Hawai`i Legal Ethics & Attorney Disciplinary Investigations
ODC carries out two main functions: (1) disciplinary investigations and prosecutions[1]; and (2) professional ethics education.
ODC’s primary function is handling complaints concerning alleged unethical conduct by Hawai`i attorneys and attorneys admitted pro hac vice (out-of-state attorneys admitted for a limited purpose)[2]. Ethics investigations may lead to determinations ranging from a finding of no unethical conduct (resulting in a dismissal of the complaint) to institution of formal disciplinary proceedings (leading to possible imposition of serious disciplinary sanctions including suspension or disbarment)[3].
As part of its educational outreach, ODC spends time answering questions on ethical matters regarding prospective conduct. ODC attorneys provide informal guidance to Hawai`i-licensed attorneys, however, as described in more detail in this website, the informal guidance is not binding against ODC.
Other educational activities include submitting articles for publication in the Hawai`i Bar Journal, preparation of ethics-related materials for various continuing legal education programs, and speaking to groups of lawyers and non-lawyers about attorney ethics and discipline issues locally and nationally.
Presently, the attorneys and investigators employed by the ODC are:
Attorneys:
Ray Kong
Chief Disciplinary Counsel
Carole R. Richelieu
Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel-Investigation Section
Dana M. Harada
Deputy Disciplinary Counsel
Nicole Lam
Deputy Disciplinary Counsel
Charlene M. Norris
Deputy Disciplinary Counsel
Josiah K. Sewell
Deputy Disciplinary Counsel
Joanna A. Sayavong
Disciplinary Investigator
[1] RSCH Rule 2.6
[2] RSCH Rule 2.1
[3] RSCH Rule 2.3