Attorney Regulation

The Maine Bar Rules and the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to provide appropriate standards for attorneys with respect to their practice of the profession of law, including, but not limited to their relationship with their clients, the general public, other members of the legal profession, the courts and other agencies of this State. A proceeding brought against an attorney under these rules shall be an inquiry to determine the fitness of an officer of the court to continue in that capacity. The purpose of such proceeding is not punishment but protection of the public and the courts from attorneys who by their conduct have demonstrated that they are unable, or likely to be unable, to discharge properly their professional duties. Further, these rules are intended to provide for a just determination of complaints alleging misconduct on the part of attorneys, and misunderstandings between attorneys and their clients.

Guardian ad Litem Regulation

The Maine Rules for Guardians ad Litem [Rules] govern the qualifications, standards of conduct, appointment by the court, and placement of Guardians ad Litem (GAL) on, and removal from, the GAL Roster. The standards of conduct define the ethical and legal duties of GALs and the types of investigations and reports which a court may order in cases involving children in Maine’s Probate, District or Family Courts. A complaint brought against GAL under the Rules results in an inquiry to determine whether the GAL performed in accordance with the court order, the duties and standards imposed under the Rules. The goal of such a proceeding is protection of the public and courts from GALs who have demonstrated that they are unable, or likely to be unable, to discharge properly their professional duties as a GAL. Furthermore, the Rules are intended to provide for a just determination of complaints alleging a violation of the Rules by a GAL.