New York's judiciary has adopted new rules for investigating and disciplining attorneys for misconduct statewide.
The uniform rules adopted by all four of New York's appellate divisions follow proposals by a commission appointed by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman.
The rules are effective July 1. He says they will eliminate regional differences in how complaints and cases are handled.
New York has nearly 300,000 licensed lawyers.
Disciplinary committees in the appellate divisions and their chief attorneys will investigate and review cases, with proceedings confidential unless attorneys are disbarred or suspended for misconduct.
The public disciplinary histories are on the Unified Court System's website through its directory of attorneys.
Rules of professional conduct are also posted on the website [click HERE to view].
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
