Appointed by Court of Appeals to 3-year terms: John A. Bielec, Esq., 2014; Timothy M. Phelps, 2014; Mayda C. Tsaknis, Esq., 2014; Jeffrey P. Ayres, Esq., 2015; Barry P. Gossett, 2015; Louise T. Keelty, Esq., 2015; Betty Smith Adams, Esq., 2016; Thomas A. McManus, Esq., 2016; Linda Bowler (Lu) Pierson, 2016; Kerry D. Staton, Esq., 2016.
Glenn M. Grossman, Esq., Bar Counsel
Raymond A. Hein, Esq., Deputy Bar Counsel
Kendall R. Ruffatto, Esq., Executive Secretary
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday
200 Harry S Truman Parkway, Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 514-7051
e-mail: agcmd@agc.maryland.gov
web: http://mdcourts.gov/attygrievance
Created in 1975 by Rule of the Court of Appeals, the Attorney Grievance Commission investigates complaints against lawyers practicing in Maryland and administers discipline to them (Maryland Rule 16-711). It also supervises the inactive status of lawyers and monitors nonmembers of the Maryland Bar who practice in Maryland. The Commission approves all recommendations for dismissal or reprimand made by the Bar Counsel or Peer Review Panels and may direct that public charges be filed against an attorney. All reprimands are public.
The Commission is funded by annual assessments paid by attorneys wishing to practice in Maryland. A portion of the fee also is deposited in the Clients' Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland. The Fund reimburses clients and third-parties for losses (not recoverable from other sources) caused by misuse of client money.
Twelve members make up the Commission. They consist of nine lawyers and three lay persons appointed to three-year terms by the Court of Appeals. The Chair and Vice-Chair are named by the Court of Appeals. The Commission selects the Executive Secretary. The Commission meets monthly (Maryland Rule 16-711).
Subject to approval of the Court of Appeals, the Commission appoints an attorney to serve as Bar Counsel and principal executive officer of the disciplinary system. The Bar Counsel and staff investigate all matters involving possible misconduct, prosecute disciplinary proceedings, and investigate petitions for reinstatement (Maryland Rule 16-712).
The Commission formerly was located at the People's Resource Center, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland. It moved to its present site in April 2015.
PEER REVIEW PANELS
Peer Review Panels began as Inquiry Panels first created from the Inquiry Committee in 1975. The Panels reorganized under their present name in July 2001.
To resolve disputes, Peer Review Panels may be formed to meet informally with complainants and respondents. Panels are created as needed in Baltimore City or in whichever county holds the main office of the attorney against whom a complaint is filed.
A peer review panel consists of at least three volunteers: two attorneys and one lay member. It is appointed by the Peer Review Committee of the Attorney Grievance Commission after notification to the appropriate bar association and the general public (Maryland Rule 16-742).
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