Rule Changes & Updates
New Rules Establish More Standardized And Efficient Procedures For Out-Of-State Lawyers
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has created a uniform process for eligible out-of-state lawyers to apply for permission to participate in a particular case in the Commonwealth.
Public Hearings Access/Confidentiality Policy Clarified
On May 23, 2007, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued an order amending Rule 402 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, concerning access to disciplinary information and confidentiality, to clarify the circumstances under which disciplinary proceedings will be confidential.
Other News
Annual Registration Statements to be Mailed
Annual Lawyer Assessment statement forms for 2008-2009 will be mailed sometime toward the middle of May.
Lawyer Feels Obligation To Live By Rules
Smith B. "Bart" Gephart found his passion in the courtroom, so he takes it very seriously when lawyers stray from the rules. "I loved it," said Gephart, who was a founding partner of Killian and Gephart in Harrisburg. "All I ever wanted to do was be a trial lawyer." The Harrisburg-area native resigned his partnership about three years ago, but still keeps his old office at the firm on Pine Street. Gephart, who turns 80 on July 2, recently was appointed to a second term on the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which reviews cases of lawyers accused of bad conduct.
Case Decisions & Opinions
Supreme Court Rules Consumer Protection Act Does Not Apply to Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania handed down a major decision in the case of Beyers v. Richmond et al., No. 38 EAP 2006, 937 A.2d 1082 (Pa.2007), decided December 28, 2007.
Middle District Judge Finds No Duty of Malpractice Carrier to Cover Dishonest Conduct
In the case of Westport Insurance Corporation v. Hanft & Knight, P.C., et al., 523 F.Supp.2d 444 (M.D.Pa.,2007), Judge John E. Jones, III of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania wrote an important opinion regarding the duty of a legal malpractice carrier to cover a law firm’s liability for dishonest acts by one of its members.
more case decisions & opinions
Appointments
Allegheny Lawyer Selected As Vice Chair Of Supreme Court Disciplinary Board
(Lemoyne, PA) - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania announces that William Pietragallo II, a nationally recognized trial lawyer from Allegheny County, has been named the vice chair of the Disciplinary Board effective April 22, 2008.
Harrisburg Attorney Named 2008 Chairman of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA
(Lemoyne, PA) - The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania announces that Smith Barton Gephart, a founding partner of the Harrisburg law firm Killian and Gephart, has been named the chair of the Disciplinary Board effective April 22, 2008.
Supreme Court Names Gephart, Pietragallo to Lead Disciplinary Board
On April 22, 2008, the Supreme Court named Smith B. Gephart, of Dauphin County, as Chairman of the Disciplinary Board, and William Pietragallo, Allegheny County, as Vice Chairman.
Featured Articles
The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s publication, The Pennsylvania Lawyer featured two articles in the January/February 2007 issue regarding the Disciplinary Board. Download the PDF to read the articles on "Inside the Lawyer Disciplinary System" and "Opening the Process."
Discipline Statistics
| Disciplinary Dispositions for 2007 (through 12/31/2007) | |
|---|---|
| Informal Admonitions: | 85 |
| Private Reprimands: | 16 |
| Probation: | 6 |
| Public Censure: | 3 |
| Suspensions: | 48º |
| Disbarments: | 25¹ |
| Reinstatements Granted (by order): | 64² |
| Reinstatements Denied: | 2³ |
Disciplinary Actions
- Recent Supreme Court Actions (Last 60 Days)
- From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006
- From January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005
Attorney News
- It was Twenty Years Ago Today...
- Late Breaking News
- May Flowers Bring... Your Registration Statement
- Lessons from Qualcomm
- Self Defense Privilege under RPC 1.6
- That's a One Followed by Seven Zeroes
- We Want to Hear From You
- Gotta Tip?
Did You Know?
The Disciplinary Board's new consumer brochure is available for you to view. To obtain a copy of the brochure visit any of the Pennsylvania county bar associations, the board's four district offices or the Disciplinary Board's website at http://www.padb.us. District offices are located in Lemoyne (Harrisburg), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Trooper, Pennsylvania.