Opinion ID: 2640579
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: jurisdiction of attorney disciplinary matters

Text: ¶ 24 In a bar disciplinary proceeding, this Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction. [19] This Court's authority rests on the constitutionally vested, nondelegable power to regulate the practice of law (which includes the ethics, licensure, and discipline of the State's legal practioners). [20] This authority is also statutory. [21] In determining whether discipline is warranted and in assessing the appropriate sanction, this Court's review is de novo. [22] Neither the PRT's findings of fact, conclusions of law, nor recommendations are binding on this Court. [23] The record is sufficient for this Court's review and supports the stipulation of the facts. However, we do not find that the stipulated mitigating factors are supported in the record and disapprove the recommended discipline. ¶ 25 The PRT's findings and recommendations are not binding on this Court. To keep the investigatory and adjudicatory functions separate in bar disciplinary proceedings, this Court has assigned limited duties to the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Professional Responsibility Commission, and the Professional Responsibility Tribunal. [24] In performing their roles, the OBA, Commission, and PRT act as an official arm of this Court. [25] This Court has assigned the power to investigate grievances to the Commission and the OBA General Counsel. [26] The General Counsel reports to the Commission who has the nondelegable responsibility of determining whether or not formal disciplinary proceedings should be commenced. [27] The General Counsel may delegate duties imposed upon [it] concerning the general supervision of all disciplinary matters to other members of the OBA, including any state or county Bar grievance committee. [28] ¶ 26 Unlike the Commission, another bar member's authority or a state or county bar grievance committee's authority is limited to that delegated by the General Counsel which is in turn is limited to the General Counsel's authority. Neither a bar member, other than acting as part of the Commission, or a state or local bar committee is authorized to determine that a formal complaint should not be initiated or to impose discipline, even by private reprimand. [29] Thus, after a bar member or state or county bar committee investigates a grievance, it should submit its report, together with supporting documentation, to the General Counsel for presentation to the Commission. ¶ 27 In very limited situations, this Court has authorized the Commission to direct the General Counsel to admonish an attorney by letter [30] and to issue private reprimands. [31] In even more limited circumstances and prior to filing formal charges, the General Counsel may refer an attorney charged with misconduct to a diversionary program. [32]