Supreme Court rules require complaints to remain confidential except in the few cases where the board recommends disbarment, suspension, or a public censure or reprimand. During 1995, there were 509 grievances filed with the office, said Carole Richelieu, acting chief disciplinary counsel. Disciplinary proceedings resulted in one attorney being disbarred, one allowed to resign, and three suspended. There also was a single public censure, one public reprimand and 32 private informal admonitions. According to Commission Executive Director Dan Mollway, the higher standard in effect protects lawyers from most formal discipline.
Court officials emphasize that no tax dollars are spent on the disciplinary counsel.
The Judiciary should be doing everything it can to enhance confidence in this process.