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

Date Session Title Organization Location Speaker
12/4/2020 Unconscious Barriers to Effective Employment Decisions in Legal Organizations Board/MSBA Webinar Aria Eee, Dr. Destiny Peery

Hearings & Notices

Date Time Respondent Location
12/2/2020 9:30 AM Richard L. Rhoda, 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.
12/14/2020 9:00 AM Charles T. Ferris, 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
11/19/2020 Thomas S. Carey, Esq. Grievance Commission Reprimand Confidentiality of Information; Safekeeping Property, Client Trust Accounts, Interest on Trust Accounts; Misconduct
11/19/2020 Daniel T. Rush, Esq. Single Justice Receiver Appointment Receiver Appointment
11/16/2020 Christopher W. Keenan, Esq. Single Justice Reciprocal Discipline Public Reprimand
11/9/2020 Jeffrey C. Toothaker, Esq Grievance Commission Admonition Safekeeping Property
11/2/2020 Kristina B. Reeves Single Justice Reciprocal Discipline Public Reprimand

View all decisions