Rule 15 - Disbarred or suspended attorneys(a) A disbarred or suspended attorney shall promptly furnish to the Clerk of this Court and to the Disciplinary Counsel the names and addresses of all clients he or she represents in pending matters other than litigation or administrative proceedings. The Clerk shall notify the clients by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, of the disciplinary action taken and the consequent inability of the attorney to act in their behalf. The Clerk shall also advise the clients that they may seek legal advice elsewhere.(b) A disbarred or suspended attorney shall promptly furnish to the Clerk of this Court and to the Disciplinary Counsel the names and addresses of all clients who are involved in pending litigations or administrative proceedings. The Clerk shall notify the clients by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, of the disciplinary action taken and the consequent inability of the attorney to act in their behalf. The Clerk will also notify the attorney for each adverse party in such matter or proceeding of the other attorney's inability to practice law. The notice given the clients shall advise them of the need for a prompt substitution of another attorney.(c) Nothing in the above sections shall bar the disciplined attorney from communicating with his or her clients in an attempt to refer them to another attorney. In the event the client does not obtain substitute counsel before the effective date of the disbarment or suspension, it shall be the responsibility of the disbarred or suspended attorney to move in the Court or agency in which the proceeding is pending for leave to withdraw.
The notice to be given to the attorney or attorneys for an adverse party shall state the place of residence of the client of the disbarred or suspended attorney.
(d) Orders imposing suspension or disbarment shall be effective immediately unless this Court otherwise directs. The disbarred or suspended attorney, after entry of the disbarment or suspension order, shall not accept any new retainer or engage as attorney for another in any new case or legal matter of any nature. However, during the period from the entry date of the order and its effective date, he or she may wind up and complete, on behalf of any client, all matters which were pending on the entry date.(e) Within ten (10) days after the effective date of the disbarment or suspension order, the disbarred or suspended attorney shall file with this Court an affidavit showing: (1) that he or she has fully complied with the provisions of the order and with these rules;(2) all other state, federal and administrative jurisdictions to which he or she is admitted to practice; and(3) that he or she has served a copy of such affidavit upon Counsel. Such affidavit shall also set forth the residence or other address of the disbarred or suspended attorney where communications may thereafter be directed to him or her.
(f) If the disbarred or suspended attorney fails to comply with the foregoing provisions of this rule, this Court, upon expiration of the 10-day period for filing an affidavit of compliance, will appoint an attorney or attorneys to inventory the files of the disbarred or suspended attorney and to take such action as seems indicated to protect the interests of the clients of the disbarred or suspended attorney.(g) The Clerk of this Court shall cause a notice of the suspension or disbarment to be published in the Rhode Island Bar Journal and a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the disciplined attorney maintained his or her practice.(h) The Clerk of this Court shall promptly transmit a certified copy of the order of suspension or disbarment to all courts within this State. This Court shall make such further order as it deems necessary to fully protect the rights of the clients of the suspended or disbarred attorney.(i) A disbarred or suspended attorney shall keep and maintain records of the various steps taken by him under these rules, so that, upon any subsequent proceeding instituted by or against him or her, proof of compliance with these rules and with the disbarment or suspension order will be available. Proof of compliance with these rules and the disbarment or suspension order shall be a condition precedent to any petition for reinstatement.As amended by the court on 5/11/1993; Revised 11/1/2023.