IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON

At its public meeting on October 13, 2009, the court considered and approved amendments to the Bar Rules of Procedure.� The rule changes were approved as amended by the Board of Governors seeking to incorporate �house-keeping� changes, correcting minor errors or deleting outdated provisions.� Other changes are more substantive.� Deleted text is stricken and new text is underlined.�

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the attached revised Oregon State Bar Rules of Procedure are approved and effective immediately.

Dated this 19th day of October, 2009.

Paul J. De Muniz
Chief Justice

Rules of Procedure
Title 1 � General Provisions

Rule 1.1 Definitions.

In these rules, unless the context or subject matter requires otherwise:

(a) �Accused� means an attorney charged with misconduct by the Bar in a formal complaint.

(b) �Applicant� means an applicant for admission to practice law in Oregon or an applicant for reinstatement to the practice of law in Oregon, as the case may be.

(c) �Attorney� means a person who has been admitted to the practice of law in Oregon.

(d) �Bar� means Oregon State Bar created by the Bar Act.

(e) �Bar Act� means ORS Chapter 9.

(f) �Bar Counsel� means counsel appointed by the SPRB or the Board to represent the Bar.

(g) �BBX� means Board of Bar Examiners appointed by the Supreme Court.

(h) �Board� means Board of Governors of the Bar.

(i) �Contested Admission� means a proceeding in which the Bar BBX is objecting to the admission of an applicant to the practice of law upon recommendation of the BBX after a character review proceeding.

(j) �Contested Reinstatement� means a proceeding in which the Bar is objecting to the reinstatement of an attorney or a former attorney to the practice of law.

(k) �Disciplinary Board� means the board appointed by the Supreme Court to hear and decide disciplinary and contested reinstatement proceedings pursuant to these rules.

(l) �Disciplinary Board Clerk� means the person or persons designated in General Counsel�s Office of the Bar to receive and maintain records of disciplinary and reinstatement proceedings on behalf of the Disciplinary Board.

(m) �Disciplinary Counsel� means disciplinary counsel retained or employed by, and in the office of, the Bar and shall include such assistants as are from time to time employed by the Bar to assist disciplinary counsel.

(n) �Disciplinary Proceeding� means a proceeding in which the Bar is charging an attorney with misconduct in a formal complaint.

(o) �Examiner� means a member of the BBX.

(p) �Executive Director� means the chief administrative employee of the Bar.

(q) �Formal Complaint� means the instrument used to charge an attorney with misconduct.

(r) �LPRC� means a local professional responsibility committee appointed by the Board.

(s) �Misconduct� means any conduct which may or does subject an attorney to discipline under the Bar Act or the rules of professional conduct adopted by the Supreme Court.

(t) �State Court Administrator� means the person who holds the office created pursuant to ORS 8.110.

(u) �Supreme Court� and �court� mean Supreme Court of Oregon.

(v) �SPRB� means State Professional Responsibility Board created by the� Board.

(w) �Trial Panel� means a three-member panel of the Disciplinary Board.

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Rule 1.3 Nature Of Proceedings.

Contested admission, d Disciplinary, and contested reinstatement proceedings are neither civil nor criminal in nature but are sui generis, and are designed as the means to determine whether an attorney should be disciplined for misconduct, or whether an applicant�s conduct should preclude the applicant from being admitted to the Bar, or from being reinstated to membership in the Bar.

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Rule 1.10 Filing.

(a) Any pleading or document to be filed with the Disciplinary Board Clerk shall be delivered in person to the Disciplinary Board Clerk, Oregon State Bar, 16037 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road, Tigard, Oregon 97224, or by mail to the Disciplinary Board Clerk, Oregon State Bar, P. O. Box 231935, Tigard, Oregon 97281-1935. Any pleading or document to be filed with the Supreme Court shall be delivered to the State Court Administrator, Appellate Courts Records Section, 1163 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301-2563. Any pleading or document to be filed with the State Chair of the Disciplinary Board, a regional chair or a trial panel chair shall be delivered to the intended recipient at his or her last designated business or residence address on file with the Bar.

(b) Filing by mail shall be complete on deposit in the mail in the following circumstances: All pleadings or documents, including requests for review, required to be filed within a prescribed time, if mailed on or before the due date by first class mail through the United States Postal Service.

(c) If filing is not done as provided in subsection (b) of this rule, the filing shall not be timely unless the pleading or document is actually received by the intended recipient within the time fixed for filing.

(d) A copy of any pleading or document filed under these Rules must also be served by the party or attorney delivering it on other parties to the case. All service copies must include a certificate showing the date of filing. �Parties� for the purposes of this rule shall be the accused or applicant, or his or her attorney if the accused or applicant is represented, Disciplinary Counsel, and Bar Counsel.

(e) Proof of service shall appear on or be affixed to any pleading or document filed. Such proof shall be either an acknowledgement of service by the person served or be in the form of a statement of the date of personal delivery or deposit in the mail and the names and addresses of the persons served, certified by the person who has made service.

(f) Any pleading or document to be filed with the Supreme Court pursuant to these rules of procedure may be filed electronically, rather than conventionally by paper, provided the filing complies with ORAP 16.

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Title 2 � Structure and Duties

Rule 2.1 Qualifications of Counsel.

(a) Definition of Accused. Notwithstanding BR 1.1(a), for the purposes of this rule, �accused� means an attorney who is the subject of an allegation of misconduct that is under investigation by the Bar, or who has been charged with misconduct by the Bar in a formal complaint.

(b) Bar Counsel. Any attorney admitted to practice law at least three years in Oregon may serve as Bar Counsel unless the attorney:

(1) currently represents an accused or applicant;

(2) is a current member of the Disciplinary Board, or has a firm member currently serving on the Disciplinary Board;

(3) served as a member of the Disciplinary Board at a time when the formal complaint against the accused was filed.

(c) Counsel for Accused. Any attorney admitted to practice law in Oregon may represent an accused unless the attorney:

(1) is a current member of the Board or the SPRB;

(2) served as a member of the Board or the SPRB at a time when the allegations about which the accused seeks representation were under investigation by the Bar or were authorized to be charged in a formal complaint;

(3) is a current member of an LPRC that investigated allegations about which the accused seeks representation;

(4) served as a member of an LPRC that investigated allegations about which the accused seeks representation, at a time when such investigation was undertaken;

(5) currently is serving as Bar Counsel;

(6) is a current member of the Disciplinary Board, or has a firm member currently serving on the Disciplinary Board;

(7) served as a member of the Disciplinary Board at a time when the formal complaint against the accused was filed.

(d) Counsel for Applicant. Any attorney admitted to practice law in Oregon may represent an applicant unless the attorney:

(1) is a current member of the Board, the BBX, or the SPRB;

(2) served as a member of the Board, the BBX, or the SPRB at a time when the investigation of the admission or reinstatement application was conducted by the BBX or the Bar;

(3) currently is serving as Bar Counsel;

(4) is a current member of the Disciplinary Board, or has a firm member currently serving on the Disciplinary Board;

(5) served as a member of the Disciplinary Board at a time when the statement of objections against the applicant was filed.

(e) Vicarious Disqualification. The disqualifications contained in BR 2.1(b), (c) and (d) shall also apply to firm members of the disqualified attorney�s firm.

(f) Exceptions to Vicarious Disqualification.

(1) Notwithstanding BR 2.1(b), (c) and (d), an attorney may serve as Bar Counsel or represent an accused or applicant even though a firm member is currently serving on the Disciplinary Board, provided the firm member recuses himself or herself from participation as a trial panel member, regional chairperson or state chairperson in any matter in which a member of the firm is Bar Counsel or counsel for an accused or applicant.

(2) Subject to the provisions of RPC 1.7, and notwithstanding the provisions of BR 2.1(b), (c) and (d), an attorney may serve as Bar Counsel or represent an accused or applicant even though a firm member is currently serving as Bar Counsel or representing an accused or applicant, provided firm members are not opposing counsel in the same proceeding.

(3) Notwithstanding BR 2.1(b), (c) and (d), an attorney in a Board member�s firm may represent an accused or applicant for admission provided the Board member is screened from any form of participation or representation in the matter. In order to ensure such screening:

(A) The Board member shall prepare and file an affidavit with the Executive Director attesting that, during the period his or her firm is representing an accused or applicant for admission, the Board member will not participate in any manner in the matter or the representation and will not discuss the matter or representation with any other firm member;

(B) The Board member�s firm shall also prepare and file an affidavit with the Executive Director attesting that all firm members are aware of the requirement that the Board member be screened from participation in or discussion of the matter or representation;

(C) The Board member and firm shall also prepare, at the request of the Executive Director, a compliance affidavit describing the Board member�s and the firm�s actual compliance with these undertakings;

(D) The affidavits required under subsections (A) and (B) of this rule shall be filed with the Executive Director no later than 14 days following the acceptance by a Board member�s firm of an accused or applicant for admission as a client, or the date the Board member becomes a member of the Board.

Rule 2.2 Investigators.

Disciplinary Counsel may, from time to time, appoint a suitable person, or suitable persons, to act as an investigator, or investigators, for the Bar with respect to complaints, allegations or instances of alleged misconduct by attorneys and matters of admission and reinstatement of attorneys. Such investigator or investigators shall perform such duties in relation thereto as may be required by Disciplinary Counsel.

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Rule 2.4 Disciplinary Board.

(a) Composition. A disciplinary board shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. The Disciplinary Board shall consist of a state chairperson, 6 regional chairpersons, and 6 additional members for each Board region except for Region 1 which shall have 9 additional members, Region 5 which shall have 23 additional members, and Region 6 which shall have 11 additional members. Each regional panel shall contain 2 members who are not attorneys, except for Region 1 which shall have appointed to it 3 members who are not attorneys, Region 5 which shall have appointed to it 8 members who are not attorneys, and Region 6 which shall have appointed to it 4 members who are not attorneys. The remaining members of the Disciplinary Board shall be resident attorneys admitted to practice in Oregon at least 3 years. Except for the state chairperson who shall be an at-large appointee, members of each regional panel shall either maintain their principal office within their respective region or maintain their residence therein. The members of each region shall constitute a regional panel. Trial panels shall consist of 2 attorneys and 1 public member, except as provided in BR 2.4(f)(3). The state chairperson, regional chairpersons and trial panel chairpersons shall be attorneys.

(b) Term.

(1) Disciplinary Board members shall serve terms of 3 years and may be reappointed. State and regional chairpersons shall serve in that capacity for terms of 1 year, subject to reappointment by the Supreme Court.

(2) Notwithstanding BR 2.4(a), the powers, jurisdiction and authority of Disciplinary Board members shall continue beyond the expiration of their appointment or after their relocation to another region for the time required to complete the cases assigned to them during their term of appointment or prior to their relocation, and until a replacement appointment has been made by the Supreme Court. The state chairperson and the regional chairpersons shall serve until a replacement appointment has been made by the Supreme Court.

(c) Resignation and Replacement. The court may remove, at its discretion, or accept the resignation of, any member of the Disciplinary Board and appoint a successor who shall serve the unexpired term of the member who is replaced.

(d) Disqualifications and Suspension of Service.

(1) The disqualifications contained in the Code of Judicial Conduct shall apply to members of the Disciplinary Board.

(2) The following individuals shall not serve on the Disciplinary Board:

(A) A member of the Board, the SPRB, or an LPRC shall not serve on the Disciplinary Board during the member�s term of office. This disqualification shall also preclude an attorney or public member from serving on the Disciplinary Board while any member of his or her firm is serving on the Board, the SPRB or an LPRC.

(B) No member of the Disciplinary Board shall sit on a trial panel with regard to subject matter considered by the Board, the SPRB or an LPRC while a member thereof or with regard to subject matter considered by any member of his or her firm while a member of the Board, the SPRB or an LPRC.

(3) A member of the Disciplinary Board against whom charges of misconduct have been approved for filing by the SPRB is suspended from service on the Disciplinary Board until the charges filed against the member have been resolved by final decision or order. If a Disciplinary Board member is suspended from the practice of law as a result of a final decision or order in a disciplinary proceeding, the member may not resume service on the Disciplinary Board until the member is once again authorized to practice law. For the purposes of this rule, charges of misconduct include authorization by the SPRB to file a formal complaint pursuant to BR 4.1, the determination by the SPRB to admonish an attorney pursuant to BR 2.6(c)(1)(B) or BR 2.6(d)(1)(B) which admonition is thereafter refused by the attorney, authorization by the SPRB to notify the Supreme Court of a criminal conviction pursuant to BR 3.4(a), and authorization by the SPRB to notify the Supreme Court of an attorney�s discipline in another jurisdiction pursuant to BR 3.5(a).

(e) Duties of State Chairperson.

(1) The state chairperson shall coordinate and supervise the activities of the Disciplinary Board, including the monitoring of timely preparation and filing of trial panel opinions.

(2) The state chairperson shall not be required to, but may, serve on trial panels during his or her term of office.

(3) The state chairperson shall resolve all challenges to the qualifications of regional chairpersons under BR 2.4(g) and all challenges to the qualifications of trial panels appointed in contested reinstatement proceedings.

(4) Upon receipt of written notice from Disciplinary Counsel of service of a statement of objections, the state chairperson shall appoint a trial panel and trial panel chairperson from an appropriate region. The state chairperson shall give written notice to Disciplinary Counsel, Bar Counsel and the applicant of such appointments and a copy of the notice shall be filed with the Disciplinary Board Clerk.

(5) The state chairperson shall appoint a member of the Disciplinary Board to conduct pre-hearing conferences as provided in BR 4.6.

(6) The state chairperson may appoint Disciplinary Board members from any region to serve on trial panels or to conduct pre-hearing conferences as may be necessary to resolve the matters submitted to the Disciplinary Board for consideration.

(7) In matters involving final decisions of the Disciplinary Board under BR 10.1, the state chairperson shall review statements of costs and disbursements and objections thereto and shall fix the amount of actual and necessary costs and disbursements to be recovered by the prevailing party.

(f) Duties of Regional Chairperson.

(1) Upon receipt of written notice from Disciplinary Counsel of service of a formal complaint, the regional chairperson shall appoint a trial panel from the members of the regional panel and a chairperson thereof. The regional chairperson shall give written notice to Disciplinary Counsel, Bar Counsel and the accused of such appointments and a copy of the notice shall be filed with the Disciplinary Board Clerk.

(2) Except as provided in BR 2.4(e)(3), the regional chairperson shall rule on all challenges to the qualifications of members of the trial panels in his or her region under BR 2.4(g).

(3) Upon the stipulation of the Bar and an accused, the regional chairperson shall appoint one attorney member from the regional panel to serve as the sole adjudicator in a disciplinary proceeding. In such case, the member appointed shall have the same duties and authority under these rules as a three member trial panel.

(4)� The regional chairperson may serve on trial panels during his or her term of office.

(5)� The regional chairperson shall rule on all questions of procedure and discovery that arise prior to the appointment of a trial panel and trial panel chairperson.

(g) Challenges. The Bar and an accused or applicant shall be entitled to one peremptory challenge and an unlimited number of challenges for cause as may arise under the Code of Judicial Conduct or these rules. Any such challenges shall be filed in writing within seven days of written notice of an appointment of a trial panel with the Disciplinary Board Clerk, with copies to the regional chairperson for disciplinary proceedings or to the state chairperson for contested admission and reinstatement proceedings or for challenges to a regional chairperson. Challenges for cause shall state the reason for the challenge. The written ruling on a challenge shall be filed with the Disciplinary Board Clerk, and the regional chairperson or the state chairperson, as the case may be, shall serve copies of the ruling on all parties. These provisions shall apply to all substitute appointments, except that neither the Bar nor an accused or applicant shall have more than 1 peremptory challenge. The Bar and an accused or applicant may waive a disqualification of a member in the same manner as in the case of a judge under the Code of Judicial Conduct.

(h) Duties of Trial Panel Chairperson. The Disciplinary Board Clerk shall mail to the trial panel finally selected a copy of the formal complaint or statement of objections and, if one has been filed, the answer of the accused or applicant. Upon receipt of the pleadings from Disciplinary Board Clerk, the trial panel chairperson shall promptly establish the date and place of hearing pursuant to BR 5.4 and notify in writing the Disciplinary Board Clerk and the parties of the date and place of hearing. The trial panel chairperson shall rule on all pre-hearing matters, except for challenges under BR 2.4(e)(3). The trial panel chairperson may convene the parties or their counsel prior to the hearing to discuss the parties� respective estimates of time necessary to present evidence, the availability and scheduling of witnesses, the preparation of trial exhibits, and other issues that may facilitate an efficient hearing. The trial panel chairperson may thereafter issue an order regarding agreements or rulings made at such a pre-hearing meeting. The trial panel chairperson shall convene the hearing, oversee the orderly conduct of the same, and timely file with the Disciplinary Board Clerk the written opinion of the trial panel.

(i) Duties of Trial Panel.

(1) Trial. It shall be the duty of a trial panel to which a disciplinary or contested reinstatement proceeding has been referred, promptly to try the issues. The trial panel shall pass on all questions of procedure and admission of evidence.

(2)

(a) Opinions. The trial panel shall render a written opinion signed by the concurring members of the trial panel. A dissenting member shall note the dissent and may file a dissenting opinion attached to the majority opinion of the trial panel. The majority opinion shall include specific findings of fact, conclusions and a disposition. The trial panel chairperson shall file the original opinion with the Disciplinary Board Clerk, and serve copies on the parties and the State Court Administrator. It shall be filed within 28 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the settlement of the transcript if required under BR 5.3(e), or the filing of briefs if requested by the trial panel chairperson pursuant to BR 4.8, whichever is later.

(b) Extensions of Time to File Opinions. If additional time is required by the trial panel to render its opinion, the trial panel chairperson may file a request for an extension of time with the Disciplinary Board Clerk and serve a copy on the state chairperson prior to the expiration of the applicable 28 day period. Disciplinary Counsel, Bar Counsel, and the accused or applicant shall be given written notice of such request. The state chairperson shall file a written decision on the extension request with the Disciplinary Board Clerk and shall serve copies on all parties.

(3) Record. The trial panel shall keep a record of all proceedings before it, including a transcript of the evidence and exhibits offered and received, and shall promptly file such record with the Disciplinary Board Clerk.

(4) Notice. The Disciplinary Board Clerk shall promptly notify the parties of receipt of the opinion from the trial panel.

(j) Publications.

(1) Disciplinary Counsel shall cause to be prepared, on a periodic basis, a reporter service containing the full text of all Disciplinary Board decisions not reviewed by the Supreme Court. The reporter service shall be distributed to all state and county law libraries and members of the Disciplinary Board.

(2) Disciplinary Counsel shall have printed in the Bar Bulletin, on a periodic basis, summaries of Supreme Court contested admission, contested reinstatement and disciplinary decisions and summaries of all Disciplinary Board decisions not reviewed by the Supreme Court.

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Rule 2.6 Investigations

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�(f) Approval of Charges.

(1) If the SPRB determines that a formal complaint should be filed against an attorney, or if an attorney rejects an admonition offered by the SPRB, Disciplinary Counsel may appoint Bar Counsel. The attorney and the complainant shall be notified in writing by Disciplinary Counsel of such action.

(2) Notwithstanding a determination by the SPRB that probable cause exists to believe misconduct has occurred, the SPRB shall have the discretion to direct that no further action on a complaint or allegation of misconduct be taken by the Bar if one or more of the following circumstances exist: the attorney is no longer an active member of the Bar or is not engaged in the practice of law, and is required under BR 8.1 to demonstrate good moral character and general fitness to practice law before resuming active membership status or the practice of law in Oregon; other disciplinary proceedings are pending that are likely to result in the attorney�s disbarment; other disciplinary charges are authorized or pending and the anticipated sanction, should the Bar prevail on those charges, is not likely to be affected by a guilty finding in the new matter or on an additional charge; or formal disciplinary proceedings are impractical in light of the circumstances or the likely outcome of the proceedings. An exercise of discretion under this rule to take no further action on a complaint or allegation of misconduct shall not preclude further consideration or proceedings by the SPRB on such complaint or allegation in the future.

(3) Notwithstanding a determination by the SPRB that probable cause exists to believe misconduct has occurred, the SPRB shall have the discretion to dismiss a complaint or allegation of misconduct if the SPRB, considering the facts and circumstances as a whole, determines that dismissal would further the interests of justice and would not be harmful to the interests of clients or the public. Factors the SPRB may take into account in exercising its discretion under this rule include, but are not limited to: the attorney�s mental state; whether the misconduct is an isolated event or part of a pattern of misconduct; the potential or actual injury caused by the attorney�s misconduct; whether the attorney full cooperated in the investigation of the misconduct; and whether the attorney previously was admonished or disciplined for misconduct. Misconduct that adversely reflects on the attorney�s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness to practice law shall not be subject to dismissal under this rule.

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Rule 2.10 Diversion.

(a) Diversion by SPRB. As an alternative to issuing an admonition, or approving the filing of a formal complaint against an attorney, or prosecuting a formal complaint that has been filed, the SPRB may authorize Disciplinary Counsel to enter into a diversion agreement in which the attorney agrees to participate in a remedial program as set forth in the agreement. Subject to the provisions of this rule, the SPRB has the discretion to determine whether to authorize diversion of a complaint or allegation of misconduct. An attorney does not have a right to have a complaint or allegation of misconduct diverted under this rule.

(b) Diversion Eligibility. The SPRB may consider diversion of a complaint or allegation of misconduct if:

(1) The misconduct does not involve the misappropriation of funds or property; fraud, dishonesty, deceit or misrepresentation; or the commission of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony under Oregon law;

(2) The misconduct appears to be the result of inadequate law office management, chemical dependency, a physical or mental health condition, negligence, or a lack of training, education or other similar circumstance; and

(3) There appears to be a reasonable likelihood that the successful completion of a remedial program will prevent the recurrence of conduct by the attorney similar to that under consideration for diversion.

(c) Offer of Diversion.

(1) If, after investigation by Disciplinary Counsel or an LPRC, the SPRB determines that an attorney may have committed misconduct and that the matter is appropriate for diversion under this rule, the SPRB, through Disciplinary Counsel, may offer a diversion agreement to the attorney. The attorney shall have 30 days from the date diversion is offered to accept and enter into the diversion agreement. Disciplinary Counsel may grant an extension of time to the attorney for good cause shown.

(2) An attorney may decline to enter into a diversion agreement, in which case the complaint or allegation of misconduct shall be referred back to the SPRB for review pursuant to Rule 2.6 or, if a formal complaint has been filed, proceed to hearing.

(d) Diversion Agreement.

(1) A diversion agreement shall require the attorney to participate in a specified remedial program to address the apparent cause of the misconduct. Such a remedial program may include, but is not limited to: appointment of a diversion supervisor; assistance or training in law office management; chemical dependency treatment; counseling or peer support meetings; oversight by an experienced practicing attorney; voluntary limitation of areas of practice for the period of the diversion agreement; restitution; or a prescribed course of continuing legal education. The attorney shall bear the costs of a remedial program.

(2) A diversion agreement further shall require the attorney to stipulate to a set of facts concerning the complaint or allegation of misconduct being diverted, and to agree that, in the event the attorney fails to comply with the terms of the diversion agreement, the stipulated facts shall be deemed true in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding.

(3) A diversion agreement may be amended at any time with the consent of the SPRB and the attorney. The SPRB is not obligated to amend a diversion agreement to incorporate additional complaints or allegations of misconduct made against the attorney subsequent to the date of the original agreement.

(4) The term of a diversion agreement shall be no more than 24 months following the date of the last amendment to the agreement.

(5) In a diversion agreement, the attorney shall agree that a diversion supervisor, treatment provider or any other person to whom the attorney has been referred pursuant to the remedial program specified in the agreement shall report to Disciplinary Counsel any failure by the attorney to comply with the terms of the agreement.

(6) A diversion agreement prepared by Disciplinary Counsel and signed by an attorney is not effective until approved by the SPRB. If approved by the SPRB, Disciplinary Counsel shall notify the complainant and the attorney in writing.

(e) Compliance and Disposition.

(1) If it appears to Disciplinary Counsel that an attorney has failed to comply with the terms of a diversion agreement, Disciplinary Counsel shall inform the SPRB. If the SPRB determines that the allegation of noncompliance, if true, warrants the termination of the diversion agreement, the SPRB shall provide the attorney an opportunity to be heard, through written submission, concerning the alleged noncompliance. Thereafter, the SPRB shall determine whether to terminate the diversion agreement and, if so, take action deemed appropriate under BR 2.6.

(2) If an attorney fulfills the terms of a diversion agreement, Disciplinary Counsel thereafter shall dismiss the complaint or allegation of misconduct with written notice to the complainant and the attorney. The dismissal of a complaint or allegation of misconduct after diversion shall not be considered a prior disciplinary offense in any subsequent proceeding against the attorney.

(f) Public Records Status. The Bar will treat records relating to a complaint or allegation of misconduct diverted under this rule, a diversion agreement, or a remedial program as official records of the Bar, subject to the Oregon Public Records Law, and any applicable exemption thereunder.

Title 3 � Special Proceedings

Rule 3.1 Temporary Suspension During Pendency Of Disciplinary Proceedings.

(a) Petition for Temporary Suspension. If it appears to the SPRB, upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of its membership, that the continuation of the practice of law by an attorney during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings will, or is likely to, result in substantial harm to any person or the public at large, Disciplinary Counsel shall directly, or through Bar Counsel, petition the Supreme Court on behalf of the Bar for an order suspending the attorney from practice until further order of the court. A petition under this rule may be filed by the Bar at any time after the SPRB has approved the filing of a formal complaint by the Bar against the attorney.

(b) Contents of Petition; Service; Answer by Attorney. A petition to the Supreme Court for the suspension of an attorney under this rule shall set forth the acts and violations of the rules of professional conduct or statutes submitted by the Bar as grounds for the attorney�s suspension. The petition shall have attached as an exhibit a copy of the Bar�s formal complaint against the attorney, if one has been filed by the Bar. The petition may be supported by documents or affidavits. A copy of the petition, along with a notice to answer, shall be served on the attorney in the same manner as provided by the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure for service of summons. The attorney shall file an answer to the Bar�s petition with the Supreme Court within 14 days of service. The attorney shall mail a copy of the answer to Disciplinary Counsel and Bar Counsel, if any, and file proof of mailing with the court.

(c) Hearing, answer filed. Upon the filing of the attorney�s answer, the court shall hold a hearing on the Bar�s petition. The hearing date shall be set by the court and notice thereof shall be mailed to Disciplinary Counsel, Bar Counsel and the attorney by the State Court Administrator.

(d) Hearing, default. The failure of the attorney to answer the Bar�s petition within the time granted by this rule for an answer shall constitute a waiver of the attorney�s right to contest the Bar�s petition. The court shall then enter the order provided in BR 3.1(e) either upon the record before it, or at the discretion of the court, after a hearing ordered by the court.

(e) Order of Court. The court, after the hearing provided in BR 3.1(c) or upon the record or after the hearing provided in 3.1(d), shall enter an appropriate order. If the court grants the Bar�s petition, an effective date for the attorney�s suspension shall be stated therein. The suspension shall remain in effect until further order of the court.

(f) Duties upon Suspension. An attorney suspended from practice under this rule shall comply with the requirements of BR 6.3(a) and (b).

(g) Immediate Suspension; Restrictions on Trust Account; Other Orders. The court may enter such other orders as it deems appropriate to protect the interests of the suspended attorney, the suspended attorney�s clients and the public including, but not limited to:

(1) an order for the immediate suspension of the attorney prior to the hearing required by BR 3.1(c), in which event the hearing on the Bar�s petition shall be held no later than 60 days following the attorney�s suspension and the order of the court contemplated by BR 3.1(e) shall be entered no later than 30 days after the hearing. The time limitations in this subsection of the rule shall not apply if the attorney is in default;

(2) an order which, when served upon a financial institution, shall serve as an injunction prohibiting withdrawals from the attorney�s trust account or accounts except in accordance with restrictions set forth in the court�s order. ;

(3) an order appointing an attorney as custodian to take possession of and inventory the files of the suspended attorney and take such further action as necessary to protect the interests of the suspended attorney�s clients. Any attorney so appointed by the court shall not disclose any information contained in any file without the consent of the affected client, except as is necessary to carry out the order of the court.

(h) Costs and Expenses. The court may direct that the costs and expenses associated with any proceeding under this rule be allowed to the prevailing party. The procedure for the recovery of such costs shall be governed by BR 10.7 as far as practicable.

(i) Accelerated Proceedings Following Temporary Suspension. When an attorney has been temporarily suspended by order of the court under BR 3.1(e), the complaint by the Bar shall thereafter proceed and be determined as an accelerated case, without unnecessary delay. Unless extended by stipulation of the Bar and the attorney, and approved by the court, the further order of the court contemplated by BR 3.1(e) shall be entered not later than 270 days following the entry of the order of temporary suspension, subject to continuance for an additional period not to exceed 90 days upon motion filed by the Bar, served upon the attorney, and granted by the Supreme Court.

(i) (j) Termination of Temporary Suspension. In the event the further order of the court contemplated by BR 3.1(e) is not entered within the time provided by BR 3.1(h), the order of temporary suspension shall automatically terminate without prejudice to any pending or further disciplinary proceeding against the attorney.

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Rule 3.4 Conviction Of Attorneys.

(a) Referral of Convictions to Court. Disciplinary Counsel, after reporting on the matter to the SPRB, shall promptly notify the court after receiving notice that an attorney has been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense that is a misdemeanor which may involve moral turpitude or is a felony under the laws of this state, or is punishable by death or imprisonment under the laws of the United States. Disciplinary Counsel shall file a copy of the documents which show the conviction and a statement of the SPRB�s recommendation regarding the imposition of a suspension with the court, with written notice to the attorney. A �conviction� for the purposes of this rule shall be considered to have occurred upon entry of a plea of guilty or no contest or upon entry of a finding or verdict of guilty.

(b) Response of Attorney. Any written material the attorney wishes the court to consider in the matter must be filed with the court within 14 days of the filing of the Bar�s statement, with proof of service on Disciplinary Counsel.

(c) Response of Bar. The Bar shall have 7 days from the filing of written material by the attorney with the court to file with the court a response thereto. The Bar shall submit to the court proof of service of its response on the attorney.

(d) Suspension. Upon review of the documents showing the conviction and the material filed by the attorney and the Bar, the court may suspend the attorney from the practice of law until further order of the court. An attorney suspended from practice under this rule shall comply with the requirements of BR 6.3(a) and (b).

(e) Hearing. Whether or not the court suspends the attorney, the court may refer the matter to the Disciplinary Board for the scheduling of a hearing before a trial panel. The hearing shall be to determine what discipline, if any, should be imposed for the attorney�s conviction. The referral shall be made in writing to the Disciplinary Board Clerk, with copies to Disciplinary Counsel and the attorney. Upon receipt of notice of a referral of a conviction matter to the Disciplinary Board, Disciplinary Counsel may appoint Bar Counsel to shall file a formal complaint regarding the conviction. The same rules as apply in a disciplinary proceeding shall apply in a conviction proceeding.

(f) Independent Charges; Consolidated Proceedings. The SPRB may cause disciplinary charges to be filed against the attorney independent of the fact of the attorney�s conviction. In such case those charges shall be consolidated for hearing with the conviction matter, if the conviction matter has been referred to the Disciplinary Board by the court.

(g) Review by Court. The trial panel�s decision shall be subject to review by the court as is authorized in Title 10 of these rules.

(h) Reinstatement Rules Apply. The rules on reinstatement shall apply to attorneys suspended or disbarred pursuant to the procedure set forth in BR 3.4(e), (f) and (g).

(i) Relief From Suspension. If an attorney�s conviction is reversed on appeal, and such reversal has become a final order not subject to further appeal or review, or the attorney has been granted a new trial which order has become final, a suspension or discipline previously ordered shall be vacated upon the court�s receipt of the judgment of reversal or order granting the attorney a new trial. Reversal of the attorney�s conviction on appeal or the granting of a new trial does not require the termination of any disciplinary proceeding based upon the same facts which gave rise to the conviction.

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Title 5 � Disciplinary Hearing Procedure

Rule 5.8 Default.

(a) Failure to Answer or Appear. If an accused lawyer fails to resign or file an answer to a formal complaint within the time allowed by these rules, or if an accused lawyer fails to appear at a hearing set pursuant to BR 2.4(h), the trial panel chairperson, or the regional chairperson if a trial panel has not been appointed, may file with the Disciplinary Board Clerk an order finding the accused in default under this rule. Copies of the order shall be served on the parties. The trial panel shall thereafter deem the allegations in the formal complaint to be true. The trial panel shall thereafter proceed to render its written opinion based on the formal complaint, or at the discretion of the trial panel, after considering evidence or legal authority limited to the issue of sanction. Following entry of an order of default, the accused shall not be entitled to further notice in the disciplinary proceeding under consideration, except as may be required by these rules or by statute. The trial panel shall not, absent good cause, continue or delay proceedings due to an accused�s failure to answer or appear.

(b) Setting Aside Default. At any time prior to a trial panel rendering its written opinion, the trial panel may set aside an order of default upon a showing by the accused that the accused�s failure to resign, answer or appear timely was the result of mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect. After a trial panel opinion is rendered, a motion to set aside an order of default must be filed with the Supreme Court.

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Title 6 � Sanctions And Other Remedies

Rule 6.1 Sanctions.

(a) Disciplinary Proceedings. The dispositions or sanctions in disciplinary proceedings are

(i) dismissal of any charge or all charges;

(ii) public reprimand;

(iii) suspension for periods from 30 days to three years in disciplinary proceedings commenced by formal complaint before January 1, 1996;

(iv) suspension for periods from 30 days to five years in disciplinary proceedings commenced by formal complaint after December 31, 1995;

(v) (iv) a suspension for any period designated in BR 6.1(a)(iii) or BR 6.1(a)(iv) which may be stayed in whole or in part on the condition that designated probationary terms are met; or

(vi) (v) disbarment.

In conjunction with a disposition or sanction referred to in this rule, an accused may be required to make restitution of some or all of the money, property or fees received by the accused in the representation of a client, or reimbursement to the Client Security Fund.

(b) Contested Admission Proceedings. In contested admission cases a determination shall be made whether the applicant shall be

(i) denied admission;

(ii) admitted conditionally, subject to probationary terms; or

(iii) admitted unconditionally.

(c) Contested Reinstatement Proceedings. In contested reinstatement cases a determination shall be made whether the applicant shall be

(i) denied reinstatement;

(ii) reinstated conditionally, subject to probationary terms; or

(iii) reinstated unconditionally.

(d) (c) Time Period Before Application and Reapplication. The court may require an applicant whose admission or reinstatement has been denied to wait a period of time designated by the court before reapplying for admission or reinstatement.

(e) (d) Effect of Disbarment. An attorney disbarred as a result of a disciplinary proceeding commenced by formal complaint before January 1, 1996, may not apply for reinstatement until five years has elapsed from the effective date of his or her disbarment. An attorney disbarred as a result of a disciplinary proceeding commenced by formal complaint after December 31, 1995, shall never be eligible to apply and shall not be considered for admission under ORS 9.220 or reinstatement under Title 8 of these rules.

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Title 7 � Contested Admission[Reserved for expansion]

Rule 7.1 Petition To Review Adverse Recommendation.

An applicant who passed the Bar examination, but on other grounds was not recommended for admission, or was conditionally recommended may file a petition for review as provided in the Rules for Admission. The Rules for Admission shall govern the procedure on review. Title 10 of these rules shall also apply where applicable.

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Title 8 � Reinstatement

Rule 8.1 Reinstatement � Formal Application Required.

(a) Applicants. Any person who has been a member of the Bar, but who has

(i) resigned under Form A of these rules more than five years prior to the date of application for reinstatement and who has not been a member of the Bar during such period; or

(ii) resigned under Form B of these rules prior to January 1, 1996; or

(iii) been disbarred as a result of a disciplinary proceeding commenced by formal complaint before January 1, 1996; or

(iv) been suspended for misconduct for a period of more than six months; or

(v) been suspended for misconduct for a period of six months or less but has remained in a suspended status for a period of more than six months prior to the date of application for reinstatement; or

(vi) been enrolled voluntarily as an inactive member for more than five years; or

(vii) been involuntarily enrolled as an inactive member; or

(viii) been suspended for any reason and has remained in that status more than five years,

and who desires to be reinstated as an active member or to resume the practice of law in this state shall be reinstated as an active member of the Bar only upon formal application and compliance with the Rules of Procedure in effect at the time of such application. Applicants for reinstatement under this rule must file a completed application with the Bar on a form prepared by the Bar for such purpose. The applicant shall attest that the applicant did not engage in the practice of law except where authorized to do so during the period of the applicant�s inactive status, suspension, disbarment or resignation. A reinstatement to inactive status shall not be allowed under this rule. The application for reinstatement of a person who has been suspended for a period exceeding six months shall not be made earlier than three months before the earliest possible expiration of the period specified in the court�s opinion or order of suspension.

(b) Required Showing. Each applicant under this rule must show that the applicant has good moral character and general fitness to practice law and that the resumption of the practice of law in this state by the applicant will not be detrimental to the administration of justice or the public interest. No applicant shall resume the practice of law in this state or active membership status unless all the requirements of this rule are met.

(c) Learning and Ability. In addition to the showing required in BR 8.1(b), each applicant under this rule who has remained in a suspended or resigned status for more than three years or has been enrolled voluntarily or involuntarily as an inactive member for more than five years must show that the applicant has the requisite learning and ability to practice law in this state. The Board may recommend and the Supreme Court may require as a condition precedent to reinstatement that the applicant take and pass the bar examination administered by the Board of Bar Examiners, or successfully complete a prescribed course of continuing legal education. Factors to be considered in determining an applicant�s learning and ability include, but are not limited to: the length of time since the applicant was an active member of the Bar; whether and when the applicant has practiced law in Oregon; whether the applicant practiced law in any jurisdiction during the period of the applicant�s suspension, resignation or inactive status in this state; and whether the applicant has participated in continuing legal education activities during the period of suspension or inactive status in this state.

(d) Fees. In addition to the payments required in BR 8.6, an applicant under this rule shall pay at the time the application for reinstatement is filed, an application fee of $400 $500.

Rule 8.2 Reinstatement � Informal Application Required.

(a) Applicants. Any person who has been a member of the Bar, but who has

(i) resigned under Form A of these rules for five years or less prior to the date of application for reinstatement, and who has not been a member of the Bar during such period; or

(ii) been enrolled voluntarily as an inactive member for five years or less prior to the date of application for reinstatement; or

(iii) been suspended for failure to pay the Professional Liability Fund assessment, Client Security Fund assessment, or membership fees or penalties and has remained in that status more than six months but not in excess of five years prior to the date of application for reinstatement,

may be reinstated by the Executive Director by filing an informal application for reinstatement with the Bar and compliance with the Rules of Procedure in effect at the time of such application. The informal application for reinstatement shall be on a form prepared by the Bar for such purpose. The applicant shall attest that the applicant did not engage in the practice of law except where authorized to do so during the period of the applicant�s inactive status, suspension or resignation. Reinstatements to inactive status shall not be allowed under this rule except for those applicants who were inactive and are seeking reinstatement to� inactive status after a financial suspension. No applicant shall resume the practice of law in this state or active or inactive membership status unless all the requirements of this rule are met.

(b) Required Showing. Each applicant under this rule must show that the applicant has good moral character and general fitness to practice law and that the resumption of the practice of law in this state by the applicant will not be detrimental to the administration of justice or the public interest. No applicant shall resume the practice of law in this state or active membership status unless all the requirements of this rule are met.

(c) Fees. In addition to the payments required in BR 8.6, an applicant under this rule shall pay at the time the application for reinstatement is filed, an application fee of $200 $250.

(d) Exceptions. Any applicant otherwise qualified to file for reinstatement under this rule but who

(i) during the period of the member�s resignation, has been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense which is a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony under the laws of this state, or is punishable by death or imprisonment under the laws of the United States; or

(ii) during the period of the member�s suspension, resignation or inactive status, has been suspended for professional misconduct for more than six months or has been disbarred by any court other than the Supreme Court; or

(iii) has engaged in conduct which raises issues of possible violation of the Bar Act, Code of Professional Responsibility or Rules of Professional Conduct;

shall be required to seek reinstatement under BR 8.1. Any applicant required to apply for reinstatement under BR 8.1 because of this rule shall pay all fees, assessments and penalties due and delinquent at the time of the applicant�s resignation, suspension or transfer to inactive status, and an application fee of $400 $500 to the Bar at the time the application for reinstatement is filed, together with any payments due under BR 8.6.

(e) Referral of Application to Board. If the Executive Director is unable to determine from a review of an informal application and any information gathered in the investigation of the application that the applicant for reinstatement has made the showing required by BR 8.2(b), the Executive Director shall refer the application to the Board for consideration, with notice to the applicant.

(f) Board Consideration of Application. If, after a referral from the Executive Director, the Board determines from its review of the informal application and any information gathered in the investigation of the application that the applicant for reinstatement has made the showing required by BR 8.2(b), the Board shall reinstate the applicant. If the Board determines that the applicant has not made the showing required by BR 8.2(b), the Board shall deny the application for reinstatement. The Board also may determine that an application filed under BR 8.2 be granted conditionally. The Board shall file an adverse recommendation or a recommendation of conditional reinstatement with the Supreme Court under BR 8.7.

(g) Suspension of Application. If the Executive Director or the Board, as the case may be, determines that additional information is required from an applicant regarding conduct during the period of suspension, resignation or inactive status, the Executive Director or the Board, as the case may be, may direct Disciplinary Counsel to secure additional information concerning the applicant�s conduct and defer consideration of the application for reinstatement.

Rule 8.3 Reinstatement � Compliance Affidavit.

(a) Applicants. Subject to the provisions of BR 8.1(a)(v), any person who has been a member of the Bar but who has been suspended for misconduct for a period of six months� or less shall be reinstated upon the filing of a Compliance Affidavit with Disciplinary Counsel as set forth in BR 12.9, unless the court or Disciplinary Board in any suspension order or decision shall have directed otherwise.

(b) Fees. In addition to the payments required in BR 8.6, an applicant under this rule shall pay an application fee of $200 $250.

Rule 8.4 Reinstatement � Financial Matters.

(a) Applicants. Any person who has been a member of the Bar but suspended solely for failure to pay the Professional Liability Fund assessment, Client Security Fund assessment or annual membership fees or penalties may be reinstated by the Executive Director to the membership status from which the person was suspended within six months from the date of the applicant�s suspension, upon payment of the following sums to the Bar:

(i) all applicable assessments, fees and penalties owed by the member to the Bar, and

(ii) in the case of a suspension for failure to pay membership fees or penalties or the Client Security Fund assessment, a reinstatement fee of $50 $100; or

(iii) in the case of a suspension for failure to pay the Professional Liability Fund assessment, a reinstatement fee of $75 $100; or

(iv) in the case of suspensions for failure to pay both membership fees or penalties or the Client Security Fund assessment, and the Professional Liability Fund assessment, a reinstatement fee of $100 $200.

An applicant under this rule must, in conjunction with the payment of all required sums, submit a written statement to the Executive Director indicating compliance with this rule before reinstatement is authorized. The written statement shall be on a form prepared by the Bar for such purpose. The applicant shall attest that the applicant did not engage in the practice of law except where authorized to do so during the period of the applicant�s suspension.

(b) Exceptions. Any applicant otherwise qualified to file for reinstatement under this rule but who, during the period of the member�s suspension, has been suspended for misconduct for more than six months or been disbarred by any court other than the Supreme Court, shall be required to seek reinstatement under BR 8.1. Any applicant required to apply for reinstatement under BR 8.1 because of BR 8.4(b) shall pay all fees, assessments and penalties due and delinquent at the time of the applicant�s suspension and an application fee of $400 �$500 to the Bar at the time the application for reinstatement is filed, together with any payments due under BR 8.6.

Rule 8.5 Reinstatement � Noncompliance With Minimum Continuing Legal Education Requirement.

(a) Applicants.� Subject to the provisions of BR 9.5 8.1(a)(viii), any person who has been a member of the Bar but suspended solely for failure to comply with the requirements of the Minimum Continuing Legal Education Rules may seek reinstatement at any time subsequent to the date of the applicant�s suspension by meeting the following conditions:

(i) Filing a written statement with the Executive Director, on a form prepared by the Bar for that purpose, which indicates compliance with this rule and MCLE Rule 8.2. The applicant shall attest that the applicant did not engage in the practice of law except where authorized to do so during the period of the applicant�s suspension.

(ii) Submitting in conjunction with the required written statement, a reinstatement fee of $100.

(b) Referral to Supreme Court. Upon compliance with the requirements of this rule, the Executive Director shall submit a recommendation to the Supreme Court with a copy to the applicant. No reinstatement is effective until approved by the Court.

(c) Exception. Reinstatement under this rule shall have no effect upon any member�s status under any other proceeding under these Rules of Procedure.

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Rule 8.14 Reinstatement and Transfer--Active Pro Bono and Active Emeritus Status.

(a) Reinstatement from Inactive Status.� An applicant who has been enrolled voluntarily as an inactive member and who has not engaged in any of the conduct described in BR 8.2(c) (d) may be reinstated by the Executive Director to Active Pro Bono or Active Emeritus status.� The Executive Director may deny the application for reinstatement for the reasons set forth in BR 8.2(d), in which event the applicant could may be reinstated only upon successful compliance with all of the provisions of BR 8.2.� The application for reinstatement to Active Pro Bono status shall be on a form prepared by the Bar for such purpose.� No fee is required.

(b) Transfer to Regular Active Status.� An applicant who has been on Active Pro Bono or Active Emeritus status for a period of five years or less and who desires to be eligible to practice law without restriction may be transferred to regular active status by the Board of Governors Executive Director in the manner provided in and subject to the requirements of BR 8.2.� An applicant who has been on Active Pro Bono or Active Emeritus status for a period of more than five years may be transferred to regular active status only upon formal application pursuant to BR 8.1.

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Title 10 � Review By Supreme Court

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Rule 10.2 Contested Admission And Reinstatement Proceeding.

Upon the conclusion of a contested reinstatement hearing, the trial panel shall file its written opinion with the Disciplinary Board Clerk and serve copies on Disciplinary Counsel, the applicant and the State Court Administrator. Upon the conclusion of a character review proceeding conducted by the BBX, the BBX shall file its decision, accompanied by the record, with the State Court Administrator. Each such admissions and reinstatement matter shall be reviewed by the Supreme Court.

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Rule 10.5 Procedure In Supreme Court.

(a) Petition. No later than 28 days after the court�s written notice to Disciplinary Counsel, Bar Counsel and the accused or applicant of receipt of the record, a petition asking the court to adopt, modify or reject, in whole or in part, the decision of the trial panel shall be filed with the court.

(b) Moving Party. The petition shall be filed by the accused or applicant if the trial panel made a finding of misconduct against the accused or recommended against the reinstatement of the applicant or if the BBX recommended that an applicant be denied admission reinstatement or be conditionally admitted reinstated; otherwise, the Bar shall file the petition.

(c) Briefs. A petition filed under this rule shall be accompanied by a brief. The format of the opening brief and the timing and format of answering briefs and reply briefs shall be governed by the applicable Rules of Appellate Procedure of the Supreme Court. The failure of the Bar or an accused or applicant to file a petition or brief does not prevent the opposing litigant from filing a brief. Answering briefs are not limited to issues addressed in petitions or opening briefs, and may urge the adoption, modification or rejection in whole or in part of any decision of the trial panel or the BBX.

(d) Oral Argument. The Rules of Appellate Procedure of the Supreme Court relative to oral argument shall apply in contested admission, disciplinary and contested reinstatement proceedings. The moving party under BR 10.5(b) shall be considered the appellant.

Rule 10.6 Nature Of Review.

The court shall consider each matter de novo upon the record and may adopt, modify or reject the decision of the trial panel or the BBX in whole or in part and thereupon enter an appropriate order. If the court�s order adopts the decision of the trial panel or the BBX without opinion, the opinion of the trial panel or the BBX shall stand as a statement of the decision of the court in the matter but not as the opinion of the court.

Rule 10.7 Costs And Disbursements.

(a) Costs and Disbursements. �Costs and disbursements� are actual and necessary (1) service, filing and witness fees; (2) expenses of reproducing any document used as evidence at a hearing, including perpetuation depositions or other depositions admitted into evidence; (3) expenses of the hearing transcript, including the cost of a copy of the transcript if a copy has been provided by the Bar to an accused without charge; and (4) the expense of preparation of an appellate brief in accordance with ORAP 13.05. Lawyer fees are not recoverable costs and disbursements either at the hearing or on appeal nor are prevailing party fees recoverable by any party.

(b) Allowance of Costs and Disbursements. In any contested admission, discipline or contested reinstatement proceeding, costs and disbursements as permitted in BR 10.7(a) may be allowed to the prevailing party by the court or Disciplinary Board. An accused or applicant prevails when the charges against the accused are dismissed in their entirety or the applicant is unconditionally admitted or reinstated to the practice of law in Oregon. The bar shall be considered to have prevailed in all other cases.

(c) Recovery After Offer of Settlement. An accused may, at any time up to 14 days prior to hearing, serve upon Bar Counsel and Disciplinary Counsel an offer by the accused to enter into a stipulation for discipline or no contest plea under BR 3.6. In the event the written offer by an accused to enter into a stipulation for discipline or no contest plea is rejected by the SPRB, and the matter proceeds to hearing and results in a final decision of the Disciplinary Board or of the court imposing a sanction no greater than that to which the accused was willing to plea no contest or stipulate based on the charges the accused was willing to concede or admit, the Bar shall not recover and the accused shall recover actual and necessary costs and disbursements incurred after the date the accused�s offer was rejected by the SPRB.

(d) Procedure for Recovery and Collection. The procedure set forth in the Rules of Appellate Procedure of the Supreme Court regarding the filing of cost bills and objections thereto shall be followed except that in matters involving final decisions of the Disciplinary Board cost bills and objections thereto shall be resolved by the state chairperson of the Disciplinary Board. The cost bill and objections thereto shall be filed with the Disciplinary Board Clerk with proof of service on the state chairperson of the Disciplinary Board and the other party and shall not be due until 21 days after the date a trial panel�s decision is deemed final under BR 10.1. The procedure for entry of judgments for costs and disbursements as judgment liens shall be as provided in ORS 9.536.

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Title 12 � Forms

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Rule 12.2 Notice to Answer.

A copy of the formal complaint (statement of objections), accompanied by a notice to answer it within a designated time, shall be served on the accused (applicant). Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:

(Heading as in complaint/statement of objections)

NOTICE TO ANSWER

You are hereby notified that a formal complaint against you (statement of objections to your admission) (statement of objections to your reinstatement) has been filed by the Oregon State Bar, a copy of which formal complaint (statement of objections) is attached hereto and served upon you herewith. You are further notified that you may file with the Disciplinary Board Clerk, with a service copy to Disciplinary Counsel, your verified answer within fourteen (14) days from the date of service of this notice upon you. In case of your default in so answering, the formal complaint (statement of objections) shall be heard and such further proceedings had as the law and the facts shall warrant.

(The following paragraph shall be used in a disciplinary proceeding only:)

You are further notified that an attorney accused of misconduct may, in lieu of filing an answer, elect to file with Disciplinary Counsel of the Oregon State Bar, a written resignation from membership in the Oregon State Bar. Such a resignation must comply with BR 9.1 and be in the form set forth in BR 12.7. You should consult an attorney of your choice for further information about resignation.

The address of the Oregon State Bar is 16037 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Road, Tigard, Oregon 97224, or by mail at P. O. Box 231935, Tigard, Oregon 97281-1935.

DATED this ___ day of ___, 20__.

OREGON STATE BAR
By:
Disciplinary Counsel

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Rule 12.5 Statement Of Objections To Reinstatement.

In a contested admission reinstatement proceeding, the statement of objections shall be in substantially the following form:

IN THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE STATE OF OREGON

The Oregon State Bar objects to the qualifications of the Applicant for reinstatement on the ground and for the reason that the Applicant has not shown, to the satisfaction of the Board of Governors, that he [she] has the good moral character or general fitness required for readmission to practice law in Oregon, that his [her] readmission to practice law in Oregon will be neither detrimental to the integrity and standing of the Bar or the administration of justice, nor subversive to the public interest, or that he [she] is, in all respects, able and qualified, by good moral character and otherwise, to accept the obligations and faithfully perform the duties of an attorney in Oregon, in one or more of the following particulars:

1.

The Applicant does not possess good moral character or general fitness to practice law, in that the Applicant, __________________________ (state the facts of the matter)

2.

(Same)

3.

(Same)

WHEREFORE, the Oregon State Bar requests that the recommendation of the Board of Governors to the Supreme Court of the State of Oregon in this matter be approved and adopted by the Court and that the application of the Applicant for reinstatement as an active member of the Oregon State Bar be denied.

DATED this ___ day of ___, 20__.

OREGON STATE BAR
By:
Disciplinary Counsel