Rule 7 Committee
Rule Text
(a) Composition of the Committee. The Committee has five members who each serve two-year terms. Committee members must:
(1) Be active members in good standing with the Bar Association;
(2) Be elected by a majority vote of active members of the Bar Association;
(3) After each election, elect one among them to be the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary.
(b) Action by Committee. The Committee takes action by a majority vote. The Committee cannot act unless there is quorum. Quorum requires five Committee members who are eligible to vote. Quorum may be met by the member being physically present at the meeting or attending telephonically
(c) Adoption of Procedural Rules. The Committee may adopt necessary procedural rules consistent with these attorney discipline rules.
(d) Duties and Powers. The Committee has the power to:
(1) Review allegations and determine whether to appoint an investigator;
(2) Review investigation reports and recommend whether the further action should be taken;
(3) Request interim suspensions; and
(4) Recommend discipline.
(e) Conflict of Interest.
(1) Ad Hoc Members. After receipt of an allegation, Committee members must inform the Committee chairperson if a conflict of interest prevents the member from fairly evaluating the matter. The Chairperson must appoint an ad hoc member from the Bar Association to replace any member who has a conflict of interest. An ad hoc member must meet the qualifications for election to the Committee. An ad hoc member is: (1) considered a Committee member; and (2) appointed solely for the purpose of deliberating, evaluating, and voting on the matters that gave rise to the conflict of interest.
(2) Lack of Quorum. The Committee must notify the Chief Justice if there is a lack of quorum because sufficient ad hoc members cannot or have not been timely appointed. Following such notice, the Chief Justice must review the matter pursuant to Rule 10(a)(2).