Hearing Panel Members

The trial functions of Michigan's Discipline System are carried out by hearing panels consisting of three volunteer lawyers appointed by the Attorney Discipline Board.

To be considered for appointment as an ADB hearing panelist, a lawyer must have been engaged in the practice of law for at least five years and should enjoy a reputation in his or her local community for adherence to the highest ethical standards.

An attorney shall not be appointed as a hearing panelist or master if he or she:

• has ever been the subject of an order that imposes discipline; or
• has been admonished or placed on contractual probation within the preceding 5 years.

A hearing panelist or master who becomes the subject of an order imposing discipline, an admonition, or placement on contractual probation shall be removed from the roster of hearing panelists. A hearing panelist or master who becomes the subject of a formal discipline proceeding shall be removed from consideration of any pending matter; shall be placed on inactive status; and shall not be assigned to a panel until the formal discipline proceeding has been resolved. A hearing panelist or master who becomes the subject of an otherwise confidential request for investigation must disclose that investigation to the parties in the matter before the panelist or master, or must disqualify himself or herself from participation in the matter.

For further information about the duties of a hearing panelist, or the application process, please call Wendy A. Neeley, Executive Director, at 313-963-5553.

 Click here for the Hearing Panelist Application and Bio Data Form.