Board of Overseers of the Bar

As an agency of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, the Board of Overseers’ adheres to the Court's Statement on efforts to ensure equal justice and combat racism.

In light of the evolving concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus and in an effort to slow the rate of infection, the Board of Overseers of the Bar has implemented precautionary measures. These new protocols include restricting building access only to staff and partnering with CLE providers to present live streaming and educational programs. Please feel free to contact our office at 207-623-1121 with any questions or concerns and check our website for changes to scheduled hearings or programs. We want to make thoughtful decisions about any programmatic revisions. We will continue to monitor the advice of local and state officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and adjust plans as appropriate.

On March 13, 2020, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued an Emergency Order. Among the important details of this Order, is the Court's suspension of the in-person requirement for Maine Bar Rule 5 CLE programs.

Please refer to our partners at the Maine State Bar Association and their website for all the latest information regarding Court matters and pertinent Orders.

We thank you for your patience and support. Let’s all do what we can to help keep our community healthy.

The Board and its Mission

The Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar was created by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 1978 to govern the conduct of lawyers as officers of the Court. The Board is an independent agency under the jurisdiction of the Court.

The mission of the Board of Overseers of the Bar is to encourage and promote competent and ethical practice by members of the Maine Bar, and to make these standards known to members of the public so that they have confidence in the legal profession in Maine. The Board accomplishes its mission on several fronts including attorney registration, continuing legal education requirements, ethical guidance, and attorney regulation. [Read more]

Ethics Helpline for Registered Maine Attorneys

The Board of Overseers of the Bar provides assistance to Maine attorneys through its "Ethics Helpline" on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To speak with one of the Board's staff attorneys, call the Board's office at 207-623-1122. [Read more]

In Memoriam

The In Memoriam page is dedicated to honoring those members of the Maine Bar who have passed away in recent years. When available, links to full obituaries and news articles are also accessible. Click here to view the In Memoriam page.

Court News

Announcements and News Releases for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court

Upcoming CLE Presentations by Bar Counsel

"Banking and the Law: They’re Coming for your IOLTA — Avoiding Fraudulent Schemes." Presented by Dan Eichorn, Esq., of Camden National Bank, Andrea Shaw, Esq., of Practus, LLP, Bar Counsel Julia Sheridan, and Executive Director, Aria Eee. Join us on Oct 27th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. for this first session in a three-part programming series aimed at helping lawyers demystify some of their ethical and substantive concerns when interacting with financial institutions. The cost of this program is $20 which can be paid here. Receipt of payment should be considered confirmation of registration. Registration ends at 3 p.m. on October 26th and space is limited to ninety-five participants. A Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 26th.

Date Session Title Organization Location Speaker
11/6/2020 "Zoom"Bie Apocalypse: Professionalism Pointers In and Out of the Courtroom Board/MTLA Webinar Aria Eee, Julia Sheridan
11/16/2020 Ethics Rewind MSBA Legal Year in Review Webinar Aria Eee, Alan P. Kelley, Justin Andrus, Julia Sheridan
11/18/2020 Cognitive and Implicit Biases - Decision Making for Lawyers MSBA Legal Year in Review Video Replay Aria Eee, Dr. Destiny Peery
12/4/2020 Interpersonal Relationships & Micro Aggressions Board/MSBA Webinar Aria Eee, Dr. Destiny Peery

Hearings & Notices

Date Time Respondent Location
10/28/2020 1:00 PM Randy L. Robinson, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be live-streamed via YouTube and is open to the public to view. Direct access link will be posted prior to the hearing.
10/28/2020 2:30 PM J. D. Hoffman, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be live-streamed via YouTube and is open to the public to view. Direct access link will be posted prior to the hearing.
10/29/2020 10:00 AM Stephan J. Link, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be live-streamed via YouTube and is open to the public to view. Direct access link will be posted prior to the hearing.
10/29/2020 9:00 AM Paul R. Dionne, Esq Video Conference: This hearing will be live-streamed via YouTube and is open to the public to view. Direct access link will be posted prior to the hearing.
11/17/2020 11:00 AM Thomas S. Carey, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be live-streamed via YouTube and is open to the public to view. Direct access link will be posted prior to the hearing.

View complete hearing schedule

Recent Decisions & Orders

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Date Respondent Issued By Order Disposition/Conduct
10/13/2020 Joan Friedman Cohen Single Justice Reinstatement: Administrative Reinstatement Administrative
9/15/2020 Clarence H. Spurling Single Justice Receiver Appointment Receiver Appointment
9/9/2020 Clarence H. Spurling Single Justice Amended Order of Immediate Interim Suspension See September 4, 2020 Order of Immediate Interim Suspension
9/4/2020 Clarence H. Spurling Single Justice Immediate Interim Suspension Conflict of Interest; Disciplinary Matters; Conduct Prejudicial to the Administration of Justice; Sexual Harassment
9/2/2020 Nicholas Bull, Esq. Single Justice Receiver Appointment Receiver Appointment

View all decisions