Opinion ID: 1549476
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Respondent-attorney shall answer each allegation specifically and shall file his answer within thirty days after service of the complaint upon him.

Text: D. The Court may make such temporary orders as justice may require either with or without hearing. Respondent-attorney shall be entitled to be heard after any ex parte order. E. The Court may refer the complaint for hearing before a judicial referee or other judge. After hearing, the referee/judge shall file his written report with the Court with specific findings of fact and rulings of law. The Court shall, after filing of briefs and oral arguments, make such Order as justice may require. F. In the event that the Court decides to impose discipline, Bar Counsel shall cause an investigation to be made as to the respondent-attorney and to file such report with the Court. At the time discipline is imposed the Court may consider the report of Bar Counsel and his recommendation in imposing such discipline and respondent-attorney may be heard on his own behalf. No oral evidence as to character and reputation shall be heard except by leave of the Court. The Court may suspend, disbar or publicly censure respondent-attorney upon such terms and conditions as the Court deems necessary for the protection of the public and the preservation of the integrity of the legal profession. G. In the event of suspension or disbarment, a copy of the Court's order shall be sent to the clerk of every court in the State and to each State in which the respondent-attorney is admitted to practice. The Committee shall continue to be responsible to insure respondent-attorney's compliance with the Court order of suspension or disbarment and to notify the Court as to any violations for such action as the Court deems necessary. H. In addition to the procedure described herein, the Court may take such action on its own motion as it deems necessary. I. Pleadings and procedure before the Court and before the referee/judge shall conform insofar as practicable with the requirements of the Superior Court Rules for trials of matters of equity. 15. Appointment Of Counsel To Protect Clients' Interests: A. Whenever an attorney is suspended, disbarred, dies or his whereabouts are unknown, and no partner, executor or other responsible party capable of conducting the attorney's affairs is known to exist, the Court, upon proper proof of the fact, may appoint an attorney or attorneys to make an inventory of the files of said attorney and to take such action as seems indicated to protect the interests of clients of said attorney as well as the interest of said attorney. B. Any attorney so appointed shall not be permitted to disclose any information contained in any files so inventoried without the consent of the client to whom such file relates except as necessary to carry out the order appointing the attorney to make such inventory. C. Any attorney so appointed shall be entitled to reasonable compensation and reimbursement for expenses incurred. 16. Refusal Of Complainant To Proceed, Compromise, Etc. Neither unwillingness nor neglect of the Complainant to sign a complaint or to prosecute a charge nor settlement, compromise or restitution shall in itself justify abatement of an investigation into the conduct of an attorney. 17. Expenses Relating To Discipline Enforcement: All expenses incurred by the Committee and by Bar Counsel in the investigation and enforcement of discipline shall be paid by the New Hampshire Bar Association.