The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Information

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency run at the direction of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Supreme Court disciplines attorneys whose actions violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. The purpose of the disciplinary system is to assist the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in performing its constitutional duty to regulate attorney conduct as well as being a support system for attorneys throughout the state. It is funded by annual assessments paid by attorneys licensed to practice in the Commonwealth. The Disciplinary Board receives no tax funds. The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to: protect the public, maintain the integrity of the legal profession and safeguard the reputation of the courts In March 1972, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court adopted the Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, which became effective in November 1972, and created the Disciplinary Board. The Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement gave the Disciplinary Board exclusive jurisdiction over attorney discipline, developed the structure of the current system, provided for full-time counsel and for the appointment of members to the Disciplinary Board and to Hearing Committees. The Court also established four district offices, each responsible for a specified number of counties. The Disciplinary Board Rules, which are procedural in nature, implement the authority and duties of the Board and Hearing Committees, as provided by the Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement.