The Board of Overseers of the Bar is the independent regulatory agency established by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court to govern attorney conduct and uphold professional standards across the state. As an essential arm of the judiciary, it ensures the integrity and competence of Maine’s legal profession through comprehensive oversight, ethical guidance, and public accountability.
Operating under the jurisdiction of the Court since 1978, the Board promotes ethical and proficient legal practice while fostering public trust. Its multifaceted approach includes attorney registration, mandatory continuing legal education, proactive ethics support, and a structured disciplinary process. The agency serves all registered Maine attorneys and the general populace, offering resources to both legal professionals and individuals seeking assurance in attorney conduct.
Services Offered
- Attorney registration and licensing
- Continuing legal education (CLE) requirements and course approvals
- Ethics guidance and helpline for attorneys
- Attorney discipline and grievance complaint processing
- Guardian ad Litem (GAL) review and oversight
- Law office management consulting (via partnership with Red Cave Law Firm Consulting)
- Issuance of certificates of good standing
- Fee dispute resolution assistance
- Administration of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection
- Maintenance of the public attorney directory
- Publication of ethics opinions and bar rules
- Pro bono public service program administration
- Handling attorney name/address changes
- Custody of attorney wills
The Board serves the entire state of Maine and operates primarily in English, with all services aligned to the Maine Bar Rules and Maine Rules of Professional Conduct. Its work includes published decisions, hearing schedules, and a dedicated memoriam page honoring deceased members of the bar.
