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Samuel C. Stretton. Samuel C. Stretton.

The Pennsylvania attorney disciplinary system cannot just become a bureaucratic haven.

I saw a number of changes being made with the reorganization of the Disciplinary Board, including the abolishment of the Office of Secretary of the Disciplinary Board. What does this all mean?

Unfortunately, change is inevitable. But there are some major changes and some concerns as a result of the changes. As reported in The Legal Intelligencer on Nov. 19, there would be the abolishment of the Office of Secretary and Secretary to the Board. This will be replaced with Board Prothonotary and Attorney Registration Office.

The Disciplinary Board also is now creating special masters with more power than previously given. Apparently, there is a desire to use special masters as opposed to hearing committee members in complicated cases. Also, there are now legal counsel to the board and legal counsel to the hearing committees.