Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar - Augusta, ME

Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar

The Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar is an independent judicial agency established by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to regulate the legal profession within the state. Located on Winthrop Street in Augusta, the Board is responsible for ensuring that all lawyers practicing in Maine adhere to high standards of competence and ethics. While not a court of law for resolving civil or criminal disputes, the Board serves as the disciplinary body for attorneys, managing the registration of lawyers and overseeing compliance with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements. The agency's mission is to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the justice system by enforcing the Maine Bar Rules and the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct.

Attorney Regulation and Complaints

One of the Board's primary functions is the investigation and adjudication of grievance complaints against attorneys. If a client believes their lawyer has acted unethically, they can file a complaint with the Grievance Commission through this office. The Board also administers the Fee Arbitration Commission, which provides a mechanism for resolving disputes over legal fees between lawyers and clients. This informal and low-cost alternative to litigation helps maintain trust in the legal profession.

• Attorney Registration: Management of the official roster of licensed Maine lawyers.
• Grievance Complaints: Investigation of ethical violations and attorney misconduct.
• Fee Arbitration: Resolution of disputes regarding legal fees.

Resources and Ethics Helpline

The Board provides support services to the legal community, including an Ethics Helpline that offers confidential guidance to attorneys facing ethical dilemmas. It also maintains a public directory of attorneys, allowing citizens to verify a lawyer's standing and disciplinary history. The office ensures that practitioners meet their annual educational obligations and manages the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, which helps reimburse clients who have lost money due to the dishonest conduct of a lawyer.