Rule 27 - Reciprocal Discipline(a) Notice to Disciplined Attorney. Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order demonstrating that an attorney admitted, specially admitted to practice in this State, or engaged in the practice of law in this State has been disciplined in another jurisdiction, the Court will issue a notice to him or her containing a copy of the order from the other jurisdiction and an order directing that the attorney inform the Court within 30 days from service of any reason why the imposition of the identical discipline in this State would be unwarranted, and the reasons therefor. The Court will cause this notice to be served upon the attorney and Bar Counsel. (b) Stay of Discipline. In the event the discipline imposed in the original jurisdiction has been stayed by that jurisdiction, any reciprocal discipline to be imposed in this State will be deferred until the stay expires. (c) Imposition of Identical Discipline. Upon the expiration of 30 days from service of the notice and order issued pursuant to Section (a) of this Rule, the Court will impose the identical discipline imposed by the original jurisdiction unless Bar Counsel or Respondent files a petition alleging that (1) the procedure in the original jurisdiction was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard as to constitute a deprivation of due process; (2) an infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct exists which gives rise to the clear conviction that the action of the original jurisdiction should not be accepted; (3) the imposition of the same discipline would result in grave injustice; (4) the misconduct established has been held to warrant substantially different discipline in this State; or (5) the conduct does not violate Rule 15. The Court will enter an order as it deems appropriate when the Court determines that any of the above exceptions to the discipline imposed by the original jurisdiction exist.
(d) Conclusive Evidence. Unless the Court has made an exception under Section (c) of this Rule, the final adjudication of misconduct in another jurisdiction will be conclusive evidence of misconduct for purposes of discipline in this State. Added by SCO 176 dated February 26, 1974; amended by SCO 345 § 19 effective 4/1/1979; and rescinded and repromulgated by SCO 614 effective 1/1/1985; amended by SCO 962 effective 7/15/1989