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

The Board of Overseers and the Maine State Bar Association are pleased to announce a partnership to offer a Bar Rule 5 (H&D) programming series. Join us by Zoom on September 25 as we welcome social psychologist and Northwestern Law School professor, Destiny Peery, Ph.D. to kick off the programming series. Dr. Peery is a legal scholar specializing in the study of bias, discrimination, diversity, equity and inclusion, and examining their intersections with the law and within the legal profession. The first program in this CLE series is "Cognitive and Implicit Biases and Decision Making for Lawyers." The seminar will be held on September 25 from 1:30-3 pm. The fee is $75 and attendees will receive 1.5 H&D credits. Please click here to register. Receipt of payment should be considered confirmation of registration.

Date Session Title Organization Location Speaker
9/22/2020 Ethics in Employment Law MSBA Webinar Aria Eee
11/16/2020 Legal Year in Review - Ethics Rewind MSBA Webinar Aria Eee, Alan P. Kelley, Justin Andrus, Julia Sheridan

Hearings & Notices

Date Time Respondent Location
10/22/2020 10:30 AM Jeffrey C. Toothaker, Esq Video Conference: This hearing will be open to the public. Specific details to follow. Please contact the Board Clerk at 623-1121 for more information.
10/22/2020 9:00 AM Richard L. Rhoda, Esq Video Conference: This hearing will be open to the public. Specific details to follow. Please contact the Board Clerk at 623-1121 for more information.
10/28/2020 1:00 PM Randy L. Robinson, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be open to the public. Specific details to follow. Please contact the Board Clerk at 623-1121 for more information.
10/28/2020 2:30 PM J. D. Hoffman, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be open to the public. Specific details to follow. Please contact the Board Clerk at 623-1121 for more information.
10/29/2020 10:00 AM Stephan J. Link, Esq. Video Conference: This hearing will be open to the public. Specific details to follow. Please contact the Board Clerk at 623-1121 for more information.

View complete hearing schedule

Recent Decisions & Orders

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Date Respondent Issued By Order Disposition/Conduct
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
8/18/2020 Anthony P. Shusta, II Single Justice Receiver Discharge Order Receiver Discharge Order

View all decisions