Notice Inviting Comment

Proposed Amendment to Rule 1.5 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct

The Supreme Judicial Court Rules Committee invites comments on proposed amendments to Massachusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5. The proposed amendments were recommended by the Court's Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct (Committee). The Court identified some issues for the Committee's consideration in Malonis v. Harrington, 442 Mass. 692 (2004), and In the Matter of the Discipline of an Attorney, 451 Mass. 131 (2008). The Committee reviewed all provisions of the Rule and its comments, and twice published and solicited comments on earlier versions of the proposed amendments (see Announcements Archive for the Committee's explanation of many of the revisions). The current version reflects changes made since the proposal was last published for public comment.

The proposed amendments are linked to below. A link to the blacklined versions showing changes from the current Massachusetts rule and from the American Bar Association Model Rule is also provided.

Comments on the proposed amendments should be directed to Christine P. Burak, Secretary, Supreme Judicial Court Rules Committee, Supreme Judicial Court , John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square , Boston MA 02108 on or before May 19, 2010.  Comments may also be sent to christine.burak@sjc.state.ma.us. 



Proposed Amendments with Commetns to Mass. Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5   
     
Blacklined Version Showing Changes From Current to Proposed Rule   

Blacklined Version Showing Changes From Proposed Rule and ABA Model Rule