by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Since 1998, there have been 24 formal attorney discipline cases on Guam. Each year there's an estimated 38-45 new cases that are opened and of that, only about 10-15 are fully investigated. Today a special panel discussed with the media the rules behind attorney and judicial discipline that is governed by the Guam Supreme Court.

Guam Bar Ethics Prosecutor Bruce Bradley explained that there are different types of discipline for attorneys such as private or public reprimands, definite and indefinite suspensions as well as disbarment. The discipline is imposed following extensive investigation to protect the profession and integrity of attorneys on Guam.

Bradley also mentioned that attorneys have a duty to report to the Guam Bar if they have been disciplined in other jurisdictions, saying, "There is a blind spot there if they never tell us the amount of resources to check every jurisdiction there might be a lawyer. But they do suffer the consequences of not telling us. That's a serious violation to not let us know."

Standing Committee on Discipline chairperson for the U.S. District Court Anita Arriola also explained that in the last 7 years, only three attorneys have been referred to the committee. We should note that all proceedings under the Guam Bar Association's Ethics Committee rules are completely confidential and private until a proposed order is filed with the Supreme Court.

Today's roundtable was just one of many activities the Guam Judiciary is hosting in celebration of law week.