Only Bar Counsel Can Prosecute Ethics Cases

A dissatisfied complainant has no private cause of action after Bar Counsel dismisses an ethics complaint, according to a holding of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The complaint against former counsel had been investigated and, after disposition, reviewed by a Board of Bar Overseers member. The client then filed a civil suit to sanction the attorney. The court affirmed the dismissal of the suit,  holding that there is no basis on which a private citizen can enforce disciplinary authority against an attorney. (Mike Frisch)