Board of Overseers of the Bar
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.
We thank you for your patience and support. Let’s all do what we can to help keep our community healthy.
At their February meeting, the directors of the Board of Overseers of the Bar decided to extend the 2018/2019 CLE reporting deadline. The Board made this decision because of the significant changes resulting from amended Maine Bar Rule 5, including the new mandatory harassment and discrimination credit, and the challenges associated with implementing the Rule. Consequently, the Board is extending the CLE reporting deadline to May 1, 2020. The Board also decided to forgo the imposition of late fees for the 2018/2019 reporting period.
To complete your reporting before the deadline, please follow these instructions:
- log onto the Board's website at https://www.mebaroverseers.org/
- click on the Quick Link to the left entitled MyBoardAccess
- enter your bar number and password
- click on "CLE Reporting"
- complete the required forms and submit.
You will not receive an email confirmation of your approval, but you can log back in to check your status at any time.
We hope these accommodations will ensure your success in CLE reporting for the 2018/2019 reporting period. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Susan Adams, CLE/Registration Coordinator, at 207.621.7959, or by email at sadams@mebaroverseers.org.
The Board looks forward to having a new and improved reporting system in place for the 2020 reporting period. We appreciate your patience during this time of transition.
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
| Date | Session Title | Organization | Location | Speaker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/29/2020 | Harassment & Discrimination | Ballou Inn of Court | Bangor | Aria Eee |
Hearings & Notices
| Date | Time | Respondent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7/2020 | 9:00 AM | Gary M. Prolman | Capital Judicial Center - Courtroom #7 |
| 5/6/2020 | 9:00 AM | Gary M. Prolman | Capital Judicial Center |
View complete hearing schedule
Recent Decisions & Orders
The files below require the free Adobe Reader
| Date | Respondent | Issued By | Order | Disposition/Conduct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/14/2020 | Robert M.A. Nadeau | Grievance Commission | Reinstatement Not Recommended | Reinstatement Not Recommended |
| 12/23/2019 | Elizabeth L. Bancroft | Single Justice | Reinstatement: Administrative | Reinstatement: Administrative |
| 12/19/2019 | John M. Whalen, Esq. | Single Justice | Receiver Discharge Order | Receiver Discharge Order |
| 12/18/2019 | Christopher J. Whalley, Esq. | Grievance Commission | Report Finding of Probable Cause for Filing of Information with the Court | Report Finding of Probable Cause for Filing of Information with the Court |
| 12/16/2019 | Gene R. Libby, Esq. | Single Justice | Order | Dismissal Decision Affirmed |
Quick Links
- MyBoardAccess
- Attorney Address/Name Change Form
- Attorney Registration
- Attorney Roster Totals
- Bar Counsel Notes
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Continuing Legal Education
- Custody of Attorney Wills
- Ethics Helpline
- Ethics Opinions
- Fee Disputes
- GAL Review Board
- Grievance Complaints
- Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
- Maine Bar Rules
- Maine Rules of Professional Conduct
- New Attorney Registration
- Proxy Designation
- Schedule of Fees
