ELC 10.3
                 COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS


(a)  Formal Complaint.

  (1) Filing.  After a matter is ordered to hearing,
     disciplinary counsel files a formal complaint with the
     Clerk.

  (2) Service.  After the formal complaint is filed, it
     must be personally served on the respondent lawyer,
     with a notice to answer.

  (3) Content.  The formal complaint must state the
     respondent’s acts or omissions in sufficient detail to
     inform the respondent of the nature of the allegations
     of misconduct.  Disciplinary counsel must sign the
     formal complaint, but it need not be verified.

  (4) Prior Discipline.  Prior disciplinary action against
     the respondent may be described in a separate count of
     the formal complaint if the respondent is charged with
     conduct demonstrating unfitness to practice law.

(b) Filing Commences Proceedings.  A disciplinary proceeding
commences when the formal complaint is filed.

(c) Joinder.  The body ordering a hearing on alleged
misconduct or the hearing officer or panel may in its
discretion consolidate for hearing two or more charges
against the same respondent, or may join charges against two
or more respondents in one formal complaint.


[Adopted effective October 1, 2002.]