A record is made of the reproval, but the name of the lawyer is not made public. Public Reprimand , which means that the lawyer is publicly reproved. Public reprimands are published in Lawyer s Weekly and other publications, and are compiled in the bound volumes of the Massachusetts Attorney Discipline Reports. If the Board determines that more severe discipline is required, it sends the matter, together with its recommendation, to the Supreme Judicial Court. Suspension , which means that the lawyer may not practice law for a period of time.
Suspension can be for either a specified term or for an indefinite period.
A lawyer who is suspended for an indefinite period may not apply for reinstatement for five years. Disbarment , which means that the lawyer s license to practice is revoked and the lawyer s name is stricken from the list of licensed lawyers. Sometimes one of the above disciplines may be imposed with terms of probation. An attorney may also resign from the bar rather than face disciplinary action, but only with the Court's consent. Decisions of the Board and the Court with respect to public discipline are released for publication.