Change In Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers and Bar Counsel has issued a notice seeking comments on proposed revisions of the rules governing bar disciplinary proceedings. Among the proposals: giving Bar Counsel discretion not to open a file on a frivolous complaint, eliminating the requirement that an lawyer appear in person to be admonished, an acelerated hearing when admonishment is rejected, changes in prehearing motions practice, and reduction of delay in the reinstatement process. The notice provides a link to a redlined version of the proposals. (Mike Frisch)