These are files which generally involve minor misconduct, albeit misconduct nonetheless.
Private discipline consists of stipulated probations and admonitions.
Stipulated probations involve more serious misconduct or multiple instances of misconduct, and are in lieu of pursuing charges of unprofessional conduct. In the past year, approximately 100 lawyer disciplinary files were closed with the issuance of an admonition to the lawyer, a number that is consistent with the number of cases closed with that disposition in each of the last several years. As in prior years, many admonitions were issued for isolated instances of neglect or for failure to adequately communicate with a client in a matter. Other types of misconduct that resulted in an admonition being issued include improper advertising, failure to pay debts, solicitation of clients, and inappropriate communication with represented parties. Here are summaries of several of the admonitions issued in 2000.