MARCH 2025 | 53 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Master designates one of the two lawyer-members to serve as Presiding Master. Two of the three Masters constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting hearings, ruling on and receiving evidence, and rendering findings of fact and conclusions of law. In disciplinary proceedings, after the respondent’s time to answer expires, the complaint and the answer, if any, are then lodged with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The complaint and all further filings and proceedings with respect to the case then become a matter of public record. The Chief Master notifies the respondent or petitioner, as the case may be, and General Counsel of the appointment and membership of a Trial Panel and the time and place for hearing. In disciplinary proceedings, a hearing is to be held not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days from date of appointment of the Trial Panel. Hearings on reinstatement petitions are to be held not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days after the petition has been filed. Extensions of these periods, however, may be granted by the Presiding Master for good cause shown. After a proceeding is placed in the hands of a Trial Panel, it exercises general supervisory control over all pre-hearing and hearing issues. Members of a Trial Panel function in the same manner as a court by maintaining their independence and impartiality in all proceedings. Except in purely ministerial, scheduling, or procedural matters, Trial Panel members do not engage in ex parte communications with the parties. Depending on the complexity of the proceeding, the Presiding Master may hold status conferences and issue scheduling orders as a means of narrowing the issues and streamlining the case for trial. Parties may conduct discovery in the same manner as in civil cases. Hearings are open to the public and all proceedings before a Trial Panel are stenographically recorded and transcribed. Oaths or affirmations may be administered, and subpoenas may be issued, by the Presiding Master, or by any officer authorized by law to administer an oath or issue subpoenas. Hearings, which resemble bench trials, are directed by the Presiding Master. TRIAL PANEL REPORTS After the conclusion of a hearing, the Trial Panel prepares a written report to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The report includes findings of facts on all pertinent issues, conclusions of law, and a recommendation as to the appropriate measure of discipline to be imposed or, in the case of a reinstatement petitioner, whether it should be granted. In all proceedings, any recommendation is based on a finding that the complainant or petitioner, as the case may be, has or has not satisfied the “clear and convincing” standard of proof. The Trial Panel report further includes a recommendation as to whether costs of investigation, the record, and proceedings should be imposed on the respondent or petitioner. Also filed in the case are all pleadings, transcript of proceeding, and exhibits offered at the hearing. Trial Panel reports and recommendations are advisory. The Oklahoma Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over all disciplinary and reinstatement matters. It has the constitutional and non-delegable power to regulate both the practice of law and legal practitioners. Accordingly, the Oklahoma Supreme Court is bound by neither the findings nor the recommendation of action, as its review of each proceeding is de novo. ANNUAL REPORTS Rule 14.1, RGDP, requires the PRT to report annually on its activities for the preceding year. As a function of its organization, the PRT operates from July 1 through June 30. However, annual reports are based on the calendar year. Therefore, this Annual Report covers the activities of the PRT for the preceding year, 2024.
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