ABA Model Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, 2007 Edition

These Model Rules reflect the best policies and procedures for lawyer disciplinary enforcement and are used by state supreme courts and bar associations in reviewing their disciplinary systems. In August 1993, the Standing Committee revised the Model Rules to reflect the policies approved by the House of Delegates in the Report of the Commission on Evaluation of Disciplinary Enforcement (McKay Report). The Committee further elaborated, in Commentary to the Model Rules, the details of a Central Intake system and time guidelines for conducting lawyer disciplinary investigations, prosecutions and appeals. In August 1996, the House of Delegates adopted amendments to the Model Rules propounded by the Committee to provide for diversion programs as Alternatives to Discipline. These programs are currently being adopted nationwide. At the 1999 Midyear meeting, the Model Rules were amended to (1) change the definition of a "conviction" in Rule 19 for purposes of expediting the imposition of an interim suspension for conviction of a serious crime; (2) increase the period of disbarment from five to eight years; (3) and enhance the enforcement of subpoenas issued by a foreign jurisdiction. And in August 2002, the House adopted the Committee's proposed amendments to conform the Model Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement to the adopted report of the Commission on Multijurisdictional Practice.