Notice - Retired Attorneys - Volunteer Service on District Ethics Committees and District Fee Arbitration Committees Does Not Affect Retired Attorney Status

The foundation of the New Jersey attorney regulatory system is in its volunteers. Both the District Ethics Committees (“DECs”) and District Fee Arbitration Committees (“DFACs”) are staffed by approximately 900 attorney and public members each year. Those volunteers work to ensure that the confidence of the public in the integrity and trustworthiness of lawyers is maintained. As part of their service, attorney volunteer members who serve on a DEC or DFAC are given an exemption from pro bono service.

Nearly fourteen years ago, on the recommendation of the Professional Responsibility Rules Committee, the Supreme Court authorized retired attorneys to continue to provide pro bono services without paying the annual assessment fee. That policy was announced in a September 29, 2010 notice to the bar. A second notice issued on March 4, 2014 reminded retired attorneys of the option to participate as pro bono volunteers without paying the annual fee. Retired attorneys, including those providing pro bono services, also are exempt from CLE requirements.

This notice clarifies that retired attorneys are permitted to volunteer as members of either the DECs or the DFACs without jeopardizing their retired status. The Court recognizes the invaluable perspective that such individuals bring to the important work of these Supreme Court Committees and encourages any retired attorney to submit a volunteer application to serve on either committee for the 2024 recruitment cycle currently in progress. Any New Jersey attorney, retired or not, interested in volunteering for either the DEC or the DFAC may submit a volunteer application found here.

Questions on this notice may be directed to Supreme Court Clerk's Office  Heather Joy Baker at SupremeCT.mbx@njcourts.gov.