OUR AUTHORITY

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) is part of a comprehensive lawyer regulation system established by the Montana Supreme Court. The system consists of ODC and the Commission on Practice (COP). COP and ODC are under the direct supervision of the Montana Supreme Court. The Court appoints the Disciplinary Counsel. There are nine lawyers and five non-lawyers on the COP. The Court also appoints both the lawyer and the non-lawyer members of COP.

ODC performs central intake functions and processes, investigates and prosecutes grievances against lawyers that are within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Court. COP hears and decides the Complaints and, in appropriate cases, makes recommendations to the Court for discipline.

ODC has the authority to investigate:

• All matters involving possible misconduct;
• All matters involving possible disability;
• Prosecution of disciplinary and disability proceedings;
• Overdraft notifications of escrow accounts; and
• Petitions for reinstatement.

To learn more about ODC and its responsibilities, browse through our web pages.