Md. Admin. Order of 2021-11-23 (Updated Administrative and Procedural Guidelines of the ...) 6.5

6.5.1. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the Panel shall not hear from any person

other than the Respondent, the complainant and Bar Counsel, unless Bar Counsel

or the Respondent has requested, in writing, at least ten (10) days prior to the Panel

11 Updated __________________, 2021

Meeting, that the Panel hear from such person(s). The Panel need not grant such

request(s).

6.5.2. At the commencement of the Peer Review Meeting, the Panel Chair shall state:

a. The meeting is he ld pursuant to Maryland Rules 19-719 and 19-720 and that it

is informal in nature.

b. There is and shall be no record, recording, or transcription of the proceedings.

c. Bar Counsel, Respondent and each complainant present are permitted to explain

their positions and to offer such information and documents as the Panel finds

relevant.

d. The Panel is not bound by the rules of evidence, that any questioning of the

Respondent and the complainant(s) shall be at the Panel’s discretion and that the

Panel shall respect all lawful privileges.

e. If the Panel determines that the Statement of Charges has a substantial basis, it

shall take such action as is permitted by Maryland Rule 19-720(c)(2).

f. If the Respondent has not filed a timely response to the Statement of Charges and

is not present, the Panel may accept as true, the information provided by Bar

Counsel and/or the complainant.

g. The meeting is confidential and that nothing which tra nspires during the course

of the meeting shall be disclosed, except by members of the Panel consistent with

their obligations pursuant to the Maryland Rules.

6.5.3. The Panel Chair, in consultation with the other members of the Panel, shall

determine when the meeting is concluded. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, the

Panel may meet in private to deliberate.