Rule 4-209.2 Special Masters

This rule explains how the lawyers who serve as Special Masters in Georgia disciplinary cases get paid. Special Masters are the people who review complaints against attorneys and help decide what should happen in those cases. The State Bar of Georgia pays them out of its general funds, but the Supreme Court of Georgia decides how much they get paid and can change that pay rate whenever it wants.

To help figure out fair pay rates, the Supreme Court sets up a group called the Special Master Compensation Commission. This group includes the State Bar's current Treasurer, the past three State Bar presidents (going back a few years), and any other people the Court chooses to add. Their job is to look at the pay rates each year and suggest what the Coordinating Special Master and the other Special Masters should be paid.

This commission has to send its pay recommendations to the Supreme Court by January 1 every year. This keeps the payment process fair and makes sure someone is regularly checking that the pay rates make sense.