Board of Overseers of the Bar v. Gerald S. Cope

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Docket No.: BAR-09-6

Issued by: Single Justice, Maine Supreme Judicial Court

Date: July 14, 2009

Respondent: Gerald S. Cope, Esquire

Bar Number: 001801

Order: Resignation

Disposition/Conduct: Resignation by Attorney Under Disciplinary Investigation

Order M. Bar R. 7.3(g)(3)

Attorney Gerald S. Cope was admitted to practice in Maine in 1955. This matter is before the Court to consider his voluntary resignation, dated April 15, 2009, that has been tendered by him pursuant to M. Bar R. 7.3(g). Attorney Cope's letter of resignation is supported by his Affidavit dated April 15, 2009. On April 22, 2009, the Board of Overseers of the Bar considered this matter and unanimously recommended that the Court accept Attorney Cope's resignation from the Maine bar.

Therefore, after hearing on this date at which Attorney Cope appeared and was represented by counsel, it is hereby ORDERED:

Pursuant to M. Bar R. 7.3(g)(3), Gerald S. Cope's resignation from the Maine Bar is accepted. Thirty (30) days from the date of this Order his name shall be removed from the list of practitioners who are admitted to practice law before the courts of the State of Maine. Mr. Cope shall also comply with his remaining notification reporting requirements under M. Bar R. 7.3(i)(1) within that same thirty-day (30) period.

As required by M. Bar R. 7.3(g)(3), Gerald S. Cope's supporting Affidavit dated April 15, 2009, is hereby impounded and shall not be available for inspection unless otherwise ordered by the Court. Should Mr. Cope seek reinstatement to the Maine Bar, that Affidavit may then be made public without further order of the Court. This Order is a matter of public record pursuant to M. Bar R. 7.3(g)(3).

The Court hereby Orders that the Board of Overseers of the Bar shall take no steps to initiate publication of this decision through any releases to the press.

For the Court

Hon. Ellen A. Gorman, Associate Justice - Maine Supreme Judicial Court