On July 22nd and 23rd, the Disciplinary Board hosted its annual Hearing Committee Training in the Midstate. Duties of Hearing Committee Members involve reviewing the recommended disposition of complaints as offered by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel; conducting disciplinary and reinstatement hearings, either as a three-member panel or single designated member; and preparing a written report and recommendation to the Board following disciplinary and reinstatement proceedings. Comprehensive training is essential to Members’ imperative role within Pennsylvania’s disciplinary system.
This year, the Board invited all 151 returning and newly-appointed volunteer Hearing Committee Members from across the state to the educational conference. Including Board Members, Board staff, Senior Hearing Committee Members, and other experts, presenters and panels delved into a wide variety of topics most significant to Hearing Committee service.
Once again, the Board was highly honored to host Chief Justice Debra Todd at this year’s conference. Chief Justice Todd set the tone for the day, welcoming all other guests. She stressed that the integrity of PA’s legal profession rests largely on the function of the Disciplinary Board and its Hearing Committee Members. And, once again underscoring the importance of continued diversity amongst the Hearing Committee Members and Board adjudicators, Chief Justice Todd further pushes the aspirations of the organization.