On July 25th and 26th, the Disciplinary Board hosted its annual Hearing Committee Training. Duties of Hearing Committee Members include 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. Thorough training is essential to Members’ prudent role within Pennsylvania’s disciplinary system.
This year, the Board invited its 144 volunteer Hearing Committee Members to the educational conference. Conference presenters and panels ̶ including Board Members, Board staff, Senior Hearing Committee Members, and other experts ̶ discussed a myriad of pertinent topics such as the practicalities of Hearing Committee duties, conducting case research, writing Committee reports, and new Court Opinions and future precedent.
The Board was highly honored to host Chief Justice Debra Todd at this year’s conference. Chief Justice Todd welcomed all attendees and noted the Board’s duty to the public and the justice system, highlighting the significance of the undertakings of Hearing Committee Members. She asserted, “Those who work in the field of attorney discipline are the backbone of the legal profession.” The Chief Justice’s sentiment perfectly underscored Hearing Committee Members’ commitment to the Commonwealth.
Among the event’s speakers was Brian S. Quinn, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania (LCL). Addressing the issues of mental health and substance use within the legal profession, Attorney Quinn explored the high rate of mental health difficulties amongst lawyers and magnanimously shared his own journey through personal trauma and addiction, ultimately followed by recovery and redemption with the assistance of LCL. Quinn’s narrative was met with enormous regard and appreciation from the convocation.