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You have recieved a letter from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, now what?

Written by: Anthony T. Verwey

Reputation Level 7

Ethics Wills

Posted almost 3 years ago. Applies to Pennsylvania, 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

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If the letter requests that you contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel

These letters are often issued to an attorney when the complaint alleges a failure to communicate or neglect (delay) in handling a legal matter. If the attorney does not have a history of these types of complaints, ODC will generate the letter and a call as a reminder of the attorney’s duties to the client and to afford them an opportunity to resolve the problem. If an attorney has received a “contact” letter, he or she should use the opportunity to correct the error and repair their relationship with the client.

If you recieve a DB-7, Request for Statement of Respondent's Position

This letter is generally issued when ODC believes that the attorney may have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct (”RPC”)and/or the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. The response to the DB-7 must generally be sent within 20 days of receipt of the DB-7 and verified by the attorney. This response is a critical first step in the attorney discipline process. For this reason it would be prudent to consult with an attorney to guide you through the response.