N.H. R. Sup. Ct. 37A

As amended through December 30, 2024

Rule 37A - Rules and Procedures of Attorney Discipline System

(I)General Provisions

(a)Jurisdiction: The jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system shall be as set forth in Supreme Court Rule 37(1)(b).

(b)Construction: This rule is promulgated for the purpose of assisting the grievant, complainant, respondent, counsel and the committees of the attorney discipline system to develop the facts relating to, and to reach a just and proper determination of matters brought to the attention of the attorney discipline system.

(c)Definitions: Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this rule which are applicable to specific questions, or other provisions of this rule, the following words and phrases, when used in this rule, shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meaning given to them in this section:

Answer: The response filed by, or on behalf of, the respondent to a complaint or a notice of charges.

Attorney: Unless otherwise indicated, "Attorney," for purposes of this rule, means any attorney admitted to practice in this State, any attorney specially admitted to practice by a court of this State, any attorney not admitted or specially admitted in this State who provides or offers to provide legal services in this State or any non-lawyer representative permitted to represent other persons before the courts of this State pursuant to RSA 311:1.

Complaint: A grievance that, after initial review, has been determined by the attorney discipline office to be within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and to meet the prerequisites for docketing as a complaint as set forth in section (II)(a)(3)(B) of this rule, and that is docketed by the attorney discipline office, or a complaint that is drafted and docketed by the attorney discipline office after an inquiry by that office. If after docketing, the attorney discipline office general counsel or the complaint screening committee determines that a complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and/or does not meet the prerequisites for docketing set forth in sections II(a)(3)(B)(i)-(iv) of this rule, it shall be removed from the docket and it shall thereafter be treated for all purposes as a grievance that has not been docketed as a complaint.

Conventionally: The filing of a grievance with the attorney discipline office in paper form, delivered to the attorney discipline office in person, by United States mail, or by other means.

Court: The New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Disbarment: The termination of a New Hampshire licensed attorney's right to practice law in this State and automatic expulsion from membership in the bar of this State. A disbarred attorney may only apply for readmission to the bar of this State upon petition to the court, after having complied with the terms and conditions set forth in the disbarment order promulgated by the court which shall include all requirements applicable to applications for admission to the bar, including passing the bar examination and a favorable report by the professional conduct committee and the character and fitness committee.

Disciplinary Counsel: The attorney responsible for the prosecution of disciplinary proceedings before any hearings committee panel, the professional conduct committee and the supreme court. Disciplinary counsel shall include a full-time attorney so designated, such deputy and assistants as may from time to time be deemed necessary, such part-time attorney or attorneys as may from time to time be deemed necessary, and such other attorneys of the attorney discipline office as may from time to time be designated to assist disciplinary counsel.

Disciplinary Rule: Any provision of the rules of the court governing the conduct of attorneys or any rule of professional conduct.

Discipline: Any disciplinary action authorized by Rule 37(3)(c), in those cases in which misconduct in violation of a disciplinary rule is found warranting disciplinary action.

Diversion: Either a condition attached to discipline imposed by the professional conduct committee; or a referral, voluntary in nature, when conduct does not violate the rules of professional conduct; or non-disciplinary treatment by the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee as an alternative to discipline for minor misconduct.

Electronically: The filing of a grievance with the attorney discipline office in electronic form through the attorney discipline office website.

Electronic Signature: A signature, other than an inked signature, as set forth in sections II(a)(3)(B)(iii)(1) and (2).

Formal Proceedings: Proceedings subject to section (III) of this rule.

General Counsel: The attorney responsible for (a) receiving, evaluating, docketing and investigating grievances filed with the attorney discipline office; (b) dismissing or diverting complaints on the grounds set forth in Rule 37(6)(c) or presenting complaints to the complaint screening committee with recommendations for diversion, dismissal for any reason or referral to disciplinary counsel for a hearing; (c) assisting disciplinary counsel in the performance of the duties of disciplinary counsel as needed; (d) performing general legal services as required for the committees of the attorney discipline system; and (e) overseeing and performing administrative functions for the attorney discipline system. General counsel shall include a full-time attorney so designated, such deputy and assistants as may from time to time be deemed necessary, and such part-time attorney or attorneys as may from time to time be deemed necessary, and such other attorneys of the attorney discipline office as may from time to time be designated to assist general counsel.

Grievance: "Grievance" means a submission filed conventionally or electronically with the attorney discipline office to call its attention to conduct that the grievant believes may constitute misconduct by an attorney. A grievance that is determined, after initial screening, not to be within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and/or not to meet the prerequisites for docketing as a complaint shall not be docketed and shall continue to be referred to as a grievance. A grievance that is determined, after initial screening, to be within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and to meet the prerequisites for docketing as a complaint shall be docketed as a complaint and shall be referred to thereafter as a complaint; provided, however, that if the attorney discipline office general counsel or complaint screening committee later determines that the docketed complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and/or does not meet the prerequisites for docketing set forth in sections II(a)(3)(B)(i)-(iv) of this rule, it shall be removed from the docket and it shall thereafter be treated for all purposes as a grievance that has not been docketed as a complaint.

Hearing Panel: A hearing panel comprised of members of the hearings committee.

Inquiry: A preliminary investigation of a matter begun by the attorney discipline office on its own initiative to determine whether a complaint should be docketed.

Investigation: Fact gathering by the attorney discipline office with respect to alleged misconduct.

Minor Misconduct: Conduct, which if proved, violates the rules of professional conduct but would not warrant discipline greater than a reprimand. Minor misconduct (1) does not involve the misappropriation of client funds or property; (2) does not, nor is likely to, result in actual loss to a client or other person of money, legal rights or valuable property rights; (3) is not committed within five (5) years of a diversion, reprimand, censure, suspension or disbarment of the attorney for prior misconduct of the same nature; (4) does not involve fraud, dishonesty, deceit or misrepresentation; (5) does not constitute the commission of a serious crime as defined in Rule 37(9)(b); and (6) is not part of a pattern of similar misconduct.

Notice of Charges: A formal pleading served under section (III)(b)(2) of this rule by disciplinary counsel.

Public Censure: The publication by the court or the professional conduct committee, in appropriate New Hampshire publications, including a newspaper of general statewide circulation, and one with general circulation in the area of respondent's primary office, as well as the New Hampshire Bar News, of a summary of its findings and conclusions relating to the discipline of an attorney, as defined in this section.

Referral: A grievance received by the attorney discipline office from any New Hampshire state court judge or from any member of the bar of New Hampshire, in which the judge or attorney indicates that he or she does not wish to be treated as a grievant.

Reprimand: Discipline administered by the professional conduct committee after notice of charges and after a hearing before a hearings committee panel and the right to request oral argument to the professional conduct committee in those cases in which misconduct in violation of the rules of professional conduct is found. A reprimand is administered by letter issued by the chair of the professional conduct committee, subject to an attorney's right to appeal such discipline to the court.

Suspension: The suspension of an attorney's right to practice law in this State, for a period of time specified by the court or by the professional conduct committee. Suspension by the professional conduct committee may not exceed six (6) months. The suspended attorney shall have the right to resume the practice of law, after the expiration of the suspension period, upon compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the suspension order promulgated by the court or the professional conduct committee and pursuant to the procedure set forth in section (II)(c)(2) regarding reinstatement.

(d)Grounds for Discipline: The various matters specified in Supreme Court Rule 37(1)(c), the disciplinary rules or decisional law shall be grounds for discipline.

(e)Types of Discipline and Other Possible Action

(1) Misconduct under Supreme Court Rule 37(1)(c), the disciplinary rules or decisional law shall be grounds for any of the following:

(A) Disbarment - by the court.

(B) Suspension for more than six months - by the court.

(C) Suspension for six months or less - by the professional conduct committee or the court.

(D) Public Censure - by the professional conduct committee or the court.

(E) Reprimand - by the professional conduct committee.

(F) Monetary Sanctions Pursuant to Rule 37(19) - by the professional conduct committee or the court.

(2) The attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee may divert a matter involving minor discipline, in lieu of discipline, subject to compliance with the terms of a written agreement. The professional conduct committee may require an attorney to participate in a diversion program as a condition of discipline. Any component of the attorney discipline system may refer to a diversion program, on a voluntary basis, an attorney who engages in conduct that does not violate the rules of professional conduct but which should be addressed as a corrective matter.

(f)Subsequent Consideration of Disciplinary Action

The fact that an attorney has been the subject of disciplinary action by the professional conduct committee, may (together with the basis thereof) be considered in determining the extent of discipline to be imposed, in the event additional charges of misconduct are subsequently brought and proven by clear and convincing evidence against the attorney.

(g)Diversion

Diversion may be either mandatory, a voluntary referral or a discretionary referral for minor misconduct.

(1) Mandatory diversion involving required participation in a diversion program may occur in some cases as part of discipline imposed by the professional conduct committee.

(2) Voluntary referral to a diversion program may occur when the conduct of an attorney may come to the attention of any of the committees or personnel involved in the attorney discipline system but the conduct does not violate the rules of professional conduct. The referral would be voluntary and may occur in situations where there is reason to believe that the attorney's conduct may lead to violations of the rules of professional conduct if corrective action is not taken by the attorney.

(3) Discretionary diversion as an alternative to a formal sanction for minor misconduct may occur if:

(A) The misconduct appears to the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee to be the result of poor office management, chemical dependency, behavioral or health-related conditions, negligence or lack of training or education; and

(B) There appears to the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee 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 which gave rise to the diversion.

(C) If the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee offers a written diversion agreement to an attorney, the attorney shall have thirty (30) days to accept and execute the diversion agreement.

(D) An attorney may decline to accept and execute a diversion agreement in which case the pending complaint shall be processed by the attorney discipline system in the same manner as any other matter.

(4) Diversion agreements shall be in writing and shall require the attorney to participate, at his or her own expense, in a remedial program acceptable to the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee which will address the apparent cause of the misconduct. Remedial programs may include but are not limited to: law office assistance; chemical dependency treatment; counseling; voluntary limitation of areas of practice for the period of the diversion agreement; or a prescribed course of legal education including attendance at legal education seminars. A diversion agreement shall require the attorney to admit the facts of the complaint being diverted and to agree that, in the event the attorney fails to comply with the terms of the diversion agreement, the facts shall be deemed true in any subsequent disciplinary proceedings.

(5) The fact that a diversion has occurred shall be public in all matters. Written diversion agreements shall also be public unless the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee votes to make it non-public based on one or more of the following: health, personal finances, family considerations or other highly personal matters.

(6) If an attorney fails to comply with the terms of a written diversion agreement, the agreement shall be terminated and the complaint shall be processed by the attorney discipline system in the same manner as any other matter.

(7) If an attorney fulfills the terms of a written diversion agreement, the complaint shall be dismissed and written notice shall be sent to both the attorney and the complainant.

(8) The attorney discipline office shall a) prepare diversion agreements setting forth the terms determined by the attorney discipline office general counsel, the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee; b) monitor the progress of the attorney participating in the diversion program to insure compliance; and c) notify the complaint screening committee or the professional conduct committee whenever there is a voluntary or involuntary termination of the written diversion agreement or upon successful completion of the diversion program.

(h)Public Announcements

The attorney discipline office may, from time to time, publicly announce the nature, frequency and substance of diversion (unless made non-public) and sanctions imposed by the attorney discipline system. Unless a grievance or complaint has already been made available for public inspection in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 37, such announcements shall not disclose or indicate the identity of any respondent attorney without the prior approval of the supreme court and prior notice to the respondent (giving said attorney an opportunity to be heard thereon) or without a written waiver from the attorney.

(i)Period of Limitation

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3), no formal disciplinary proceedings shall be commenced unless a grievance is filed with the attorney discipline office in accordance with section (II)(a) or a complaint is generated and docketed by the attorney discipline office under section (II)(a)(5)(B) of this rule within two (2) years after the commission of the alleged misconduct; except when the acts or omissions that are the basis of the grievance were not discovered and could not reasonably have been discovered at the time of the acts or omissions, in which case, the grievance must be filed within two (2) years of the time the grievant discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the acts and omissions complained of.

(2) Misconduct will be deemed to have been committed when every element of the alleged misconduct has occurred, except, however, that where there is a continuing course of conduct, misconduct will be deemed to have been committed beginning at the termination of that course of conduct.

(3) If a grievance is filed after the period prescribed in subsection (1) has expired, the attorney discipline office may elect to commence formal proceedings in the following cases:

(A) if based on charges which include commission of a "serious crime," as defined in Supreme Court Rule 37(9)(b), or conduct which would be a material element of a "serious crime," or

(B) if based on charges which do not include conduct described in (A) but which include as a material element fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, dishonesty, deceit, or breach of a fiduciary duty, but only if commenced within one (1) year after actual discovery of the misconduct by the aggrieved party.

(4) The period of limitation does not run:

(A) during any time the attorney is outside this jurisdiction with a purpose to avoid commencement of proceedings, or wherein the attorney refuses to cooperate with an investigation into alleged misconduct, or

(B) during any period in which the attorney has engaged in active concealment of the alleged misconduct, provided that the period begins to run when the concealment is discovered by the aggrieved party or the attorney discipline office.

(5) If, while proceedings of any kind are pending against the attorney in any court or tribunal and arising out of the same acts or transactions that provide the basis for the allegations of misconduct, the limitations period prescribed in subsection (1) expires, a grievance or referral may nonetheless be filed with the attorney discipline office so long as it is filed within one year after final conclusion of those proceedings notwithstanding the expiration of the period of limitation.

(j)Status of Complainants. Complainants are not parties to informal or formal disciplinary proceedings. Complainants lack standing to file pleadings or object to motions or recommendations of disposition of disciplinary matters.

(k) Disciplinary matters may be handled by attorneys of the Attorney Discipline Office fulfilling functions of either general counsel or disciplinary counsel, as the general counsel may from time to time assign.

(II)Investigations and Informal Proceedings

(a)Preliminary Provisions

(1)Responsibility of Attorney Discipline Office

The attorney discipline office, through general counsel, shall investigate all matters involving alleged misconduct of attorneys which fall within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and which satisfy the requirements of this rule.

(2)Initiation of Investigation Process

(A)Grievance. Any person may file a grievance with the attorney discipline office to call to its attention the conduct of an attorney that he or she believes constitutes misconduct which should be investigated by the attorney discipline office, subject to section II(a)(3)(B)(ii). If necessary, the general counsel or his or her deputy or assistant will assist the grievant in reducing the grievance to writing.

In accordance with a judge's obligation under canon 3 of the code of judicial conduct to report unprofessional conduct of any attorney of which the judge is aware, a judge of the supreme, superior, district or probate courts of New Hampshire, may refer any matter to the attorney discipline office which he or she believes may constitute misconduct by an attorney that should be investigated by the attorney discipline office. In accordance with an attorney's obligation under Rule 8.3 of the rules of professional conduct to report unprofessional conduct of an attorney of which he or she has knowledge, a member of the bar of New Hampshire, may refer any matter to the attorney discipline office which he or she believes may constitute misconduct by an attorney that should be investigated by the attorney discipline office. Except as otherwise provided, a referral from a court or attorney shall be treated as a grievance. Upon receipt of a referral, if the attorney discipline office shall determine that the referring judge or attorney does not wish to be treated as a grievant, and, if it is determined after initial screening that the grievance is within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline office and meets the prerequisites for docketing as a complaint as set forth in section (II)(a)(3)(B), the attorney discipline office shall process the grievance as an attorney discipline office generated complaint.

(B)Attorney Discipline Office-Initiated Inquiry. The attorney discipline office may, upon any reasonable factual basis, undertake and complete an inquiry, on its own initiative, of any other matter within its jurisdiction coming to its attention by any lawful means. Unless the attorney discipline office later dockets a complaint against an attorney in accordance with section (II)(a)(5)(B), all records of such an inquiry shall be confidential.

(C)Filing. A grievance shall be deemed filed when received conventionally or electronically by the attorney discipline office.

(3)Procedure after Receipt of Grievance

(A)Initial Screening of Grievance. General counsel shall review each grievance upon receipt to determine whether the grievance is within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and whether the grievance meets the prerequisites for docketing as a complaint.

When necessary, general counsel may request additional information or documents from the grievant. Except for good cause shown, failure of a grievant to provide such additional information and/or documents within twenty (20) days may result in general counsel processing the grievance based on the then existing file, or dismissing the complaint without prejudice.

Upon receipt of the above information, general counsel may allow a respondent up to thirty (30) days to file a voluntary response if it is deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation process. Extensions of time are not favored.

(B)Prerequisites for Docketing Grievance as a Complaint. A grievance shall be docketed as a complaint if it is within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system and it meets the following Prerequisites:

(i)Violation Alleged. It contains:

(a) a brief description of the legal matter that gave rise to the grievance;

(b) a detailed factual description of the respondent's conduct;

(c) the relevant documents that illustrate the conduct of the respondent, or, if the grievant is unable to provide such documents, an explanation as to why the grievant is unable to do so; and

(d) whatever proof is to be provided, including the name and addresses of witnesses to establish a violation of a disciplinary rule.

(ii)Standing. With the exception of an attorney discipline office-initiated inquiry or a referral by a judge or attorney, it must be filed by a person who is directly affected by the conduct complained of or who was present when the conduct complained of occurred, and contain a statement establishing these facts.

(iii)Oath or Affirmation. It is typed or in legible handwriting and, with the exception of an attorney discipline office-initiated inquiry or a referral by a judge or attorney, manually or electronically signed by the grievant under oath or affirmation. The following language, or language that is substantially equivalent, must appear above the grievant's signature: "I hereby swear or affirm under the pains and penalties of perjury that the information contained in this grievance is true to the best of my knowledge."

An electronically signed Oath or Affirmation shall be considered a signed original if presented by the grievant in either one of two ways:

(1) the typed symbol /s/ followed by the typed name of the registered filer submitting the document (example: /s/ John Smith); or

(2) a graphic representation of the filer's actual signature.

(iv)Limitation Period. It was filed with the attorney discipline office within the period of limitation set forth in section (I)(i).

(v) Sufficiency of Allegations. The attorney discipline office may decide not to docket a grievance as a complaint if it determines, based on its evaluation of the grievance that there is no reasonable likelihood that a hearing panel would find clear and convincing evidence that the respondent attorney violated the rules of professional conduct.

(C)Treatment of Grievance Not Within Jurisdiction of Attorney Discipline System or Failing to Meet Complaint Prerequisites. A grievance that is not within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system or that does not meet the Prerequisites for docketing as a complaint as set forth in section (II)(a)(3)(B) shall not be docketed and shall be dismissed in accordance with section (II)(a)(4).

(4)Disposition of Grievance after Initial Screening.

(A)Lack of Jurisdiction. If the attorney discipline office determines that the person who is the subject of the grievance is not a person subject to the rules of professional conduct, general counsel shall return the grievance to the grievant with a cover letter explaining the reason for the return and advising the grievant that the attorney discipline office will take no action on the grievance. The person who is the subject of the grievance shall not be notified of it. No file on the grievance will be maintained. The attorney discipline office may bring the matter to the attention of the authorities of the appropriate jurisdiction, or to any other duly constituted body which may provide a forum for the consideration of the grievance and shall advise the grievant of such referral.

(B)Failure to Meet Complaint Prerequisites. If the attorney discipline office determines that a grievance fails to meet the Prerequisites for docketing as a complaint, it shall so advise the grievant in writing. The attorney who is the subject of the grievance shall be provided with a copy of the grievance and the response by general counsel, and shall be given an opportunity to submit a reply to the grievance within thirty (30) days from the date of the notification or such further time as may be permitted by general counsel. The attorney's reply shall be filed in the record, which shall be available for public inspection in accordance with Rule 37(20).

(C)Reconsideration of Attorney Discipline Office's Decision. A grievant may file a written request for reconsideration of the attorney discipline office's decision that the grievance is not within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline system or does not meet the Prerequisites for docketing as a complaint, but said request must be filed within ten (10) days of the date of the written notification. A request for reconsideration of the attorney discipline office's decision shall automatically stay the period in which the attorney may file a reply as provided for by section (II)(a)(4)(B). Any such request for reconsideration that is timely filed shall be presented by general counsel to the complaint screening committee which shall affirm the decision of the attorney discipline office or direct that the grievance be docketed as a complaint and processed in accordance with the following paragraph. If the decision of the attorney discipline office is affirmed, the attorney who is the subject of the grievance shall be given the opportunity to submit a reply to the grievance within thirty (30) days from the date of the complaint screening committee's action on the request for reconsideration or such further time as may be ordered by that committee.

(5)Docketing of Grievance as Complaint; Procedure Following Docketing of Complaint.

(A)Docketing of Grievance as Complaint. If general counsel determines that a grievance is within the jurisdiction of the attorney discipline office and meets the Prerequisites for docketing as a complaint as set forth in section (II)(a)(3)(B), he or she shall docket it as a complaint.

(B)Drafting and Docketing of Attorney Discipline Office-generated Complaint. If, after undertaking and completing an inquiry on its own initiative, the attorney discipline office determines that there is a reasonable basis to docket a complaint against a respondent, a written complaint shall promptly be drafted and docketed.

(C)Request for Answer to Complaint. After a complaint is docketed, general counsel shall promptly forward to the respondent a copy of the complaint and a request for an answer thereto or to any portion thereof specified by the general counsel. Unless a shorter time is fixed by the general counsel and specified in such notice, the respondent shall have thirty (30) days from the date of such notice within which to file his or her answer with the attorney discipline office. The respondent shall serve a copy of his or her answer in accordance with section (VII) of this rule. If an answer is not received within the specified period, or any granted extension, absent good cause demonstrated by the respondent, general counsel may recommend to the complaint screening committee that the issue of failing to cooperate be referred to disciplinary counsel who shall prepare a notice of charges requiring the respondent to appear before a panel for the hearings committee and to show cause why he or she should not be determined to be in violation of Rules 8.1(b) and 8.4(a) of the rules of professional conduct for failing to respond to general counsel's request for an answer to the complaint.

(6)Investigation.

Either prior to or following receipt of the respondent's answer, general counsel and his or her deputies and assistants shall conduct such investigation as may be appropriate.

Upon completion of the investigation, general counsel may (1) dismiss or divert a complaint on the grounds set forth in Rule 37(6)(c); or (2) present the complaint to the complaint screening committee with recommendations for diversion as provided in section (I)(g), dismissal for any reason or referral to disciplinary counsel for a hearing.

At any time while general counsel is investigating a docketed complaint, the respondent may notify general counsel that the respondent waives the right to have the matter considered by the complaint screening committee and consents to the matter being referred to disciplinary counsel for a hearing. Agreement by the respondent to referral for a hearing shall not be considered an admission of misconduct or a waiver of any defenses to the complaint. Meetings of the complaint screening committee shall be in the nature of deliberations and shall not be open to the public, respondents, respondents' counsel, or the complainant. Records and reports of recommendations made shall in all respects be treated as work product and shall not be made public or be discoverable. However, the decision of the complaint screening committee shall be public.

(7)Action By the Attorney Discipline Office General Counsel or the Complaint Screening Committee.

(A)Diversion. In any matter in which the attorney discipline office general counsel or the complaint screening committee determines that diversion is appropriate, it shall be structured consistent with the provisions of section (I)(g).

(B)Dismissal For Any Reason. In any matter in which the Attorney Discipline Office General Counsel or the complaint screening committee determines that a complaint should be dismissed, either on grounds of no professional misconduct or any other reason, general counsel or the committee shall dismiss the complaint and it shall notify the complainant and the respondent in writing and the attorney discipline office shall close its file on the matter.

(C)Formal Proceedings. If the respondent agrees with the recommendation of the Attorney Discipline Office General Counsel to refer a complaint to disciplinary counsel, or the complaint screening committee determines that formal proceedings should be held, the complaint shall be referred to disciplinary counsel for the issuance of notice of charges and the scheduling of a hearing on the merits before a panel of the hearings committee or, alternatively, for waiver of formal proceedings by respondent and the filing of stipulations as to facts, rule violations and/or sanction.

(b)Abatement of Investigation.

(1)Refusal of Grievant/Complainant or Respondent to Proceed, Etc.

Neither unwillingness nor neglect of the grievant or complainant to prosecute a charge, nor settlement, compromise, or restitution, nor failure of the respondent to cooperate, shall, by itself, justify abatement of an investigation into the conduct of an attorney or the deferral or termination of proceedings under this rule.

(2)Complaint Related to Pending Civil Litigation or Criminal Matter.

(A)General Rule. The processing of a complaint involving material allegations which are substantially similar to the material allegations of pending criminal or civil litigation need not but may be deferred at any stage pending determination of such litigation.

(B)Effect of Determination. The acquittal of a respondent on criminal charges or a verdict or judgment in the respondent's favor in civil litigation involving substantially similar material allegations shall not, by itself, justify termination of a disciplinary investigation predicated upon the same material allegations.

(c)Resignation by a New Hampshire Licensed Attorney under Disciplinary Investigation

(1)Recommendation to the Court. Upon receipt by any component part of the attorney discipline system of an affidavit from a New Hampshire licensed attorney who intends to resign pursuant to the rules of the court, it shall refer the matter to the professional conduct committee, to review the affidavit and such other matters as it deems appropriate to determine either (i) to recommend to the court that the resignation be accepted and to recommend any terms and conditions of acceptance it deems appropriate, or (ii) to recommend to the court that the resignation not be accepted with the reasons therefore. The professional conduct committee shall submit the affidavit and its recommendation to the court, and the proceedings, if any, before the court shall be conducted by disciplinary counsel.

(2)Notification of Grievant. In the event the court accepts the resignation of a respondent and removes the respondent on consent, the professional conduct committee by means of written notice shall notify the grievant of such action.

(III)Formal Proceedings

Preface

As good cause appears and as justice may require, the professional conduct committee may waive the application of any rule under this section.

(a)Preliminary Provisions.

(1)Representation of Respondent.

When a respondent is represented by counsel in a formal proceeding, counsel shall file with the hearings committee and disciplinary counsel a written notice of such appearance, which shall state such counsel's name, address, and telephone number, the name and address of the respondent on whose behalf counsel appears, and the caption of the subject proceedings. If the appearance is filed after a hearing panel has submitted its reports and recommendations to the professional conduct committee, the notice of the appearance shall be filed with the professional conduct committee rather than the hearings committee. In any proceeding where counsel has filed a notice of appearance pursuant to this section, any notice or other written communication required to be served on or furnished to the respondent shall also be served on or furnished to the respondent's counsel (or one of such counsel if the respondent is represented by more than one counsel) in the same manner as prescribed for the respondent, notwithstanding the fact that such communication may be furnished directly to the respondent.

(2)Format of Pleadings and Documents.

Pleadings or other documents filed in formal proceedings shall comply with and conform to the rules from time to time in effect for comparable documents in the court.

(3)Avoidance of Delay.

All formal proceedings under this rule shall be as expeditious as possible. In any matter pending before the hearings committee, only the chair of the panel assigned to hear the matter may grant an extension of time, and only upon good cause shown. In any matter pending before the professional conduct committee, only the chair of the committee may grant an extension of time, and only upon good cause shown. Application for such an extension shall be made, in advance, and in writing where practicable, to the appropriate chair.

(4)Additional Evidence.

Whenever, in the course of any hearing under this rule, evidence shall be presented upon which another charge or charges against the respondent might be made, it shall not be necessary to prepare or serve an additional notice of charges with respect thereto, but the hearing panel may, after reasonable notice to the respondent and disciplinary counsel and an opportunity to answer and be heard, proceed to the consideration of such additional charge or charges as if they had been made and served at the time for service of the notice of charges, and may render its decision upon all such charges as may be justified by the evidence in the case.

(aa)Stipulations

(1)Dispositive Stipulations as to Facts, Rule Violations and Sanction

(A) The respondent and the attorney discipline office may enter into a stipulation to facts, rule violations, and sanction disposing of all issues at any time after a file has been referred to disciplinary counsel by the complaint screening committee.

(B) If a dispositive stipulation is reached before a hearing panel has been appointed, the stipulation shall be filed with and reviewed by the professional conduct committee. If a dispositive stipulation is reached after a hearing panel has been appointed, it shall be filed with and reviewed by the hearing panel.

(2)Partial Stipulations

(A) A partial stipulation to resolve some but not all issues of fact, rule violation and sanction may be entered into by the parties at any time after a file has been referred to disciplinary counsel by the complaint screening committee.

(B) A partial stipulation shall be filed with a hearing panel. If a hearing panel has not been appointed, one shall be appointed prior to the filing of the partial stipulation.

(C) The hearing panel shall review the partial stipulation and approve, conditionally approve or reject the partial stipulation in accordance with Rule 37A(III)(aa)(3). A partial stipulation approved by the hearing panel shall be deemed binding on all matters stipulated therein.

(D) Upon the hearing panel's review of a partial stipulation, any remaining contested issues of facts, rule violations and sanction shall be heard by the hearing panel pursuant to Rule 37A(III)(b) and (c).

(3)Review of Stipulation to Facts, Rule Violations and/or Sanction

(A) The professional conduct committee or the hearing panel (the "reviewing body") shall review a stipulation based solely on the record agreed to by the respondent and disciplinary counsel. Either party may request to appear before the reviewing body to address the stipulation, or the reviewing body may, in its discretion, direct the parties to appear before it to address the stipulation. The oral proceedings on stipulations shall not be recorded or transcribed and shall not become part of the record.

(B) The reviewing body may accept, reject, or conditionally accept the stipulation and shall issue a written order or report, as appropriate, with supporting grounds.

(C) If the reviewing body accepts the stipulation in its entirety, the reviewing body shall adopt all findings of fact and conclusions of law in the stipulation.

(D) If the reviewing body rejects the stipulation in its entirety, the rejected stipulation has no force or effect and neither it nor the fact of its execution is admissible into evidence in any disciplinary, civil or criminal proceeding.

(E) The reviewing body may conditionally approve a stipulation upon agreement by the respondent and disciplinary counsel to a different sanction, probation, or other term the reviewing body deems necessary to accomplish the purposes of lawyer discipline.

(i) The conditionally approved stipulation is deemed approved by the reviewing body, if, within 21 days of service of the reviewing body's order or report, or within additional time granted by the reviewing body, both parties consent in writing to the conditional terms in the order.

(ii) Absent such consent, the parties may amend and resubmit the stipulation to the reviewing body or, alternatively, disciplinary counsel may file a notice of charges or otherwise proceed.

(iii) Absent consent or amendment and resubmission of the stipulation, the stipulation has no force or effect and neither it nor the fact of its execution is admissible into evidence in any disciplinary, civil or criminal proceeding.

(b)Institution of Proceedings.

(1)General.

Upon receipt of a file referred by the attorney discipline office general counsel or the complaint screening committee, disciplinary counsel may engage in such additional preparation to allow counsel to formalize allegations into a notice of charges. The notice of charges shall be served on the respondent by certified mail, return receipt requested, unless some other type of service is authorized upon application to the chair of the professional conduct committee. Throughout the proceedings, disciplinary counsel shall exercise independent professional judgment. Nevertheless, disciplinary counsel shall keep the complainant apprised of developments in the matter and consider input from the complainant.

(2)Notice of Charges; Initial Disclosure

The notice of charges shall set forth the allegations of misconduct against the respondent and the disciplinary rules alleged to have been violated. The notice shall also advise the respondent that the respondent is entitled to be represented by counsel and to present evidence in respondent's own behalf. At the time of filing the notice of charges or as soon thereafter as is practicable, disciplinary counsel shall provide respondent with bates-stamped copies of all relevant documents (excluding work product and internal memoranda of the attorney discipline office).

(3)Answer.

(A)General Rule. The respondent shall answer the notice of charges by serving and filing an answer with disciplinary counsel within thirty (30) days after service of the notice of charges. Should the respondent fail to file an answer, the allegations set forth in the notice of charges shall be deemed to be admitted.

(B)Contents of Answer. The answer shall be in writing, and shall respond specifically to each allegation of the notice of charges and shall assert all affirmative defenses.

(4)Assignment for Hearing.

Upon receiving an answer from the respondent, or the expiration for the thirty (30) day period for a respondent to file an answer, it shall be the duty of disciplinary counsel to request that the chair of the hearings committee appoint a hearing panel.

(5)Discovery.

(A) Discovery shall be available to the disciplinary counsel. Discovery shall also be available to the respondent, provided that an answer has been filed. All such requests shall be in writing.

(B) On written request the following information, if relevant or reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence in the matter, and if within the possession, custody or control of the disciplinary counsel, the respondent or respondent's counsel, is subject to discovery and shall be made available for inspection and copying as set forth in this rule:

(i) A writing or any other tangible object, including those obtained from or belonging to the respondent;

(ii) Signed written statements, or taped statements, if any, by any witness, including the respondent;

(iii) Results or reports of mental or physical examinations and of scientific tests or experiments made in connection with the matter;

(iv) Names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons known to have relevant information based on personal knowledge about the matter, including a designation by the disciplinary counsel and respondent as to which of those persons will be called as witnesses;

(v) Police reports and any investigation reports generated by any agency other than the attorney discipline office;

(vi) Names and address of each person expected to be called as an expert witness, the expert's qualifications, the subject matter on which the expert will testify, a copy of all written reports submitted by the expert or, if none, a statement of facts and opinions to which the expert will testify and a summary of the grounds for each opinion; and

(vii) If disciplinary counsel or the respondent are unable to agree on discovery issues, a request must be made for a pre-hearing conference.

(C) This rule does not require discovery of a party's work product consisting of internal reports, memoranda or documents made by that party or that party's attorney or agents in connection with a disciplinary proceeding. Nor does it require discovery of statements, signed or unsigned, made by respondent to respondent's attorney or that attorney's agents. This rule does not authorize discovery of any internal materials or documents prepared by the attorney discipline office.

(D) Depositions shall be permitted in any matter to preserve the testimony of a witness likely to be unavailable for hearing due to death, incapacity or if otherwise agreed to by the parties. If disciplinary counsel or the respondent deem it necessary to take any other depositions, a request must be made for a pre-hearing conference.

(E) Discovery shall be made available within thirty (30) days after receipt of a written request therefor. A party's obligation to provide discovery is a continuing one. If, subsequent to compliance with a request for discovery, a party discovers additional names or statements of witnesses or other information reasonably encompassed by the initial request for discovery, the original discovery response shall be promptly supplemented accordingly. In any case in which a pre-hearing conference has been held, the case management order shall set forth the time period within which all discovery shall be completed.

(F) Any discoverable information which is not timely furnished either by original or supplemental response to a discovery request may, on application of the aggrieved party, be excluded from evidence at hearing. The failure of the disciplinary counsel or respondent to disclose the name and provide the report or summary of any expert who will be called to testify in accordance with prior agreement of the parties or as provided in the case management order at least twenty (20) days prior to the hearing date shall result in the exclusion of the witness, except on good cause shown.

(6)Pre-Hearing Conference.

(A) A pre-hearing conference shall be held in all matters. The pre-hearing conference shall be held by the hearing panel chair no earlier than sixty (60) days after an Answer has been filed. At least fourteen (14) days written notice of the date of the conference shall be given. Attendance is mandatory by all parties at the conference. A pre-hearing conference may be held by telephone call where appropriate. No transcript shall be made of the pre-hearing conference.

(B) At the pre-hearing conference, the hearing panel chair shall address the following matters:

(i) The formulation and simplification of issues;

(ii) Admissions and stipulations of the parties with respect to allegations, defenses and any aggravation or mitigation;

(iii) The factual and legal contentions of the parties;

(iv) The identification and limitation of witnesses, including character and expert witnesses;

(v) Rulings on discovery disputes, deadlines for the completion of discovery, including the timely exchange of expert reports, and a ruling on any requests to take depositions;

(vi) The hearing date and its estimated length;

(vii) Deadline for exchanging of proposed exhibits; deadline for objections to exhibits; exhibits not objected to shall be deemed stipulated exhibits; and

(viii) Any other preliminary issues or matters which may aid in the disposition of the case.

(C) Within fourteen (14) days following the pre-hearing conference, the hearing panel chair shall issue a case management order, designated as such in the caption, memorializing any agreements by the parties and any determinations made respecting any matters considered at the conference. The case management order, which constitutes part of the record, shall be sent to the disciplinary counsel and the respondent.

(D) At the pre-hearing conference the hearing panel chair shall schedule a date for the hearing of the case within ninety (90) days after the date of the conference, except for good cause shown.

(7)Further Review.

If at any point prior to the hearing on the merits, disciplinary counsel concludes that the development of evidence establishes that there is no valid basis for proceeding to a hearing, he or she shall submit a written report to the professional conduct committee requesting that the matter be dismissed either with a finding of no professional misconduct or on some other basis.

(c)Conduct of Hearings.

(1)General Rule.

The hearing panel chair shall conduct the hearing. A record shall be required and a transcript provided to the respondent, disciplinary counsel and the professional conduct committee. A transcript may be provided to the complainant if requested. A copy of the transcript may be obtained from the stenographer by anyone else at the expense of the person requesting it, and it shall thereafter be provided within a reasonable time. The respondent may have the right to be represented by counsel, and respondent and disciplinary counsel shall present their evidence. The hearing shall be public.

(2)Limiting Number of Witnesses.

The hearing panel may limit the number of witnesses who may be heard upon any issue before it to eliminate unduly repetitious or cumulative evidence.

(3)Additional Evidence.

At the hearing the hearing panel may, if it deems it advisable, authorize either the respondent or disciplinary counsel to file specific post-hearing documentary evidence as part of the record within such time as shall be fixed by the hearing panel chair.

(4)Oral Examination.

Witnesses shall be examined orally by disciplinary counsel or the respondent calling the witnesses as well as by the members of the hearing panel. Witnesses whose testimony is to be taken, including the complainant and the respondent, shall be sworn, or shall affirm, before their testimony shall be deemed evidence in any proceeding or any questions are put to them. Cross-examination of witnesses, including the complainant and respondent, shall be allowed but may be limited by the hearing panel chair if such cross-examination is not assisting the hearing panel in developing facts relating to, or reaching a just and proper determination of, the matters before the hearing panel.

(5)Admissibility of Evidence.

(A) General Rule. All evidence which is deemed by the hearing panel chair to be relevant, competent and not privileged shall be admissible in accordance with the principles set out in section (I)(b) of this rule. Except as provided above, the formal rules of evidence shall not apply.

(B) Pleadings. The notice of charges and answer thereto shall, without further action, be considered part of the record.

(6)Reception and Ruling on Evidence.

When objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence are made the grounds shall be stated concisely. Formal exceptions are unnecessary. The hearing panel chair shall rule on the admissibility of all evidence.

(7)Copies of Exhibits.

When exhibits of a documentary character are received in evidence, copies shall, unless impracticable, be furnished to each member of the hearing panel present at the hearing, as well as to opposing counsel or the other party. Legible copies shall be admissible, unless otherwise required by the hearing panel chair.

(8)Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting.

(A) The hearing panel should permit the media to photograph, record and broadcast all proceedings that are open to the public. The hearing panel may limit electronic media coverage if there is a substantial likelihood of harm to any person or other harmful consequence. Except as specifically provided in this rule, or by order of the hearing panel, no person shall within the hearing room take any photograph, make any recording, or make any broadcast by radio, television or other means in the course of any proceeding.

(B) Reporters hired by the hearings committee to record hearings pursuant to this rule and authorized recorders are not prohibited by this rule from making voice recordings for the sole purpose of discharging their official duties.

(C)Proposed Limitations on Coverage by the Electronic Media. Any party to a formal proceeding - or any other interested person - shall notify the hearings committee at the inception of a matter, or as soon as practicable, if that person intends to ask the hearing panel to limit electronic media coverage of any proceeding that is open to the public. Failure to notify the hearings committee in a timely fashion may be sufficient grounds for the denial of such a request. In the event of such a request, the hearings committee or hearing panel shall either deny the request or issue an order notifying the parties to the proceeding and all other interested persons that such a limitation has been requested, establish deadlines for the filing of written objections by parties and interested persons, and order an evidentiary hearing during which all interested persons will be heard. The same procedure for notice and hearing shall be utilized in the event that the hearing panel sua sponte proposes a limitation on coverage by the electronic media. A copy of the order shall, in addition to being incorporated in the case docket, be sent to the Associated Press, which will disseminate the order to its members and inform them of upcoming deadlines/hearing.

(D)Advance Notice of Requests for Coverage. Any requests to bring cameras, broadcasting equipment and recording devices into a hearing room for coverage of any proceedings shall be made as far in advance as practicable. If no objection to the requested electronic coverage is received by the hearings committee or hearing panel, coverage shall be permitted in compliance with this rule. If an objection is made, the media will be so advised and the panel will conduct an evidentiary hearing during which all interested parties will be heard to determine whether, and to what extent, coverage by the electronic media or still photography will be limited.

(E)Pool Coverage. The hearing panel retains discretion to limit the number of still cameras and the amount of video equipment in the hearing room at one time and may require the media to arrange for pool coverage. The panel will allow reasonable time prior to a proceeding for the media to set up pool coverage for television, radio and still photographers providing broadcast quality sound and video.

(1) It is the responsibility of the news media to contact the attorney discipline office in advance of a proceeding to determine if pool coverage will be required. If the hearing panel has determined that pool coverage will be required, it is the sole responsibility of the media, with assistance as needed from the attorney discipline office, to determine which news outlet will serve as the "pool." Disputes about pool coverage will not be resolved by the hearing panel. Access may be curtailed if pool agreements cannot be reached.

(2) In the event of multiple requests for media coverage, because scheduling renders a pool agreement impractical, the attorney discipline office retains the discretion to rotate media representatives into and out of the courtroom.

(F)Live Feed. Except for good cause shown, requests for live coverage should be made at least five (5) days in advance of a proceeding.

(G)Exhibits. For purposes of this rule, access to exhibits will be at the discretion of the hearing panel. The panel retains the discretion to make one "media" copy of each exhibit available in the attorney discipline office.

(H)Equipment. Exact locations for all video and still cameras, and audio equipment within the hearing room will be determined by the hearing panel. Movement in the hearing room is prohibited, unless specifically approved by the panel.

(1) Placement of microphones in the hearing room will be determined by the hearing panel. An effort should be made to facilitate broadcast quality sound. All microphones placed in the hearing room will be wireless.

(2) Video and photographic equipment must be of professional quality with minimal noise so as not to disrupt the proceedings; flash equipment and other supplemental lighting or sound equipment is prohibited unless otherwise approved by the hearing panel.

(I)Restrictions. Unless otherwise ordered by the hearing panel, the following standing orders shall govern.

(1) No flash or other lighting devices will be used.

(2) Set up and dismantling of equipment is prohibited when the proceedings are in session.

(3) No camera movement during the proceedings.

(4) No cameras permitted behind the respondent's table.

(5) Broadcast equipment will be positioned so that there will be no audio recording of conferences between attorney and client or among counsel and the hearing panel at the bench. Any such recording is prohibited.

(6) Photographers and videographers must remain a reasonable distance from parties, counsel tables, alleged victims, witnesses and families unless the hearing participant voluntarily approaches the camera position.

(7) All reporters and photographers will abide by the directions of the hearing room officers at all times.

(8) Broadcast or print interviews will not be permitted inside the hearing room before or after a proceeding.

(9) Photographers, videographers and technical support staff covering a proceeding shall avoid activity that might distract participants or impair the dignity of the proceedings.

(10) Appropriate dress is required.

(d)Concluding Procedures

(1)Report of Hearing Panel. After hearing the evidence, the hearing panel shall make a written report of its findings of fact which shall be signed by the hearing panel chair. The hearing panel shall include its recommendations whether its factual findings support a conclusion that the rules of professional conduct were violated by clear and convincing evidence and, if so, an appropriate sanction. The report shall be submitted to the professional conduct committee no more than sixty (60) days after the close of each hearing. If the hearing panel is not unanimous in any recommendations it may make, a minority report may also be submitted to the professional conduct committee. Copies of all hearing panel reports shall be sent to disciplinary counsel, the complainant and the respondent at the same time they are sent to the professional conduct committee. At any time during the hearing panel proceedings, respondent and disciplinary counsel may request approval of a partial or dispositive stipulation. The hearing panel shall forward to the committee any stipulations approved by the hearing panel. Such approved stipulations shall accompany the hearing panel's written report on contested issues of fact, rule violation and sanction.

(2)Professional Conduct Committee. Within fifteen (15) days of the date of the hearing panel report or reports, disciplinary counsel and respondent may file stipulations with proposed resolutions for the committee's review and approval and may submit memoranda addressing any issues in the hearing panel reports, stipulations, or raised during the hearings.

(A) Whether memoranda are filed or not, either disciplinary counsel or respondent may during the same fifteen (15) day period request oral argument before the professional conduct committee to address any issues in the hearing panel reports, stipulations or record agreed to by the parties. The committee may, in its discretion, direct the parties to appear before it to address any issues raised in dispositive or partial stipulations, as set forth in Rule 37A(III)(aa)(C).

(B) Unless waived, oral arguments will be conducted to allow disciplinary counsel and each respondent ten (10) minutes to address the findings and rulings contained in the hearing panel reports.

(C) After consideration of dispositive or partial stipulations, oral arguments, hearing panel reports and memoranda, if any, and transcripts of hearings before the hearing panel, the professional conduct committee shall determine whether there is clear and convincing evidence of violations of the rules of professional conduct. In making such determination, the committee shall:

(i) Review the hearing panel's report addressing any contested matters of fact and law. The committee shall uphold the hearing panel's findings of fact unless clearly erroneous or manifestly in error. The committee shall review the hearing panel's conclusions of law and recommendation of sanction de novo.

(ii) Review all stipulations in accordance with Rule 37A(III)(aa)(C) and issue orders thereon. The committee shall state in its order the basis for rejection of any stipulation and shall remand remaining contested issues.

(D) After such determination, the professional conduct committee may:

(i) dismiss complaints, administer a reprimand, public censure or a suspension not to exceed six (6) months;

(ii) attach such conditions as may be appropriate to any discipline it imposes;

(iii) divert attorneys out of the attorney discipline system as appropriate and on such terms and conditions as is warranted; and

(iv) recommend the imposition of disbarment or of suspension for a period in excess for six (6) months by filing such recommendation with this court as provided in Rule 37(16);

(v) assess to a disciplined attorney to the extent appropriate, in whole or in part, expenses incurred by the attorney discipline system in the investigation and enforcement of discipline. An assessment made under this section shall have the same force, effect and characterization and shall be subject to the same procedures for finalization, resolution and enforcement as an assessment under Rule 37(19).

(E) If neither disciplinary counsel nor the respondent requests oral argument, the professional conduct committee may direct the parties to appear before it on stipulations and shall make its decision in all matters based on the hearing panel report, the hearing transcript, and any memoranda that may be filed or, for stipulations, on the record agreed to by the parties and any oral statements presented by the parties.

(3)Form of Sanctions.

In the event that the professional conduct committee determines that the proceeding should be concluded by reprimand, public censure or a suspension of six (6) months or less, it shall give written notice thereof to the respondent, disciplinary counsel and the complainant.

The reprimand, public censure or suspension shall state the charges that were sustained, any charges that were dismissed and the respondent's right to appeal to the supreme court.

Any public censure or suspension issued by the professional conduct committee that becomes final and not subject to further appeal shall be sent to newspapers of general circulation, one with statewide circulation, and one with circulation in the area of respondent's primary office, as well as to the New Hampshire Bar News for publication.

In the event the professional conduct committee finds a violation of the rules of professional conduct but determines that a recommendation should be filed with the supreme court for a sanction of greater than a six (6) month suspension, it shall give notice of its findings and its recommendation on sanction to the respondent, disciplinary counsel and the complainant, and it shall file such recommendation with the Supreme Court.

(4)Appeal of Sanction of Reprimand, Censure or Suspension of Six (6) Months or Less.

(A) Either a respondent attorney or disciplinary counsel may appeal findings of the professional conduct committee and the imposition of a reprimand, public censure or a suspension of six (6) months or less by filing a notice of appeal with the supreme court in accordance with Rule 10, unless otherwise ordered by the court. The appeal shall not be a mandatory appeal. The appeal shall be public.

(B) The filing of an appeal by the respondent shall stay the disciplinary order being appealed unless the professional conduct committee orders otherwise. If the professional conduct committee orders otherwise, it shall set forth in its order its reasons for doing so. In all cases, however, the supreme court may on motion for good cause shown stay the disciplinary order.

(IV)Confidentiality and Public Access

The duties of confidentiality in and rights of public access to disciplinary proceedings are detailed in Supreme Court Rule 37(20) and (21).

(V)Annulment

(a)When Annulment May Be Requested.

A person who has been issued an admonition (under prior rules), or reprimand may at any time after five (5) years from the date of the admonition or reprimand apply to the professional conduct committee for an order to annul the admonition or reprimand. A person against whom a complaint has been filed which has resulted in a finding of no misconduct, may also apply to the professional conduct committee for an order to annul the record at any time after five (5) years from the date of the finding of no misconduct. A person who has been issued a public censure may at any time after ten (10) years from the date of the public censure apply to the professional conduct committee for an order to annul the public censure.

(b)Matters Which May Not Be Annulled.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, an order of annulment will not be granted except upon order of the supreme court if respondent's misconduct included conduct which constitutes an element of a felony or which included as a material element fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, dishonesty, deceit, or breach of fiduciary duty.

(c)Consideration of Other Complaints.

When application has been made under subsection (a), the professional conduct committee may consider any other complaints filed against the respondent and any other relevant facts.

(d)Effect of Annulment.

Upon entry of the order, the respondent shall be treated in all respects as if any admonition, or reprimand had not been rendered, except that, upon conviction of any other violation of the rules of professional conduct after the order of annulment has been entered, the previous admonition, warning, or reprimand may be considered by the professional conduct committee or the supreme court in determining the discipline to be imposed.

(e)Sealing of Records of Annulment.

Upon issuance of an order of annulment, all records or other evidence of the existence of the complaint shall be sealed, except that the attorney discipline office may keep the docket or card index showing the names of each respondent and complainant, the final disposition, and the date that the records relating to the matter were sealed.

(f)Disclosure of Annulled Matter.

Upon issuance of an order of annulment, the component parts of the attorney discipline systems shall not thereafter disclose the record of the complaint which resulted in a finding of no misconduct, admonition, or reprimand, except as permitted by section (V)(d) of this rule, and the respondent shall be under no obligation thereafter to disclose the admonition, warning, or reprimand.

(g)Denial of Request for Annulment.

Upon denial of an order of annulment, the respondent may appeal to the supreme court within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of the denial. The appeal shall not be a mandatory appeal. Upon such appeal, the burden shall be upon the respondent to show that the professional conduct committee's exercise of its discretion in denying the order of annulment is unsustainable.

(VI)Request for Reconsideration

(a)Request. A request for reconsideration shall be filed with the committee that issued the decision within ten (10) days of the date on that committee chair's written confirmation of any decision of the committee; provided, however, that a request for reconsideration of a decision of the attorney discipline office general counsel shall be filed with the complaint screening committee within ten (10) days of the date on the decision. The request shall state, with particular clarity, points of law or fact that have been overlooked or misapprehended and shall contain such argument in support of the request as the party making such request desires to present.

(b)Answer. No answer to a request for reconsideration shall be required unless specifically ordered by the committee considering the matter, but any answer or response must be filed within ten (10) days of the date on the notification of the request.

(c)Committee Action. If a request for reconsideration is granted, the committee considering the request, may reverse the decision or take other appropriate action, with or without a hearing.

(d)Effect of Request. The filing of an initial request for reconsideration of a sanction issued by the professional conduct committee shall stay the thirty (30) day period for filing an appeal pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 37(3)(c).

(VII)Service of Copies

(a) Copies of all pleadings filed and communications addressed to the attorney discipline office or any committee of the attorney discipline system by the grievant or complainant shall be furnished forthwith to each respondent who is the subject of the grievance or complaint. All such pleadings and communications shall contain a statement of compliance herewith.

(b) Copies of all pleadings filed and communications addressed to the attorney discipline office or any committee of the attorney discipline system by the respondent who is the subject of the grievance or complaint shall be furnished forthwith to the grievant or complainant and to any other attorney who is the subject of the grievance or complaint. All such pleadings and communications shall contain a statement of compliance herewith.

(c) Copies of all pleadings filed and communications addressed to the hearings committee or any panel thereof or to the professional conduct committee by disciplinary counsel shall be furnished forthwith to the grievant or complainant and to the respondent who is the subject of the grievance or complaint. All such pleadings and communications shall contain a statement of compliance herewith. The requirements of this section shall not apply in any matter in which the disciplinary counsel is representing the professional conduct in the supreme court or elsewhere.

(d) Service on a person who is personally represented by counsel shall be made on counsel. This section does not prohibit that service also be made on the person represented by counsel. Service may be personal or by first class mail.

N.H. R. Sup. Ct. 37A

Amended May 21, 2015, eff. July 1, 2015; amended April 20, 2017, eff. 7/1/2017; amended April 19, 2018, eff. 7/1/2018; amended May 1, 2020, eff. 7/1/2020; amended December 22, 2022, eff. 1/1/2023.