Condo wrote in an open letter to colleagues. The bar is a state agency that regulates lawyers and investigates complaints of lawyer misconduct. Each year, the bar receives about 3,000 complaints of lawyer misconduct from clients, judges and other lawyers. Most complaints are dismissed by state investigators early on. The review process, and the complaints, are confidential.
Few complaints result in public disciplinary action.
Opening the system to increased public scrutiny is a top priority of the bar's new president, Joseph A. Condo of Vienna. He appointed the new task force. Secrecy breeds suspicion that the bar is concealing something. A substantial number of citizens believe we are allowing unethical lawyers to prey on the public. Continued public confidence in the judicial system is essential to protect the integrity of legal profession.