of the disbarment or suspension, it shall be the responsibility of the lawyer to 

notify in writing the judge of the court having jurisdiction of the pending matter of the 

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 complied 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 

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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’ Interest

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 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) “Missing” 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 measures 

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 of the 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 of the 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;

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(7) Notify persons and entities who appear to be clients of the lawyer that it may be in 

their best interest to obtain replacement 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 agreement of a client or accept 

representation of a client with the agreement 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 relief necessary to perform the trustee’s duties.

E. Review of Court Orders. Within 30 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 30 days of 

the filing of the 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 

information 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 of a 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 of the 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 of the attorney trustee. The trustee shall serve a copy of the

final report on the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and upon the attorney at his or her last known 

address. Upon the filing of the final report, the trustee is discharged from further duties, subject 

to further order of the 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, the Disciplinary Counsel 

may initiate an investigation for the purpose of verifying the accuracy and integrity of all bank 

accounts maintained by the lawyer, and an investigator may be appointed by Disciplinary 

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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 of Montana, Lawyers’ Fund for Client

Protection.

RULE 35 - Effective Date

These rules are effective _____________, 2020January 1, 2011, provided, however, that

any matter then pending shall be concluded under the rulesprocedure existing on the date the 

Complaint was filed

prior to the effective date of these Rules.

Amended April 2, 2013

Amended October 13, 2015

Effective January 1, 2016

Effective _______, 2020

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