Rule SCR 3.460 - Unauthorized practices proceeding(1) When it comes to the attention of the Director that any person or entity not having the right to practice law is directly or indirectly practicing law, the Director shall have the authority to cause such investigation to be made concerning the matter as he deems appropriate. Bar Counsel may participate in such investigation. The Director shall have the authority to subpoena any person or entity to produce any evidence relevant to the investigation including testimony by deposition pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure. Any motion to quash a subpoena shall be filed in and ruled on by the Supreme Court. If the Director determines that any person or entity has been engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, the Director shall send a letter or warning by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person's or entity's last known address, requesting that the unauthorized practice of law be discontinued. If future violations occur and in the opinion of the Board action should be taken, it shall direct that a motion in the name of the Association for a show cause rule be filed with the Clerk. The Clerk shall docket the motion and issue a rule against the alleged offender to show cause why he/she should not be held in contempt for unauthorized practice of law. The rule shall be returnable on the 15th day following service. When procedure is by warning order, service shall be deemed to have been made thirty (30) days after the date of making the warning order. (2) If the Respondent fails to file due response on the rule's return day or files a response admitting the offense, the rule shall forthwith be made absolute, and the Court shall enter such orders as it deems appropriate to deter and punish, which may include injunctive relief. (3) If the Respondent timely files response denying the offense, the Court shall within twenty (20) days refer the case to a Trial Commissioner appointed under Rule 3.230 sitting as a Special Commissioner, who shall thereupon hold a hearing within sixty (60) days at such time and place as he/she may fix, at which hearing the Association shall be represented by counsel designated by the Board for that purpose. The parties may obtain compulsory attendance of witnesses and the production of documents as provided in the Civil Rules. The Special Commissioner, at the conclusion of the hearing, may permit the filing of briefs by the parties, with each brief being filed within thirty (30) days, and shall make and submit to the Court written findings of fact and recommendations within thirty (30) days thereafter. (4) Upon filing of the Special Commissioner's report, the Court may permit the filing of briefs by the parties or may summarily dispose of the matter and shall enter such order as may be appropriate. The Clerk shall furnish counsel and the Director copies of every order entered under this rule and every such order shall be reported and published as are other opinions of the Court. (5) If the Respondent is adjudged guilty, he/she shall be liable for all Court costs, and the provisions of Civil Rule 73.07 shall apply. Ky. R. Sup. Ct. SCR 3.460
Amended by Order 98-1, eff. 10/1/1998; prior amendments eff. 1/1/1986 (Order 85-2), 1/1/1978, 10/14/1974, 7/2/1971