What happens after the just cause investigation is completed?
If the Chief Disciplinary Counsel concludes that there is just cause to believe professional misconduct occurred, the lawyer is notified of what conduct is complained about and what ethical rules are alleged to have been violated. The lawyer is given a choice of whether to have a panel of a grievance committee or a district judge hear the case. If the Chief Disciplinary Counsel concludes that just cause does not exist to believe that the attorney committed professional misconduct, the matter is presented to a Summary Disposition Panel with a recommendation that the complaint should be dismissed. Neither you nor the lawyer has the right to appear before the Summary Disposition Panel. The Panel reviews the complaint, together with any information, documents, and evidence deemed necessary for it to make its ruling. No testimony is taken at the hearing. If the Panel determines that dismissal is appropriate, all parties are so notified.
