Who Bears The Costs?

A Michigan attorney was suspended for his failure to pay the costs of a bar discipline matter. This is an interesting and, I suspect, effective way to focus the attorney’s attention on the costs obligation. In the District of Columbia, costs are not imposed on disciplined attorneys. To the contrary, D. C. will provide a prosecuted attorney with free transcripts of the proceedings in aid of any appeal or exception. This particular cost is shared by members of the Bar, as it is financed through annual dues. Indeed, in D.C., the bar charges no costs and provides a free transcript to disbarred lawyers who petition (and petition and petition again) for reinstatement. (Mike Frisch)