Board of Overseers of the Bar

RULE CHANGE: Effective May 1, 2019, Maine's Continuing Legal Education Rule, Maine Bar Rule 5, was comprehensively amended by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Members of the bar are encouraged to review the amended rules as significant changes have been adopted. Of note, the annual registration and reporting of CLE credits have been bifurcated. The annual registration of attorneys will begin on July 1st as usual. Starting January 1, 2020, and each year thereafter, attorneys shall demonstrate CLE for the prior calendar year.

In order to transition from a fiscal year to a calendar year CLE reporting system, attorneys will report for calendar years 2018 (11 credits) and the 2019 CLE requirements (12) credits, for a total of 23 credits beginning January 1, 2020.

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
2/3/2020 Best Practices: Identification and Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in the Legal Profession MSBA Augusta Civic Center Aria Eee

Hearings & Notices

Date Time Respondent Location
12/13/2019 Gary M. Prolman Petition for Reinstatement Notice
2/3/2020 8:30 AM Robert M.A. Nadeau Capital Judicial Center - Courtroom #5

View complete hearing schedule

Recent Decisions & Orders

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Date Respondent Issued By Order Disposition/Conduct
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

See February 7, 2019 Report of Findings and Order
12/16/2019 James F. Daily III Grievance Commission Reprimand Registration, Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters, Violate of Attempt to Violate any provision of the MBR or MRPC, Prejudicial Conduct

View all decisions