D.R.I. LR Gen 210

(a) Definition of “Court.” As used in LR Gen 210, the term “Court” refers to the active

district judges of this Court, and any action taken or required by the “Court” refers to

action by a majority of the active district judges.

(b) Initiation of Proceedings. Whenever allegations of misconduct by an attorney admitted

or permitted to practice before this Court come to the Court’s attention, whether by

complaint or otherwise, and the applicable procedure is not otherwise provided for by

these Local Rules, the Court may initiate disciplinary proceedings in any one or more of

the following ways:

(1) If the matter has not already been referred by an individual judge to a disciplinary

agency with jurisdiction over the attorney, the Court may refer the matter to such

agency with a request that the agency report its actions to the Court. However,

any action taken by the agency shall not necessarily preclude additional

disciplinary action by this Court.

(2) Designate a magistrate judge or appoint special counsel to investigate the matter,

to make appropriate recommendations to this Court, and to perform any other

duty specified by the Court. The Court shall consider any recommendation made

by the magistrate judge or special counsel but such recommendation will not be

binding upon the Court.

(3) Provide written notice to the attorney specifying the alleged misconduct and

affording the attorney an opportunity to explain, either verbally or in writing, why

he or she believes that formal disciplinary proceedings should not be commenced.

(4) In cases where the attorney has been notified in accordance with subsection (3)

and has failed to provide a satisfactory reason why formal disciplinary

proceedings should not be commenced, or in cases where there does not appear to

be any dispute with respect to the relevant facts, the Court may commence formal

disciplinary proceedings in accordance with LR Gen 210(c).

(c) Commencement of Formal Proceedings.

(1) Formal disciplinary proceedings against an attorney shall be commenced by the

issuance of an order by the Court directing the attorney to appear and show cause

why disciplinary action should not be taken against the attorney for reasons stated

in the order.

(2) The order may be served upon the attorney by mailing a copy to him or her at the

address provided by the attorney pursuant to these Local Rules or by any other

means reasonably calculated to provide notice to the attorney.

(3) The attorney shall file a written response to the show cause order and the

allegations of misconduct contained therein within 14 days from the date of the

order. If any issue of fact is raised in the response or if the attorney wishes to be

heard in mitigation, the Court shall set the matter for hearing in accordance with