80 FR 68388 - Professional Conduct of Attorneys Practicing Under the Cognizance and Supervision of the Judge Advocate General
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
Department of the Navy
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 213 (November 4, 2015)
| Page Range | 68388-68410 | |
| FR Document | 2015-26982 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 213 (Wednesday, November 4, 2015)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 68388-68410] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-26982] [[Page 68387]] Vol. 80 Wednesday, No. 213 November 4, 2015 Part II Department of Defense ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of the Navy ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 32 CFR Part 776 Professional Conduct of Attorneys Practicing Under the Cognizance and Supervision of the Judge Advocate General; Final Rule Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 68388]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy [No. USN-2013-0011] RIN 0703-AA92 32 CFR Part 776 Professional Conduct of Attorneys Practicing Under the Cognizance and Supervision of the Judge Advocate General AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy (DoN) is issuing a final rule to comport with current policy as stated in JAG Instruction 5803.1 (Series) governing the professional conduct of attorneys practicing under the cognizance and supervision of the Judge Advocate General. The rule generally aligns with the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct. DATES: This rule is effective December 4, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander Noreen A. Hagerty-Ford, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Office of the Judge Advocate General (Administrative Law), Department of the Navy, 1322 Patterson Ave., SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, telephone: 703-614-7408. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DoN published a proposed rule at 78 FR 25538 on May 1, 2013, to revise 32 CFR part 776, to comport with current policy as stated in JAG Instruction 5803.1 (Series) governing the professional conduct of attorneys practicing under the cognizance and supervision of the Judge Advocate General. Accordingly, the proposed rule amending 32 CFR part 776 is adopted as a final rule with minor editorial changes. Executive Summary This final rule serves as an update to the current 32 CFR part 776 and replaces current regulations. The rule generally aligns with the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In the proposed rule, updates were made to Sec. 776.25 of this part (Confidentiality of information), clarifying when an attorney shall reveal confidential information and when such disclosure is discretionary. The update to this part allowed covered attorneys to make reasonable disclosures necessary to ensure compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Section 776.26 of this part (Conflict of interest: General rule) was revised to require that a client give informed consent, in writing, when waiving a potential or actual conflict of interest. Section 776.42 of this part (Candor and obligations toward the tribunal) was revised to clearly articulate a covered attorney's responsibility for false evidence presented by a client, witness, or the attorney. Procedural revisions to this part included the addition of the Chief Judge of the Navy as the designated Rules Counsel for professional responsibility matters involving military judges, and the removal of the requirement to route professional responsibility complaints concerning Marine judge advocates through the General Court-Martial Convening Authority. Additional commentary and annotation applicable to the Navy JAG's Professional Responsibility Rules are contained in JAG Instruction 5803.1 (Series), which can be accessed through http://www.jag.navy.mil. The revisions to this rule are part of the Department of Defense (DoD) retrospective plan under E.O. 13563 completed in August 2011. DoD's full plan can be accessed at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=DOD-2011-OS-0036. Public Comment Summary The proposed rule received one public comment in three parts. Following is a summary of the comment and our response. Comment: The first part of the comment is in regard to the judicial function and the appearance of improper influence. The commenter recommends that the Rules explicitly acknowledge that military judges do not have any inherent judicial authority separate from the court- martial to which they have been detailed and when they act, they do so as a court-martial and not as a military judge. Response: We appreciate the comment; however, military judges remain judges, even when not performing duties associated with a particular referred court-martial. For purposes of the Appointments Clause, which provided the background upon which the comment relied, military judges are military officers performing judicial functions. For purposes of the Canons and the role they fulfill in military justice, military judges remain judges. While it may be true that military judges have limited inherent judicial authority separate from a court-martial, this does not diminish their status as judges nor relieve them of the requirement at all times to avoid conduct that would call into question their integrity and impartiality or cause the public to question the impartiality of the judiciary. Likewise, covered attorneys are bound by professional responsibility rules, such as ABA Rule 8.2, regarding statements concerning the qualifications and integrity of judges. Military judges, even when not sitting in court, are judges under the Rules, and as such, are entitled to both the respect due their commissions and the respect commanded by Rule 8.2, which places specific limits on covered attorneys regarding statements they make concerning judges. Public confidence in the independence, integrity and impartiality of the judiciary will not be served by noting that military judges are military officers performing judicial functions with limited judicial authority. A professional responsibility rule modification as suggested by the commentator could explicitly separate the military officer from the office he or she holds as a military judge thus creating a perception that a judge could be subject to pressure or inappropriate criticism outside an ongoing court-martial. The rules seek to maintain a separate and distinct place for judicial officers that does not cease with the referral and conclusion of a court-martial and require that a judge be and appear impartial, fair, and appropriate in decorum while avoiding an abuse of the prestige of the judicial office. We note that the comment suggests the rules contain adequate guidance without marginalizing the authority and standing of the judge. The second part of the comment is in regard to the special responsibilities of trial counsel. The commenter suggests that the proposed language perpetuates a misconception regarding the relationship between a trial counsel and a convening authority. Response: We appreciate this comment. As stated in the Executive Summary to the proposed rule, additional commentary is contained in JAG Instruction 5803.1. The concern raised by the comment is appropriately and adequately addressed in Rule 1.13, which clarifies that the trial counsel's client is the DoN, and that the trial counsel only maintains an attorney-client relationship with the DoN. The comments to Rule 3.8 further emphasize that the trial counsel's client is the DoN. The last part of the comment pertains to the complaint processing procedures. Specifically, the commenter wishes to add language regarding appointment of Investigating Officers (IO) using the words ``neutral and detached'' since it is not mentioned that IOs should be neutral and detached. In addition, the commenter disagrees with JAG not [[Page 68389]] being bound by the findings of an investigation. Response: We appreciate this comment. As stated in the Executive Summary to the proposed rule, additional commentary is contained in JAG Instruction 5803.1. The instruction requires investigating officers normally be officers who are senior to the respondent and who were not previously involved in the case, which adequately ensures an appropriate investigating officer is assigned. The complaint process is intended to create an administrative record for the JAG in exercising his authority and responsibility under SECNAVINST 5430.27D for ensuring the ethical and professional practice of covered attorneys. Such authority has not been delegated to investigating officers. The nature of each stage of the investigation with escalating burdens of proof is sufficient to provide the JAG with the information necessary to make an informed, independent decision. Regulatory Procedures Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' and Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' It has been determined that 32 CFR part 776 is not a significant regulatory action. The rule does not: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs, or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in these Executive Orders. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Sec. 202, Pub. L. 104-4) It has been determined that 32 CFR part 776 does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in the expenditure by State, local and tribal governments, in aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. Public Law 96-354, ``Regulatory Flexibility Act'' (5 U.S.C. 601) It has been certified that 32 CFR part 776 is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601) because it would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Public Law 96-511, ``Paperwork Reduction Act'' (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) It has been determined that 32 CFR part 776 does not impose any reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). Federalism (Executive Order 13132) It has been determined that 32 CFR part 776 does not have federalism implications, as set forth in Executive Order 13132. This rule does not have substantial direct effects on: (1) The States; (2) The relationship between the National Government and the States; or (3) The distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 776 Rules of Professional Conduct, and Complaint Processing Procedures. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, revise 32 CFR part 776 to read as follows: PART 776--PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF ATTORNEYS PRACTICING UNDER THE COGNIZANCE AND SUPERVISION OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL Subpart A--General Sec. 776.1 Purpose. 776.2 Applicability. 776.3 Policy. 776.4 Attorney-client relationships. 776.5 Judicial conduct. 776.6 Conflict. 776.7 Reporting requirements. 776.8 Professional Responsibility Committee. 776.9 Rules Counsel. 776.10 Informal ethics advice. 776.11 Outside practice of law. 776.12 Maintenance of files. 776.13-776.17 [Reserved] Subpart B--Rules of Professional Conduct 776.18 Preamble. 776.19 Principles. 776.20 Competence. 776.21 Establishment and scope of representation. 776.22 Diligence. 776.23 Communication. 776.24 Fees. 776.25 Confidentiality of information. 776.26 Conflict of interest: General rule. 776.27 Conflict of interests: Prohibited transactions. 776.28 Conflict of interest: Former client. 776.29 Imputed disqualification: General rule. 776.30 Successive Government and private employment. 776.31 Former judge or arbitrator. 776.32 Department of the Navy as client. 776.33 Client with diminished capacity. 776.34 Safekeeping property. 776.35 Declining or terminating representation. 776.36 Prohibited sexual relations. 776.37 Advisor. 776.38 Mediation. 776.39 Evaluation for use by third persons. 776.40 Meritorious claims and contentions. 776.41 Expediting litigation. 776.42 Candor and obligations toward the tribunal. 776.43 Fairness to opposing party and counsel. 776.44 Impartiality and decorum of the tribunal. 776.45 Extra-tribunal statements. 776.46 Attorney as witness. 776.47 Special responsibilities of a trial counsel and other government counsel. 776.48 Advocate in nonadjudicative proceedings. 776.49 Truthfulness in statements to others. 776.50 Communication with person represented by counsel. 776.51 Dealing with an unrepresented person. 776.52 Respect for rights of third persons. 776.53 Responsibilities of the Judge Advocate General and supervisory attorneys. 776.54 Responsibilities of a subordinate attorney. 776.55 Responsibilities regarding non-attorney assistants. 776.56 Professional independence of a covered USG attorney. 776.57 Unauthorized practice of law. 776.58-776.65 [Reserved] 776.66 Bar admission and disciplinary matters. 776.67 Judicial and legal officers. 776.68 Reporting professional misconduct. 776.69 Misconduct. 776.70 Jurisdiction. 776.71 Requirement to remain in good standing with licensing authorities. 776.72-776.75 [Reserved] Subpart C--Complaint Processing Procedures 776.76 Policy. 776.77 Related investigations and actions. 776.78 Informal complaints. 776.79 The formal complaint. 776.80 Initial screening. 776.81 Forwarding the complaint. 776.82 Interim suspension. 776.83 Preliminary inquiry. 776.84 Ethics investigation. 776.85 Effect of separate proceeding. 776.86 Action by the Judge Advocate General. 776.87 Finality. 776.88 Report to licensing authorities. Subpart D--Outside Practice of Law by Covered USG Attorneys 776.89 Background. 776.90 Definition. 776.91 Policy. [[Page 68390]] 776.92 Action. 776.93 Revalidation. 776.94 Outside Law Practice Questionnaire and Request. Subpart E--Relations with Non-USG Counsel 776.95 Relations with Non-USG Counsel. Subpart F [Reserved] Authority: 10 U.S.C. 806, 806a, 826, 827, 1044; Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 2012; U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990; Department of Defense Instruction 1442.02 (series); Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5430.27 (series), Responsibility of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps for Supervision and Provision of Certain Legal Services. Subpart A--General Sec. 776.1 Purpose. In furtherance of the authority citations (which, if not found in local libraries, are available from the Office of the Judge Advocate General, 1322 Patterson Avenue SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard DC 20374-5066), which require the Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG) to supervise the performance of legal services under JAG cognizance throughout the Department of the Navy (DoN), this part is promulgated: (a) To establish Rules of Professional Conduct (subpart B of this part) for attorneys subject to this part; (b) To establish procedures for receiving, processing, and taking action on complaints of professional misconduct made against attorneys practicing under the supervision of the JAG, whether arising from professional legal activities in DoN proceedings and matters, or arising from other, non-U.S. Government related professional legal activities or personal misconduct that suggests the attorney is ethically, professionally, or morally unqualified to perform legal services within the DoN; (c) To prescribe limitations on and procedures for processing requests to engage in the outside practice of law by those DoN attorneys practicing under the supervision of the JAG; and (d) To ensure quality legal services at all proceedings under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG. Sec. 776.2 Applicability. (a) This part applies to all ``covered attorneys'' as defined herein.'' (b) ``Covered attorneys'' include: (1) The following U.S. Government (USG) attorneys, referred to collectively as ``covered USG attorneys'' throughout this part: (i) All active-duty Navy judge advocates (designator 2500 or 2505) or Marine Corps judge advocates (Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 4402 or 9914). (ii) All active-duty judge advocates of other U.S. armed forces who practice law or provide legal services under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG. (iii) All civil service and contracted civilian attorneys who practice law or perform legal services under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG. This includes civilian attorneys employed by the DoN as Executive Agent for Combatant Commands, and for whom the JAG serves as the ``qualifying authority'' under the authority citations. (iv) All Reserve or Retired judge advocates of the Navy or Marine Corps (and any other U.S. armed force), who, while performing official DoN duties, practice law, provide legal services under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG or are serving in non-legal MOS billets. (v) All other attorneys appointed by the JAG (or the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (SJA to CMC) in Marine Corps matters) to serve in billets or to provide legal services normally provided by Navy or Marine Corps judge advocates. This policy applies to officer and enlisted Reservists, active-duty personnel, and any other personnel who are licensed to practice law by any Federal or state authority but who are not members of the Judge Advocate General's Corps or who do not hold the 4402 or 9914 MOS designation in the Marine Corps. (vi) All qualified volunteer attorneys that have been certified as legal assistance attorneys by the JAG, or his designee, pursuant to the authority citations. (2) The following non-U.S. Government attorneys, referred to collectively as ``covered non-USG attorneys'' throughout this part: (i) All civilian attorneys representing individuals in any matter for which the JAG is charged with supervising the provision of legal services. These matters include, but are not limited to, courts- martial, administrative separation boards or hearings, boards of inquiry, and disability evaluation proceedings. (3) The term ``covered attorney'' does not include those civil service or civilian attorneys who practice law or perform legal services under the cognizance and supervision of the General Counsel of the Navy. (c) Professional or personal misconduct unrelated to a covered attorney's DoN activities, while normally outside the ambit of Subpart B of this part, may be reviewed under procedures established herein and may provide the basis for decisions by the JAG regarding the covered attorney's continued qualification to provide legal services in DoN matters. (d) Although subpart B of this part do not apply to non-attorneys, they do define the type of ethical conduct that the public and the military community have a right to expect from DoN legal personnel. Accordingly, Subpart B of this part shall serve as the model of ethical conduct for the following personnel when involved with the delivery of legal services under the supervision of the JAG: (1) Navy Legalmen and Marine Corps legal administrative officers, legal service specialists, and legal services reporters; (2) Limited duty officers (LAW); (3) Legal interns; and (4) civilian support personnel including paralegals, legal secretaries, legal technicians, secretaries, court reporters, and other personnel holding similar positions. Covered USG attorneys who supervise non-attorney DON employees are responsible for their ethical conduct to the extent provided for in Sec. 776.55 of this part. Sec. 776.3 Policy. (a) Covered attorneys shall maintain the highest standards of professional ethical conduct. Loyalty and fidelity to the United States, the law, clients, both institutional and individual, and the rules and principles of professional ethical conduct set forth in subpart B of this part must come before private gain or personal interest. (b) Subpart B of this part and related procedures set forth herein concern matters solely under the purview of the JAG. Whether conduct or failure to act constitutes a violation of the professional duties imposed by this part is a matter within the sole discretion of the JAG or officials authorized to act for the JAG. Subpart B of this part are not substitutes for, and do not take the place of, other rules and standards governing DoN personnel, such as the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, the Code of Conduct for members of the Armed Forces, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and the general precepts of ethical conduct to which all DoN service members and employees are expected to adhere. Similarly, action taken per this part is not supplanted or barred by, and does not, even if the underlying misconduct is the same, supplant or bar the following action from being taken by authorized officials: (1) Punitive or disciplinary action under the UCMJ; or [[Page 68391]] (2) Administrative action under the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), U.S. Navy Regulations, or under other applicable authority. (c) Inquiries into allegations of professional misconduct will normally be held in abeyance until any related criminal investigation or proceeding is complete. However, a pending criminal investigation or proceeding does not bar the initiation or completion of a professional misconduct investigation stemming from the same or related conduct or prevent the JAG from imposing professional disciplinary sanctions as provided for in this part. Sec. 776.4 Attorney-client relationships. (a) The executive agency to which the covered USG attorney is assigned (DoN in most cases) is the client served by the covered USG attorney unless detailed to represent another client by competent authority. Specific guidelines are contained in Sec. 776.32 of this part. (b) Covered USG attorneys will not establish attorney-client relationships with any individual unless detailed, assigned, or otherwise authorized to do so by competent authority. Wrongfully establishing an attorney-client relationship may subject the attorney to discipline administered per this part. See Sec. 776.21 of this part. (c) Employment of a non-USG attorney by an individual client does not alter the professional responsibilities of a covered USG attorney detailed or otherwise assigned by competent authority to represent that client. Specific guidance is set forth in subpart E. Sec. 776.5 Judicial conduct. To the extent that it does not conflict with statutes, regulations, or this part, the current version of the American Bar Association Model Code of Judicial Conduct (as amended), hereafter referred to as the `Code of Judicial Conduct,' applies to all military and appellate judges and to all other covered USG attorneys performing judicial functions under the JAG's supervision within the DoN. Sec. 776.6 Conflict. (a) To the extent that a conflict exists between this part and the rules of other jurisdictions that regulate the professional conduct of attorneys, this part will govern the conduct of covered attorneys engaged in legal functions under JAG cognizance and supervision. Specific and significant instances of conflict between the rules contained in subpart B of this part and the rules of other jurisdictions shall be reported promptly to the Rules Counsel (see Sec. 776.9 of this part), via the supervisory attorney. See Sec. 776.53 of this part. (b) In the case of Navy and Marine Corps personnel engaged in legal functions under Department of Defense (DoD) vice JAG cognizance and supervision (e.g., DoD Office of Military Commissions), this part and the applicable DoD professional responsibility rules apply. In such a case, to the extent that a conflict exists between Subpart B of this part and applicable DoD professional responsibility rules, the DoD rules shall take precedence. Sec. 776.7 Reporting requirements. Covered USG attorneys shall report promptly to the Rules Counsel (see Sec. 776.9 of this part) any disciplinary or administrative action, including initiation of investigation, by any licensing authority or Federal, State, or local bar, possessing the power to revoke, suspend, or in any way limit the authority to practice law in that jurisdiction, upon himself, herself, or another covered attorney. Failure to report such discipline or administrative action may subject the covered USG attorney to discipline administered per this part. See Sec. 776.71 of this part. Sec. 776.8 Professional Responsibility Committee. (a) Composition. This standing committee will consist of the Assistant Judge Advocate General (AJAG) for Military Justice; the Deputy Chiefs of Staff for Naval Legal Service Offices (or Defense Services Offices, effective 1 October 2012), and Region Legal Service Offices; the Chief Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary; and in cases involving Marine Corps judge advocates, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (DSJA to CMC); and such other personnel as the JAG from time-to-time may appoint. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum. The Chairman of the Committee shall be the AJAG for Military Justice. The Chairman may excuse members disqualified for cause, illness, or exigencies of military service, and may appoint additional or alternate members on a permanent basis. (b) Purpose. (1) When requested by the JAG, the SJA to CMC, or the Rules Counsel, the Committee will provide formal advisory opinions to the JAG regarding application of subpart B of this part to individual or hypothetical cases. (2) On its own motion, the Committee may also issue formal advisory opinions on ethical issues of importance to the DoN legal community. (3) Upon written request, the Committee may also provide formal advisory opinions to covered attorneys about the propriety of proposed courses of action under subpart B of this part. If such requests are predicated upon full disclosure of all relevant facts, and if the Committee advises that the proposed course of conduct does not violate subpart B of this part, then no adverse action under this rule may be taken against a covered attorney who acts consistently with the Committee's advice. Such requests must be made via the Rules Counsel. (4) The Chairman will forward copies of all opinions issued by the Committee to the Rules Counsel. (c) Limitation. The Committee will not normally provide ethics advice or opinions concerning professional responsibility matters that are then the subject of litigation. Sec. 776.9 Rules Counsel. Appointed by JAG to act as special assistants for the administration of subpart B of this part, the Rules Counsel derive authority from JAG and, as detailed in this part, have ``by direction'' authority. The Rules Counsel shall cause opinions issued by the Professional Responsibility Committee of general interest to the DoN legal community to be published in summarized, non-personal form in suitable publications. Unless another officer is appointed by JAG to act in individual cases, the following officers shall act as Rules Counsel: (a) The SJA to CMC, for cases involving Marine Corps judge advocates, or civil service and contracted civilian attorneys who perform legal services under his cognizance; (b) Assistant Judge Advocate General, Chief Judge, DoN (AJAG-CJ) for cases involving Navy and Marine Corps trial and appellate judges; and (c) AJAG (Civil Law), in all other cases. Sec. 776.10 Informal ethics advice. (a) Advisors. Covered attorneys may seek informal ethics advice either from the officers named below or from supervisory attorneys in the field. Within the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) and the Office of the SJA to CMC, the following officials are designated to respond, either orally or in writing, to informal inquiries concerning this rule in the areas of practice indicated: (1) Director, Criminal Law Division (OJAG Code 20): Military justice matters; [[Page 68392]] (2) Director, Trial Counsel Assistance Program (TCAP): Trial counsel matters; (3) Director, Defense Counsel Assistance Program (DCAP): Defense counsel matters; (4) Director, Legal Assistance Division (OJAG Code 16): Legal assistance matters; (5) The DSJA to CMC and Head, Research and Civil Law Branch (JAR), Judge Advocate (JA) Division, Headquarters United States Marine Corps (HQMC): Cases involving Marine Corps judge advocates, or civil service and contracted civilian attorneys who perform legal services under the cognizance and supervision of SJA to CMC; (6) Deputy Chief Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary: Judicial matters; and (7) Professional Responsibility Coordinator, Administrative Law Division (OJAG Code 13): All other matters. (b) Limitation. Informal ethics advice will not normally be provided by JAG/HQMC advisors concerning professional responsibility matters that are then the subject of litigation. (c) Written advice. A request for informal advice does not relieve the requester of the obligation to comply with subpart B of this part. Although covered attorneys are encouraged to seek advice when in doubt as to their responsibilities, they remain personally accountable for their professional conduct. If, however, an attorney receives written advice on an ethical matter after full disclosure of all relevant facts and reasonably relies on such advice, no adverse action under this part will be taken against the attorney. Written advice may be sought from either a supervisory attorney or the appropriate advisor in paragraph (a) of this section. The JAG is not bound by unwritten advice or by advice provided by personnel who are not supervisory attorneys or advisors. See Sec. Sec. 776.8(b)(3) and 776.54(c) of this part. Sec. 776.11 Outside practice of law. A covered USG attorney's primary professional responsibility is to the client, as defined by Sec. 776.4 of this part, and he or she is expected to ensure that representation of such client is free from conflicts of interest and otherwise conforms to the requirements of Subpart B of this part and other regulations concerning the provision of legal services within the DoN. The outside practice of law, therefore, must be carefully monitored. Covered USG attorneys who wish to engage in the outside practice of law, including while on terminal leave, must first obtain permission from the JAG. Failure to obtain permission before engaging in the outside practice of law may subject the covered USG attorney to administrative or disciplinary action, including professional sanctions administered per subpart C of this part. Further details are contained in Sec. 776.57 and subpart D of this part. Sec. 776.12 Maintenance of files. Pursuant to SECNAVINST 5211.5 (series) and SECNAVINST 5212.5 (series) ethics complaint records and outside practice of law request files shall be maintained by the Office of the Chief Judge, DoN (Code 05) for judicial conduct matters; the Research and Civil Law Branch, JA Division, HQMC (JAR) for Marine matters; and the Office of the JAG, Administrative Law Division (Code 13) for all other matters. (a) Requests for access to such records should be referred to the Office of the Chief Judge, Washington Navy Yard, 1254 Charles Morris Street SE., Suite 320 Washington, DC, 20374-5124; Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Administrative Law), Office of the Judge Advocate General (Code 13), 1322 Patterson Avenue SE Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC, 20374-5066; or to Head, Research and Civil Law Branch, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Headquarters United States Marine Corps, 3000 Marine Corps Pentagon (Room 4D556), Washington DC, 20350-3000, as appropriate. (b) Local command files regarding professional responsibility complaints will not be maintained. Commanding officers and other supervisory attorneys may, however, maintain personal files but must not share their contents with others. (c) All records maintained under this part shall be maintained in accordance with the following procedures established by JAGINST 5801.2 (series) and DON Privacy Act Notice N05813-1: (1) Records shall be maintained for a minimum of two years; (2) Records shall be maintained for as long as an attorney remains subject to JAG-imposed limitations on practice; and (3) Records pertaining to unsubstantiated complaints, or to attorneys who are no longer subject to limitation on practice, shall be destroyed after 10 years. Sec. Sec. 776.13-776.17 [Reserved] Subpart B--Rules of Professional Conduct Sec. 776.18 Preamble. (a) A covered attorney is a representative of clients, an officer of the legal system, an officer of the Federal Government, and a public citizen who has a special responsibility for the quality of justice and legal services provided to the DoN and to individual clients. These Rules of Professional Conduct (Subpart B of this part) govern the ethical conduct of covered attorneys practicing under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the MCM, 10 U.S.C. 1044 (Legal Assistance), other laws of the United States, and regulations of the DoN. (b) Subpart B of this part not only address the professional conduct of judge advocates, but also apply to all other covered attorneys who practice under the cognizance and supervision of the Navy JAG. (c) All covered attorneys are subject to professional disciplinary action, as outlined in this part, for violation of subpart B of this part. Action on allegations of professional or personal misconduct undertaken per subpart B of this part does not prevent other Federal, state, or local bar associations, or other licensing authorities, from taking professional disciplinary or other administrative action for the same or similar conduct. Sec. 776.19 Principles. Subpart B of this part is based on the following principles. Interpretation of subpart B of this part should flow from their common meaning. To the extent that any ambiguity or conflict exists, subpart B of this part should be interpreted consistent with these general principles. (a) Covered attorneys shall: (1) Obey the law and applicable military regulations, and counsel clients to do so. (2) Follow all applicable ethics rules. (3) Protect the legal rights and interests of clients, organizational and individual. (4) Be honest and truthful in all dealings. (5) Not derive personal gain, except as authorized, for the performance of legal services. (6) Maintain the integrity of the legal profession. (b) Ethical rules should be consistent with law. If law and ethics conflict, the law prevails unless an ethical rule is constitutionally based. [[Page 68393]] (c) The military criminal justice system is a truth-finding process consistent with constitutional law. Sec. 776.20 Competence. (a) A covered attorney shall provide competent, diligent, and prompt representation to a client. Competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, access to evidence, thoroughness, and expeditious preparation reasonably necessary for representation. Initial determinations as to competence of a covered USG attorney for a particular assignment shall be made by a supervising attorney before case or issue assignments; however, assigned attorneys may consult with supervisors concerning competence in a particular case. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.21 Establishment and scope of representation. (a) Formation of attorney-client relationships by covered USG attorneys with, and representation of, clients is permissible only when the attorney is authorized to do so by competent authority. For purposes of this part, Military Rules of Evidence 502, the Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGINST 5800.7 series), and the Naval Legal Service Command Manual (COMNAVLEGSVCCOMINST 5800.1 series), generally define when an attorney-client relationship is formed between a covered USG attorney and a client servicemember, dependent, or employee. (b) Generally, the subject matter scope of a covered attorney's representation will be consistent with the terms of the assignment to perform specific representational or advisory duties. A covered attorney shall inform clients at the earliest opportunity of any limitations on representation and professional responsibilities of the attorney towards the client. (c) A covered attorney shall follow the client's well-informed and lawful decisions concerning case objectives, choice of counsel, forum, pleas, whether to testify, and settlements. (d) A covered attorney's representation of a client does not constitute an endorsement of the client's political, economic, social, or moral views or activities. (e) A covered attorney shall not counsel or assist a client to engage in conduct that the attorney knows is criminal or fraudulent, but a covered attorney may discuss the legal and moral consequences of any proposed course of conduct with a client, and may counsel or assist a client in making a good faith effort to determine the validity, scope, meaning, or application of the law. (f) [Reserved] Sec. 776.22 Diligence. (a) A covered attorney shall act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client, and shall consult with a client as soon as practicable and as often as necessary upon being assigned to the case or issue. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.23 Communication. (a) A covered attorney shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. (b) A covered attorney shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation. (c) [Reserved] Sec. 776.24 Fees. (a) A covered USG attorney shall not accept any salary, fee, compensation, or other payments or benefits, directly or indirectly, other than Government compensation, for services provided in the course of the covered USG attorney's official duties or employment. (b) A covered USG attorney shall not accept any salary or other payments as compensation for legal services rendered, by that covered USG attorney in a private capacity, to a client who is eligible for assistance under the DoN Legal Assistance Program, unless so authorized by the JAG. This rule does not apply to Reserve or Retired judge advocates not then serving on extended active-duty. (c) A Reserve or Retired judge advocate, whether or not serving on extended active-duty, who has initially represented or interviewed a client or prospective client concerning a matter as part of the attorney's official Navy or Marine Corps duties, shall not accept any salary or other payments as compensation for services rendered to that client in a private capacity concerning the same general matter for which the client was seen in an official capacity, unless so authorized by the JAG. (d) Covered non-USG attorneys may charge fees. Fees shall be reasonable. Factors considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following: (1) The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly; (2) The likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the attorney; (3) The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services; (4) The amount involved and the results obtained; (5) The time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; (6) The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; (7) The experience, reputation, and ability of the attorney or attorneys performing the services; and (8) Whether the fee is fixed or contingent. (e) When the covered non-USG attorney has not regularly represented the client, the basis or rate of the fee shall be communicated to the client, preferably in writing, before or within a reasonable time after commencing the representation. (f) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered, except in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by paragraph (a)(7) of this section or other law. A contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the covered non-USG attorney in the event of settlement, trial or appeal, litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. Upon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the covered non-USG attorney shall provide the client with a written statement stating the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, showing the remittance to the client and the method of its determination. (g) A covered non-USG attorney shall not enter into an arrangement for, charge, or collect a contingent fee for representing an accused in a criminal case. (h) A division of fees between covered non-USG attorneys who are not in the same firm may be made only if: (1) The division is in proportion to the services performed by each attorney or, by written agreement with the client, each attorney assumes joint responsibility for the representation; (2) The client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all the attorneys involved; and (3) The total fee is reasonable. (i) Covered Non-USG Attorneys. Paragraphs (d) through (h) of this section apply only to private civilian attorneys practicing in proceedings [[Page 68394]] conducted under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG. The primary purposes of paragraphs (d) through (h) of this section are not to permit the JAG to regulate fee arrangements between civilian attorneys and their clients but to provide guidance to covered USG attorneys practicing with non-USG attorneys and to supervisory attorneys who may be asked to inquire into alleged fee irregularities. Absent paragraphs (d) through (h) of this section, such supervisory attorneys have no readily available standard against which to compare allegedly questionable conduct of a civilian attorney. Sec. 776.25 Confidentiality of information. (a) A covered attorney shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation, or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b) of this section. (b) A covered attorney shall reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the covered attorney reasonably believes necessary: (1) To prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm; or (2) To prevent the client from committing a criminal act that the covered attorney reasonably believes is likely to result in the significant impairment of national security or the readiness or capability of a military unit, vessel, aircraft, or weapon system. (c) A covered attorney may reveal such information to the extent the covered attorney reasonably believes necessary: (1) To secure legal advice about the covered attorney's compliance with subpart B of this part; (2) To establish a claim or defense on behalf of the covered attorney in a controversy between the covered attorney and the client, to establish a defense to a criminal charge or civil claim against the covered attorney based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to allegations in any proceeding concerning the attorney's representation of the client; and/or (3) To comply with other law or a court order. (d) Examples of conduct likely to result in the significant impairment of national security or the readiness or capability of a military unit, vessel, aircraft, or weapon system include: Divulging the classified location of a special operations unit such that the lives of members of the unit are placed in immediate danger; sabotaging a vessel or aircraft to the extent that the vessel or aircraft could not conduct an assigned mission, or that the vessel or aircraft and crew could be lost; and compromising the security of a weapons site such that the weapons are likely to be stolen or detonated. Paragraph (b) of this section is not intended to and does not mandate the disclosure of conduct that may have a slight impact on the readiness or capability of a unit, vessel, aircraft, or weapon system. Examples of such conduct are: Absence without authority from a peacetime training exercise; intentional damage to an individually assigned weapon; and intentional minor damage to military property. Sec. 776.26 Conflict of interest: General rule. (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, a covered attorney shall not represent a client if the representation of that client involves a concurrent conflict of interest. A concurrent conflict of interest exists if: (1) The representation of one client will be directly adverse to another client; or (2) There is a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the covered attorney's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or by a personal interest of the covered attorney. (b) Notwithstanding the existence of a concurrent conflict of interest under paragraph (a) of this section, a covered attorney may represent a client if: (1) The covered attorney reasonably believes that the covered attorney will be able to provide competent and diligent representation to each affected client; (2) The representation is not prohibited by law or regulation; (3) The representation does not involve the assertion of a claim by one client against another client represented by the covered attorney in the same litigation or other proceeding before a tribunal; and (4) Each affected client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. (c) These conflict-of-interest rules apply to Reservists only while they are actually drilling or on active-duty-for-training, or, as is the case with Retirees, on extended active-duty or when performing other duties subject to JAG supervision. Therefore, unless otherwise prohibited by criminal conflict-of-interest statutes, Reserve or Retired attorneys providing legal services in their civilian capacity may represent clients, or work in firms whose attorneys represent clients, with interests adverse to the United States. Reserve judge advocates who, in their civilian capacities, represent persons whose interests are adverse to the DoN will provide written notification to their supervisory attorney and commanding officer, detailing their involvement in the matter. Reserve judge advocates shall refrain from undertaking any official action or representation of the DoN with respect to any particular matter in which they are providing representation or services to other clients. Sec. 776.27 Conflict of interests: Prohibited transactions. (a) Covered USG attorneys shall strictly adhere to current DoD Ethics Regulations and shall not: (1) Knowingly enter into any business transactions on behalf of, or adverse to, a client's interest that directly or indirectly relate to or result from the attorney-client relationship; or (2) Provide any financial assistance to a client or otherwise serve in a financial or proprietorial fiduciary or bailment relationship, unless otherwise specifically authorized by competent authority. (b) No covered attorney shall: (1) Use information relating to representation of a client to the disadvantage of the client unless the client consents after consultation, except as permitted or required by subpart B of this part; (2) Prepare an instrument giving the covered attorney or a person related to the covered attorney as parent, child, sibling, or spouse any gift from a client, including a testamentary gift, except where the client is related to the donee; (3) In the case of covered non-USG attorneys, accept compensation for representing a client from one other than the client unless the client consents after consultation, there is no interference with the covered attorney's independence of professional judgment or with the attorney-client relationship, and information relating to representation of a client is protected as required by Sec. 776.25 of this part; (4) Negotiate any settlement on behalf of multiple clients in a single matter unless each client provides fully informed consent; (5) Prior to the conclusion of representation of the client, make or negotiate an agreement giving a covered attorney literary or media rights for a portrayal or account based in substantial part on information relating to representation of a client; (6) Represent a client in a matter directly adverse to a person whom the covered attorney knows is represented [[Page 68395]] by another attorney who is related as parent, child, sibling, or spouse to the covered attorney, except upon consent by the client after consultation regarding the relationship; or (7) Acquire a proprietary interest in the cause of action or subject matter of litigation the covered attorney is conducting for a client. (c) [Reserved] Sec. 776.28 Conflict of interest: Former client. (a) A covered attorney who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client, unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. (b) A covered attorney who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter: (1) Use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client or to the covered attorney's own advantage, except as Subpart B of this part would permit or require with respect to a client, or when the information has become generally known; or (2) Reveal information relating to the representation except as subpart B of this part would permit or require with respect to a client. (c) [Reserved] Sec. 776.29 Imputed disqualification: General rule. (a) Imputed disqualification: General rule. Covered USG attorneys working in the same military law office are not automatically disqualified from representing a client because any of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by Sec. 776.26, Sec. 776.27, Sec. 776.28, or Sec. 776.38 of this part. Covered non-USG attorneys must consult their federal, state, and local bar rules governing the representation of multiple or adverse clients within the same office before such representation is initiated, as such representation may expose them to disciplinary action under the rules established by their licensing authorities. (b) Comment. (1) The circumstances of military (or Government) service may require representation of opposing sides by covered USG attorneys working in the same law office. Such representation is permissible so long as conflicts of interests are avoided and independent judgment, zealous representation, and protection of confidences are not compromised. Thus, the principle of imputed disqualification is not automatically controlling for covered USG attorneys. The knowledge, actions, and conflicts of interests of one covered USG attorney are not imputed to another simply because they operate from the same office. For example, the fact that a number of defense attorneys operate from one office and normally share clerical assistance would not prohibit them from representing co-accused at trial by court-martial. Imputed disqualification rules for non-USG attorneys are established by their individual licensing authorities and may well proscribe all attorneys from one law office from representing a co-accused, or a party with an adverse interest to an existing client, if any attorney in the same office were so prohibited. (2) Whether a covered USG attorney is disqualified requires a functional analysis of the facts in a specific situation. The analysis should include consideration of whether the following will be compromised: Preserving attorney-client confidentiality; maintaining independence of judgment; and avoiding positions adverse to a client. See, e.g., U.S. v. Stubbs, 23 M.J. 188 (CMA 1987). (3) Preserving confidentiality is a question of access to information. Access to information, in turn, is essentially a question of fact in a particular circumstance, aided by inferences, deductions, or working presumptions that reasonably may be made about the way in which covered USG attorneys work together. A covered USG attorney may have general access to files of all clients of a military law office (e.g., legal assistance attorney) and may regularly participate in discussions of their affairs; it may be inferred that such a covered USG attorney in fact is privy to all information about all the office's clients. In contrast, another covered USG attorney (e.g., military defense counsel) may have access to the files of only a limited number of clients and participate in discussion of the affairs of no other clients; in the absence of information to the contrary, it should be inferred that such a covered USG attorney in fact is privy to information about the clients actually served but not to information of other clients. Additionally, a covered USG attorney changing duty stations or changing assignments within a military office has a continuing duty to preserve confidentiality of information about a client formerly represented. See Sec. 776.25 and Sec. 776.28 of this part. (4) In military practice, where covered USG attorneys representing adverse interests are sometimes required to share common spaces, equipment, and clerical assistance, inadvertent disclosure of confidential or privileged material may occur. A covered attorney who mistakenly receives any such confidential or privileged materials should refrain from reviewing them (except for the limited purpose of ascertaining ownership or proper routing), notify the attorney to whom the material belongs that he or she has such material, and either follow instructions of the attorney with respect to the disposition of the materials or refrain from further reviewing or using the materials until a definitive resolution of the proper disposition of the materials is obtained from a court. A covered attorney's duty to provide his or her client zealous representation does not justify a rule allowing the receiving attorney to take advantage of inadvertent disclosures of privileged and/or confidential materials. This policy recognizes and reinforces the principles of: Confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege; analogous principles governing the inadvertent waiver of the attorney-client privilege; the law governing bailments and missent property; and considerations of common sense, reciprocity, and professional courtesy. (5) Maintaining independent judgment allows a covered USG attorney to consider, recommend, and carry out any appropriate course of action for a client without regard to the covered USG attorney's personal interests or the interests of another. When such independence is lacking or unlikely, representation cannot be zealous. (6) Another aspect of loyalty to a client is the general obligation of any attorney to decline subsequent representations involving positions adverse to a former client in substantially related matters. This obligation normally requires abstention from adverse representation by the individual covered attorney involved, but, in the military legal office, abstention is not required by other covered USG attorneys through imputed disqualification. Sec. 776.30 Successive Government and private employment. (a) Except as the law or regulations may otherwise expressly permit, a former covered USG attorney, who has information known to be confidential Government information about a person that was acquired while a covered USG attorney, may not represent a private client whose interests are adverse to that person in a matter in which the information could be used to the material disadvantage of that person. [[Page 68396]] The former covered USG attorney may continue association with a firm, partnership, or association representing any such client only if the disqualified covered USG attorney is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee or any other benefit therefrom. (1) The disqualified former covered USG attorney must ensure that he or she is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee or any other benefit therefrom; and, (2) Must provide written notice promptly to the appropriate Government agency to enable it to ascertain compliance with the provisions of applicable law and regulations. (b) Except as the law or regulations may otherwise expressly permit, a former covered USG attorney, who has information known to be confidential Government information about a person which was acquired while a covered USG attorney, may not represent a private client whose interests are adverse to that person in a matter in which the information could be used to the material disadvantage of that person. The former covered USG attorney may continue association with a firm, partnership, or association representing any such client only if the disqualified covered USG attorney is screened from any participation in the matter and is apportioned no part of the fee or any other benefit therefrom. (c) Except as the law or regulations may otherwise expressly permit, a covered USG attorney shall not: (1) Participate in a matter in which the covered USG attorney participated personally and substantially while in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless under applicable law no one is, or by lawful delegation may be, authorized to act in the covered USG attorney's stead in the matter; or, (2) Negotiate for private employment with any person who is involved as a party or as attorney for a party in a matter in which the covered USG attorney is participating personally and substantially. (d) As used in this paragraph (d), the term ``matter'' includes: (1) Any judicial or other proceeding, application, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, investigation, charge, accusation, arrest, or other particular matter involving a specific party or parties, and (2) Any other matter covered by the conflict-of-interest rules of the DoD, DoN, or other appropriate Government agency. (e) As used in the rule, the term ``confidential Governmental information'' means information that has been obtained under Governmental authority and that, at the time this Rule is applied, the Government is prohibited by law or regulations from disclosing to the public or has a legal privilege not to disclose, and that is not otherwise available to the public. (f) [Reserved] Sec. 776.31 Former judge or arbitrator. (a) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of this section, a covered USG attorney shall not represent anyone in connection with a matter in which the covered USG attorney participated personally and substantially as a judge or other adjudicative officer, arbitrator, or law clerk to such a person, unless all parties to the proceeding give informed consent, confirmed in writing. (b) A covered USG attorney shall not negotiate for employment with any person who is involved as a party or as attorney for a party in a matter in which the covered USG attorney is participating personally and substantially as a judge or other adjudicative officer. A covered USG attorney serving as law clerk to a judge, other adjudicative officer, or arbitrator may negotiate for employment with a party or attorney involved in a matter in which the clerk is participating personally and substantially, but only after the covered USG attorney has notified the judge, other adjudicative officer, or arbitrator, and been disqualified from further involvement in the matter. (c) An arbitrator selected as a partisan of a party in a multi- member arbitration panel is not prohibited from subsequently representing that party. (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.32 Department of the Navy as client. (a) Except when representing an individual client pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section, a covered USG attorney represents the DoN (or the Executive agency to which assigned) acting through its authorized officials. These officials include the heads of organizational elements within the naval service, such as the commanders of fleets, divisions, ships and other heads of activities. When a covered USG attorney is assigned to such an organizational element and designated to provide legal services to the head of the organization, an attorney-client relationship exists between the covered attorney and the DoN as represented by the head of the organization as to matters within the scope of the official business of the organization. The head of the organization may not invoke the attorney-client privilege or the rule of confidentiality for the head of the organization's own benefit but may invoke either for the benefit of the DoN. In invoking either the attorney-client privilege or attorney-client confidentiality on behalf of the DoN, the head of the organization is subject to being overruled by higher authority. (b) If a covered USG attorney knows that an officer, employee, or other member associated with the organizational client is engaged in action, intends to act or refuses to act in a matter related to the representation that is either adverse to the legal interests or obligations of the DoN or a violation of law that reasonably might be imputed to the DoN, the covered USG attorney shall proceed as is reasonably necessary in the best interest of the naval service. In determining how to proceed, the covered USG attorney shall give due consideration to the seriousness of the violation and its consequences, the scope and nature of the covered USG attorney's representation, the responsibility in the naval service and the apparent motivation of the person involved, the policies of the naval service concerning such matters, and any other relevant considerations. Any measures taken shall be designed to minimize prejudice to the interests of the naval service and the risk of revealing information relating to the representation to persons outside the service. Such measures shall include: (1) Asking for reconsideration of the matter by the acting official; (2) Advising that a separate legal opinion on the matter be sought for presentation to appropriate authority in the naval service; (3) Referring the matter to, or seeking guidance from, higher authority in the chain of command including, if warranted by the seriousness of the matter, referral to the supervisory attorney assigned to the staff of the acting official's next superior in the chain of command; or (4) Advising the acting official that his or her personal legal interests are at risk and that he or she should consult counsel as there may exist a conflict of interest for the covered USG attorney, and the covered USG attorney's responsibility is to the organization. (c) If, despite the covered USG attorney's efforts per paragraph (b) of this section, the highest authority that can act concerning the matter insists upon action or refuses to act, in clear violation of law, the covered USG attorney shall terminate representation [[Page 68397]] with respect to the matter in question. In no event shall the attorney participate or assist in the illegal activity. In this case, a covered USG attorney shall report such termination of representation to the attorney's supervisory attorney or attorney representing the next superior in the chain of command. (d) In dealing with the officers, employees, or members of the naval service a covered USG attorney shall explain the identity of the client when it is apparent that the naval service's interests are adverse to those of the officer, employee, or member. (e) A covered USG attorney representing the naval service may also represent any of its officers, employees, or members, subject to the provisions of Sec. 776.26 of this part and other applicable authority. If the DoN's consent to dual representation is required by Sec. 776.26 of this part, the consent shall be given by an appropriate official of the DoN other than the individual who is to be represented. (f) A covered USG attorney who has been duly assigned to represent an individual who is subject to criminal or disciplinary action or administrative proceedings, or to provide legal assistance to an individual, has, for those purposes, an attorney-client relationship with that individual. (g) [Reserved] Sec. 776.33 Client with diminished capacity. (a) When a client's capacity to make adequately considered decisions in connection with the representation is diminished, whether because of minority, mental impairment, or for some other reason, the covered attorney shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal attorney-client relationship with the client. (b) When the covered attorney reasonably believes that the client has diminished capacity, is at risk of substantial physical, financial, or other harm unless action is taken and cannot adequately act in the client's own interest, the covered attorney may take reasonably necessary protective action, including consulting with individuals or entities that have the ability to take action to protect the client. (c) Information relating to the representation of a client with diminished capacity is protected by Sec. 776.25 of this part. When taking protective action pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the covered attorney is impliedly authorized under Sec. 776.25(a) of this part to reveal information about the client, but only to the extent reasonably necessary to protect the client's interests. (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.34 Safekeeping property. (a) Covered USG attorneys shall not normally hold or safeguard property of a client or third persons in connection with representational duties. See Sec. 776.27 of this part. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.35 Declining or terminating representation. (a) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of this section, a covered attorney shall not represent a client or, when representation has commenced, shall seek to withdraw from the representation of a client if: (1) The representation will result in violation of subpart B of this part or other law or regulation; (2) The covered attorney's physical or mental condition materially impairs his or her ability to represent the client; or (3) The covered attorney is dismissed by the client. (b) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of this section, a covered attorney may seek to withdraw from representing a client if withdrawal can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the interests of the client, or if: (1) The client persists in a course of action involving the covered attorney's services that the covered attorney reasonably believes is criminal or fraudulent; (2) The client has used the covered attorney's services to perpetrate a crime or fraud; (3) The client insists upon pursuing an objective that the covered attorney considers repugnant or imprudent; (4) In the case of covered non-USG attorneys, the representation will result in an unreasonable financial burden on the attorney or has been rendered unreasonably difficult by the client; or (5) Other good cause for withdrawal exists. (c) A covered attorney must comply with applicable law requiring notice to or permission of a tribunal when terminating a representation. When ordered to do so by a tribunal or other competent authority, a covered attorney shall continue representation notwithstanding good cause for terminating the representation. (d) Upon termination of representation, a covered attorney shall take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests, such as giving reasonable notice to the client, allowing time for assignment or employment of other counsel, and surrendering papers and property to which the client is entitled and, where a non- USG attorney provided representation, refunding any advance payment of fee that has not been earned. The covered attorney may retain papers relating to the client to the extent permitted by law. (e) [Reserved] Sec. 776.36 Prohibited sexual relations. (a) A covered attorney shall not have sexual relations with a current client. A covered attorney shall not require, demand, or solicit sexual relations with a client incident to any professional representation. (b) A covered attorney shall not engage in sexual relations with another attorney currently representing a party whose interests are adverse to those of a client currently represented by the covered attorney. (c) A covered attorney shall not engage in sexual relations with a judge who is presiding or who is likely to preside over any proceeding in which the covered attorney will appear in a representative capacity. (d) A covered attorney shall not engage in sexual relations with other persons involved in the particular case, judicial or administrative proceeding, or other matter for which representation has been established, including but not limited to witnesses, victims, co- accused, and court-martial or board members. (e) For purposes of this paragraph (e), ``sexual relations'' means: (1) Sexual intercourse; or (2) Any touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a person or causing such person to touch the sexual or other intimate parts of the covered attorney for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of either party. (f) [Reserved] Sec. 776.37 Advisor. (a) In representing a client, a covered attorney shall exercise independent professional judgment and render candid advice. In rendering advice, a covered attorney may refer not only to law but to other considerations such as moral, economic, social, and political factors that may be relevant to the client's situation. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.38 Mediation. (a) A covered attorney may act as a mediator between individuals if: (1) The covered attorney consults with each individual concerning the implications of the mediation, including the advantages and risks involved, and the effect on the attorney-client confidentiality, and obtains each individual's consent to the mediation; [[Page 68398]] (2) The covered attorney reasonably believes that the matter can be resolved on terms compatible with each individual's best interests, that each individual will be able to make adequately informed decisions in the matter, and that there is little risk of material prejudice to the interests of any of the individuals if the contemplated resolution is unsuccessful; and, (3) The covered attorney reasonably believes that the mediation can be undertaken impartially and without improper effect on other responsibilities the covered attorney has to any of the individuals. (b) While acting as a mediator, the covered attorney shall consult with each individual concerning the decisions to be made and the considerations relevant in making them, so that each individual can make adequately informed decisions. (c) A covered attorney shall withdraw as a mediator if any of the individuals so requests, or if any of the conditions stated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is no longer satisfied. Upon withdrawal, the covered attorney shall not represent any of the individuals in the matter that was the subject of the mediation unless each individual consents. (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.39 Evaluation for use by third persons. (a) A covered attorney may provide an evaluation of a matter affecting a client for the use of someone other than the client if: (1) The covered attorney reasonably believes that making the evaluation is compatible with other aspects of the covered attorney's relationship with the client; and (2) The client provides informed consent, confirmed in writing. (b) Except as disclosure is required in connection with a report of an evaluation, information relating to the evaluation is otherwise protected by Sec. 776.25 of this part. (c) [Reserved] Sec. 776.40 Meritorious claims and contentions. (a) A covered attorney shall not bring or defend a proceeding, or assert or controvert an issue therein, unless there is a basis for doing so that is not frivolous, which includes a good faith argument for an extension, modification, or reversal of existing law. A covered attorney representing an accused in a criminal proceeding or the respondent in an administrative proceeding, that could result in incarceration, discharge from the Naval service, or other adverse personnel action, may nevertheless defend the client at the proceeding as to require that every element of the case is established. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.41 Expediting litigation. (a) A covered attorney shall make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation or other proceedings consistent with the interests of the client. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.42 Candor and obligations toward the tribunal. (a) A covered attorney shall not knowingly: (1) Make a false statement of material fact or law to a tribunal or fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the covered attorney; (2) Fail to disclose to the tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the covered attorney to be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing counsel; (3) Offer evidence that the covered attorney knows to be false. If a covered attorney, the attorney's client, or a witness called by the covered attorney, has offered material evidence and the covered attorney comes to know of its falsity, the covered attorney shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if necessary, disclosure to the tribunal. A covered attorney may refuse to offer evidence, other than the testimony of an accused in a criminal matter, that the covered attorney reasonably believes is false; or (4) Disobey an order imposed by a tribunal unless done openly before the tribunal in a good faith assertion that no valid order should exist. (b) A covered attorney who represents a client in an adjudicative proceeding and who knows that a person intends to engage, is engaging or has engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct related to the proceeding shall take reasonable remedial measures, including, if necessary, disclosure to the tribunal. (c) The duties stated in paragraph (a) of this section continue to the conclusion of the proceedings, and apply even if compliance requires disclosure of information otherwise protected by Sec. 776.25 of this part. (d) In an ex parte proceeding, a covered attorney shall inform the tribunal of all material facts known to the covered attorney that will enable the tribunal to make an informed decision, whether or not the facts are adverse. (e) [Reserved] Sec. 776.43 Fairness to opposing party and counsel. (a) A covered attorney shall not: (1) Unlawfully obstruct a party's access to evidence or unlawfully alter, destroy, or conceal a document or other material having potential evidentiary value. A covered attorney shall not counsel or assist another person to do any such act; (2) Falsify evidence, counsel or assist a witness to testify falsely, or offer an inducement to a witness that is prohibited by law; (3) Knowingly disobey an order of the tribunal except for an open refusal based on an assertion that no valid obligation exists; (4) In pretrial procedure, make a frivolous discovery request or fail to make reasonably diligent effort to comply with a legally proper discovery request by a party; (5) In trial, allude to any matter that the covered attorney does not reasonably believe is relevant or that will not be supported by admissible evidence, assert personal knowledge of facts in issue except when testifying as a witness, or state a personal opinion as to the justness of a cause, the credibility of a witness, the culpability of a civil litigant, or the guilt or innocence of an accused; or (6) Request a person other than a client to refrain from voluntarily giving relevant information to another party unless: (i) The person is a relative, an employee, or other agent of a client; and (ii) The covered attorney reasonably believes that the person's interests will not be adversely affected by refraining from giving such information. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.44 Impartiality and decorum of the tribunal. (a) A covered attorney shall not: (1) Seek to influence a judge, court member, member of a tribunal, prospective court member or member of a tribunal, or other official by means prohibited by law or regulation; (2) Communicate ex parte with such a person except as permitted by law or regulation; or (3) Engage in conduct intended to disrupt a tribunal. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.45 Extra-tribunal statements. (a) A covered attorney shall not make an extrajudicial statement about any person or case pending investigation or adverse administrative or disciplinary proceedings that a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means of public communication if the [[Page 68399]] covered attorney knows or reasonably should know that it will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding or an official review process thereof. (b) A statement referred to in paragraph (a) of this section ordinarily is likely to have such an effect when it refers to a civil matter triable to a jury, a criminal matter (including before a military tribunal or commission), or any other proceeding that could result in incarceration, discharge from the naval service, or other adverse personnel action, and the statement relates to: (1) The character, credibility, reputation, or criminal record of a party, suspect in a criminal investigation, victim, or witness, or the identity of a victim or witness, or the expected testimony of a party, suspect, victim, or witness; (2) The possibility of a plea of guilty to the offense or the existence or contents of any confession, admission, or statement given by an accused or suspect or that person's refusal or failure to make a statement; (3) The performance or results of any forensic examination or test or the refusal or failure of a person to submit to an examination or test, or the identity or nature of physical evidence expected to be presented; (4) Any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of an accused or suspect in a criminal case or other proceeding that could result in incarceration, discharge from the naval service, or other adverse personnel action; (5) Information the covered attorney knows or reasonably should know is likely to be inadmissible as evidence before a tribunal and would, if disclosed, create a substantial risk of materially prejudicing an impartial proceeding; (6) The fact that an accused has been charged with a crime, unless there is included therein a statement explaining that the charge is merely an accusation and that the accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty; or (7) The credibility, reputation, motives, or character of civilian or military officials of the DoD. (c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) through (7) of this section, a covered attorney involved in the investigation or litigation of a matter may state without elaboration: (1) The general nature of the claim, offense, or defense; (2) The information contained in a public record; (3) That an investigation of the matter is in progress, including the general scope of the investigation, the offense or claim or defense involved and, except when prohibited by law or regulation, the identity of the persons involved; (4) The scheduling or result of any step in litigation; (5) A request for assistance in obtaining evidence and information necessary thereto; (6) A warning of danger concerning the behavior of the person involved, when there is reason to believe that there exists the likelihood of substantial harm to an individual or to the public interest; and (7) In a criminal case, in addition to paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this section: (i) The identity, duty station, occupation, and family status of the accused; (ii) If the accused has not been apprehended, information necessary to aid in apprehension of that person; (iii) The fact, time, and place of apprehension; and (iv) The identity of investigating and apprehending officers or agencies and the length of the investigation. (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) through (7) of this section, a covered attorney may make a statement that a reasonable covered attorney would believe is required to protect a client from the substantial undue prejudicial effect of recent publicity not initiated by the covered attorney or the attorney's client. A statement made pursuant to this paragraph shall be limited to such information as is necessary to mitigate the recent adverse publicity. (e) The protection and release of information in matters pertaining to the DoN is governed by such statutes as the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act, in addition to those governing protection of national defense information. In addition, other laws and regulations may further restrict the information that can be released or the source from which it is to be released (e.g., the Manual of the Judge Advocate General). (f) [Reserved] Sec. 776.46 Attorney as witness. (a) A covered attorney shall not act as advocate at a trial in which the covered attorney is likely to be a necessary witness except when: (1) The testimony relates to an uncontested issue; (2) The testimony relates to the nature and quality of legal services rendered in the case; or (3) Disqualification of the covered attorney would work substantial hardship on the client. (b) A covered attorney may act as advocate in a trial in which another attorney in the covered attorney's office is likely to be called as a witness, unless precluded from doing so by Sec. 776.26 or Sec. 776.28 of this part. (c) [Reserved] Sec. 776.47 Special responsibilities of a trial counsel and other government counsel. (a) A trial counsel in a criminal case shall: (1) Recommend to the convening authority that any charge or specification not supported by probable cause be withdrawn; (2) Make reasonable efforts to assure that the accused has been advised of the right to, and the procedure for obtaining, counsel and has been given reasonable opportunity to obtain counsel; (3) Not seek to obtain from an unrepresented accused a waiver of important pretrial rights; (4) Make timely disclosure to the defense of all evidence or information known to the trial counsel that tends to negate the guilt of the accused or mitigates the offense, and, in connection with sentencing, disclose to the defense all unprivileged mitigating information known to the trial counsel, except when the trial counsel is relieved of this responsibility by a protective order or regulation; (5) Exercise reasonable care to prevent investigators, law enforcement personnel, employees, or other persons assisting or associated with the trial counsel from making an extrajudicial statement that the trial counsel would be prohibited from making under Sec. 776.45 of this part; and (6) Except for statements that are necessary to inform the public of the nature and extent of the trial counsel's actions and that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused. (b) Trial counsel and other government counsel shall exercise reasonable care to avoid intercepting, seizing, copying, viewing, or listening to communications protected by the attorney-client privilege during investigation of a suspected offense (particularly when conducting government-sanctioned searches where attorney-client privileged communications may be present), as well as in the preparation or prosecution of a case. Such communications expressly include, but are not limited to, land-line telephone conversations, facsimile transmissions, U.S. mail, and Email. Trial counsel and other government counsel must not [[Page 68400]] infringe upon the confidential nature of attorney-client privileged communications and are responsible for the actions of their agents or representatives when they induce or assist them in intercepting, seizing, copying, viewing, or listening to such privileged communications. (c)(1) The trial counsel represents the United States in the prosecution of special and general courts-martial. See Article 38(a), UCMJ; see also R.C.M. 103(16), 405(d)(3)(A), and 502(d)(5). Accordingly, a trial counsel has the responsibility of administering justice and is not simply an advocate. This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the accused is accorded procedural justice and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence. Paragraph (a)(1) of this section recognizes that the trial counsel does not have all the authority vested in modern civilian prosecutors. The authority to convene courts-martial, and to refer and withdraw specific charges, is vested in convening authorities. Trial counsel may have the duty, in certain circumstances, to bring to the court's attention any charge that lacks sufficient evidence to support a conviction. See United States v. Howe, 37 M.J. 1062 (NMCMR 1993). Such action should be undertaken only after consultation with a supervisory attorney and the convening authority. See also Sec. 776.42(d) of this part (governing ex parte proceedings). Applicable law may require other measures by the trial counsel. Knowing disregard of those obligations or a systematic abuse of prosecutorial discretion could constitute a violation of Sec. 776.69 of this part. (2) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section does not apply to an accused appearing pro se with the approval of the tribunal. Nor does it forbid the lawful questioning of a suspect who has knowingly waived the rights to counsel and to remain silent. (3) The exception in paragraph (a)(4) of this section recognizes that a trial counsel may seek an appropriate protective order from the tribunal if disclosure of information to the defense could result in substantial harm to an individual or organization or to the public interest. This exception also recognizes that applicable statutes and regulations may proscribe the disclosure of certain information without proper authorization. (4) A trial counsel may comply with paragraph (a)(5) of this section in a number of ways. These include personally informing others of the trial counsel's obligations under Sec. 776.46 of this part, conducting training of law enforcement personnel, and appropriately supervising the activities of personnel assisting the trial counsel. (5) Paragraph (a)(6) of this section supplements Sec. 776.45 of this part, which prohibits extrajudicial statements that have a substantial likelihood of prejudicing an adjudicatory proceeding. A trial counsel can, and should, avoid comments that have no legitimate law enforcement purpose and have a substantial likelihood of increasing public opprobrium of the accused. Nothing in this Comment is intended to restrict the statements that a trial counsel may make that comply with Sec. 776.45 of this part. (6) The ``ABA Standards for Criminal Justice: The Prosecution Function,'' (3d ed. 1993), has been used by appellate courts in analyzing issues concerning trial counsel conduct. To the extent consistent with these Rules, the ABA standards may be used to guide trial counsel in the prosecution of criminal cases. See United States v. Howe, 37 M.J. 1062 (NMCRS 1993); United States v. Dancy, 38 M.J. 1 (CMA 1993); United States v. Hamilton, 41 M.J. 22 (CMA 1994); United States v. Meek, 44 M.J. 1 (CMA 1996). (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.48 Advocate in nonadjudicative proceedings. (a) A covered attorney representing a client before a legislative or administrative tribunal in a nonadjudicative proceeding shall disclose that the appearance is in a representative capacity and shall conform to the provisions of Sec. Sec. 776.42 (a) through (d), 776.43, and 776.44 of this part. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.49 Truthfulness in statements to others. (a) In the course of representing a client a covered attorney shall not knowingly; (1) Make a false statement of material fact or law to a third person; or (2) Fail to disclose a material fact to a third person when disclosure is necessary to avoid assisting a criminal or fraudulent act by a client, unless disclosure is prohibited by Sec. 776.25 of this part. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.50 Communication with person represented by counsel. (a) In representing a client, a covered attorney shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a party the covered attorney knows to be represented by another attorney in the matter, unless the covered attorney has the consent of the other attorney or is authorized by law to do so. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.51 Dealing with an unrepresented person. (a) When dealing on behalf of a client with a person who is not represented by counsel, a covered attorney shall not state or imply that the covered attorney is disinterested. When the covered attorney knows or reasonably should know that the unrepresented person misunderstands the covered attorney's role in the matter, the covered attorney shall make reasonable efforts to correct the misunderstanding. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.52 Respect for rights of third persons. (a) In representing a client, a covered attorney shall not use means that have no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third person, or use methods of obtaining evidence that violate the legal rights of such a person. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.53 Responsibilities of the Judge Advocate General and supervisory attorneys. (a) The JAG and supervisory attorneys shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that all covered attorneys conform to subpart B of this part. (b) A covered attorney having direct supervisory authority over another covered attorney shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the other attorney conforms to subpart B of this part. (c) A supervisory attorney shall be responsible for another subordinate covered attorney's violation of subpart B of this part if: (1) The supervisory attorney orders or, with knowledge of the specific conduct, ratifies the conduct involved; or (2) The supervisory attorney has direct supervisory authority over the other attorney and knows of the conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated but fails to take reasonable remedial action. (d) A supervisory attorney is responsible for ensuring that the subordinate covered attorney is properly trained and is competent to perform the duties to which the subordinate covered attorney is assigned. (e) [Reserved] Sec. 776.54 Responsibilities of a subordinate attorney. (a) A covered attorney is bound by this part notwithstanding that the covered attorney acted at the direction of another person. [[Page 68401]] (b) In recognition of the judge advocate's unique dual role as a commissioned officer and attorney, subordinate judge advocates shall obey lawful directives and regulations of supervisory attorneys when not inconsistent with this part or the duty of a judge advocate to exercise independent professional judgment as to the best interest of an individual client. (c) A subordinate covered attorney does not violate this part if that covered attorney acts in accordance with a supervisory attorney's written and reasonable resolution of an arguable question of professional duty. (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.55 Responsibilities regarding non-attorney assistants. (a) With respect to a non-attorney acting under the authority, supervision, or direction of a covered attorney: (1) The senior supervisory attorney in an office shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person's conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of a covered attorney; (2) A covered attorney having direct supervisory authority over the non-attorney shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the person's conduct is compatible with the professional obligations of a covered attorney; and (3) A covered attorney shall be responsible for conduct of such a person that would be a violation of this part if engaged in by a covered attorney if: (i) The covered attorney orders or, with the knowledge of the specific conduct, explicitly or impliedly ratifies the conduct involved; or (ii) The covered attorney has direct supervisory authority over the person, and knows of the conduct at a time when its consequences can be avoided or mitigated but fails to take reasonable remedial action. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.56 Professional independence of a covered USG attorney. (a) Notwithstanding a judge advocate's status as a commissioned officer subject, generally, to the authority of superiors, a judge advocate detailed or assigned to represent an individual member or employee of the DoN is expected to exercise unfettered loyalty and professional independence during the representation consistent with subpart B of this part and remains ultimately responsible for acting in the best interest of the individual client. (b) Notwithstanding a civilian USG attorney's status as a Federal employee subject, generally, to the authority of superiors, a civilian USG attorney detailed or assigned to represent an individual member or employee of the DoN is expected to exercise unfettered loyalty and professional independence during the representation consistent with this part and remains ultimately responsible for acting in the best interest of the individual client. (c) The exercise of professional judgment in accordance with paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall not, standing alone, be a basis for an adverse evaluation or other prejudicial action. (1) Subpart B of this part recognizes that a judge advocate is a military officer required by law to obey the lawful orders of superior officers. It also recognizes the similar status of a civilian USG attorney. Nevertheless, the practice of law requires the exercise of judgment solely for the benefit of the client and free of compromising influences and loyalties. Thus, when a covered USG attorney is assigned to represent an individual client, neither the attorney's personal interests, the interests of other clients, nor the interests of third persons should affect loyalty to the individual client. (2) Not all direction given to a subordinate covered attorney is an attempt to influence improperly the covered attorney's professional judgment. Each situation must be evaluated by the facts and circumstances, giving due consideration to the subordinate's training, experience, and skill. A covered attorney subjected to outside pressures should make full disclosure of them to the client. If the covered attorney or the client believes the effectiveness of the representation has been or will be impaired thereby, the covered attorney should take proper steps to withdraw from representation of the client. (3) Additionally, a judge advocate has a responsibility to report any instances of unlawful command influence. See R.C.M. 104, MCM, 1998. Sec. 776.57 Unauthorized practice of law. (a) A covered USG attorney shall not: (1) Except as authorized by an appropriate military department, practice law in a jurisdiction where doing so is prohibited by the regulations of the legal profession in that jurisdiction; or (2) Assist a person who is not a member of the bar in the performance of activity that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. (3) Engage in the outside practice of law without receiving proper authorization from the JAG. (b) Limiting the practice of law to members of the bar protects the public against rendition of legal services by unqualified persons. A covered USG attorney's performance of legal duties pursuant to a military department's authorization, however, is considered a Federal function and not subject to regulation by the states. Thus, a covered USG attorney may perform legal assistance duties even though the covered attorney is not licensed to practice in the jurisdiction within which the covered attorney's duty station is located. Paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not prohibit a covered USG attorney from using the services of non-attorneys and delegating functions to them, so long as the covered attorney supervises the delegated work and retains responsibility for it. See Sec. 776.55 of this part. Likewise, it does not prohibit covered USG attorneys from providing professional advice and instruction to non-attorneys whose employment requires knowledge of law; for example, claims adjusters, social workers, accountants and persons employed in Government agencies. In addition, a covered USG attorney may counsel individuals who wish to proceed pro se or non- attorneys authorized by law or regulation to appear and represent themselves or others before military proceedings. Sec. Sec. 776.58-776.65 [Reserved] Sec. 776.66 Bar admission and disciplinary matters. (a) A covered attorney, in connection with any application for bar admission, appointment as a judge advocate, employment as a civilian USG attorney, certification by the JAG or his designee, or in connection with any disciplinary matter, shall not: (1) Knowingly make a false statement of fact; or (2) Fail to disclose a fact necessary to correct a misapprehension known by the person to have arisen in the matter, or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand for information from an admissions or disciplinary authority, except that this part does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by Sec. 776.25 of this part. (b) The duty imposed by subpart B of this part extends to covered attorneys and other attorneys seeking admission to a bar, application for appointment as a covered USG attorney (military or civilian) or certification by the JAG or his designee. Hence, if a person makes a false statement in connection with an application for admission or certification (e.g., misstatement by a civilian attorney before a military judge regarding qualifications under R.C.M. 502), it may be the basis for subsequent disciplinary action if the person is [[Page 68402]] admitted, and in any event may be relevant in a subsequent admission application. The duty imposed by subpart B of this part applies to a covered attorney's own admission or discipline as well as that of others. Thus, it is a separate professional offense for a covered attorney to make a knowing misrepresentation or omission in connection with a disciplinary investigation of the covered attorney's own conduct. Subpart B of this part also requires affirmative clarification of any misunderstanding on the part of the admissions, certification, or disciplinary authority of which the person involved becomes aware. Sec. 776.67 Judicial and legal officers. (a) A covered attorney shall not make a statement that the covered attorney knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, investigating officer, hearing officer, adjudicatory officer, or public legal officer, or of a candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office. (b) [Reserved] Sec. 776.68 Reporting professional misconduct. (a) A covered attorney having knowledge that another covered attorney has committed a violation of subpart B of this part that raises a substantial question as to that covered attorney's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a covered attorney in other respects, shall report such violation in accordance with the procedures set forth in this part. (b) A covered attorney having knowledge that a judge has committed a violation of applicable rules of judicial conduct that raises a substantial question as to the judge's fitness for office shall report such violation in accordance with the procedures set forth in this part. (c) This part does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by Sec. 776.25 of this part. (d) [Reserved] Sec. 776.69 Misconduct. (a) It is professional misconduct for a covered attorney to: (1) Violate or attempt to violate subpart B of this part, knowingly assist or induce another to do so, or do so through the acts of another; (2) Commit a criminal act that reflects adversely on the covered attorney's honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as an attorney in other respects; (3) Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation; (4) Engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice; (5) State or imply an ability to influence improperly a government agency or official; or (6) Knowingly assist a judge or judicial officer in conduct that is a violation of applicable rules of judicial conduct or other law. (b)(1) Judge advocates hold a commission as an officer in the Navy or Marine Corps and assume legal responsibilities going beyond those of other citizens. A judge advocate's abuse of such commission can suggest an inability to fulfill the professional role of judge advocate and attorney. This concept has similar application to civilian USG attorneys. (2) Covered non-USG attorneys, Reservists, and Retirees (acting in their civilian capacity), like their active-duty counterparts, are expected to demonstrate model behavior and exemplary integrity at all times. The JAG may consider any and all derogatory or beneficial information about a covered attorney, for purposes of determining the attorney's qualification, professional competence, or fitness to practice law in DoN matters, or to administer discipline under this rule. Such consideration shall be made, except in emergency situations necessitating immediate action, according to the procedures established in this rule. Sec. 776.70 Jurisdiction. (a) All covered attorneys shall be governed by this part. (b)(1) Many covered USG attorneys practice outside the territorial limits of the jurisdiction in which they are licensed. While covered attorneys remain subject to the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice, they are also subject to subpart B of this part. (2) When covered USG attorneys are engaged in the conduct of Navy or Marine Corps legal functions, whether serving the Navy or Marine Corps as a client or serving an individual client as authorized by the Navy or Marine Corps, the provisions contained in subpart B of this part supersede any conflicting rules applicable in jurisdictions in which the covered attorney may be licensed. However, covered attorneys practicing in State or Federal civilian court proceedings will abide by the rules adopted by that State or Federal civilian court during the proceedings. As for covered non-USG attorneys practicing under the supervision of the JAG, violation of the provisions contained in subpart B of this part may result in suspension from practice in DoN proceedings. (3) Covered non-USG attorneys, Reservists, or Retirees (acting in their civilian capacity) who seek to provide legal services in any DoN matter under JAG cognizance and supervision, may be precluded from such practice of law if, in the opinion of the JAG (as exercised through this rule) the attorney's conduct in any venue renders that attorney unable or unqualified to practice in DoN programs or proceedings. Sec. 776.71 Requirement to remain in good standing with licensing authorities. (a) Each officer of the Navy appointed as a member of the JAG Corps, each officer of the Marine Corps designated a judge advocate, and each civil service and contracted civilian attorney who practices law under the cognizance and supervision of the JAG shall maintain a status considered ``in good standing'' at all times with the licensing authority admitting the individual to the practice of law before the highest court of at least one State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. (b) The JAG, the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or any other supervisory attorney may require any covered USG attorney over whom they exercise authority to establish that the attorney continues to be in good standing with his or her licensing authority. Representatives of the JAG or of the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps may also inquire directly of any such covered USG attorney's licensing authority to establish whether he or she continues to be in good standing and has no disciplinary action pending. (c) Each covered USG attorney shall immediately report to the JAG if any jurisdiction in which the covered USG attorney is or has been a member in good standing commences disciplinary investigation or action against him or her or if the covered USG attorney is disciplined, suspended, or disbarred from the practice of law in any jurisdiction. (d) Each covered non-USG attorney representing an accused in any court-martial or administrative separation proceeding shall be a member in good standing with, and authorized to practice law by, the bar of a Federal court or of the bar of the highest court of a State, or a lawyer otherwise authorized by a recognized licensing authority to practice law and found by [[Page 68403]] the military judge to be qualified to represent the accused. (e)(1) Generally, the JAG relies on the licensing authority granting the certification or privilege to practice law to define the phrase ``good standing.'' However, as circumstances require, the JAG may, instead, use separate criteria to determine compliance. At a minimum, ``good standing'' means the individual: (i) Is subject to the jurisdiction's disciplinary review process; (ii) Has not been suspended or disbarred from the practice of law within the jurisdiction; (iii) Is current in the payment of all required fees; (iv) Has met applicable continuing legal education requirements that the jurisdiction has imposed (or the cognizant authority has waived); and (v) Has met such other requirements as the cognizant authority has set for eligibility to practice law. So long as these conditions are met, a covered USG attorney may be ``inactive'' as to the practice of law within a particular jurisdiction and still be ``in good standing'' for purposes of subpart B of this part. (2) Rule for Court-Martial 502(d)(3)(A) requires that any civilian defense counsel representing an accused in a court-martial be a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the bar of the highest court of a State. This civilian defense counsel qualification only has meaning if the attorney is a member ``in good standing,'' and is then authorized to practice law within that jurisdiction. See United States v. Waggoner, 22 M.J. 692 (AFCMR 1986). It is appropriate for the military judge, in each and every case, to ensure that a civilian defense counsel is qualified to represent the accused. (3) Failure of a judge advocate to comply with the requirements of subpart B of this part may result in professional disciplinary action as provided for in this rule, loss of certification under Articles 26 and/or 27(b), UCMJ, adverse entries in military service records, and administrative separation under SECNAVINST 1920.6 (series) based on the officer's failure to maintain professional qualifications. In the case of civil service and contracted civilian attorneys practicing under the JAG's cognizance and supervision, failure to maintain good standing or otherwise to comply with the requirements of subpart B of this part may result in adverse administrative action under applicable personnel regulations, including termination of employment. (4) A covered USG attorney need only remain in good standing in one jurisdiction. If admitted to the practice of law in more than one jurisdiction, however, and any jurisdiction commences disciplinary action against or disciplines, suspends or disbars the covered USG attorney from the practice of law, the covered USG attorney must so advise the JAG. (5) An essential time to verify that a judge advocate is currently in good standing is upon accession. Other appropriate times for verification are before a judge advocate is promoted to a higher grade, detailed to a new command, or assigned to duties where there is a statutory requirement to be a member of the bar, such as a military judge per 10 U.S.C. 826(b). The JAG, the SJA to CMC, or any other supervisory attorney may need to verify the professional qualifications of a judge advocate, either periodically or on an occasional basis. JAGINST 5803.2 (series) establishes a biennial requirement for all covered attorneys to provide proof of good standing. (6) Certification by the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces that a judge advocate is in good standing with that court will not satisfy the requirement of this section, since such status is normally dependent on Article 27, UCMJ, certification. Sec. Sec. 776.72-776.75 [Reserved] Subpart C--Complaint Processing Procedures Sec. 776.76 Policy. (a) It is JAG's policy to investigate and resolve, expeditiously and fairly, all allegations of professional impropriety lodged against covered attorneys under JAG supervision. (b) Rules Counsel approval will be obtained before conducting any preliminary inquiry or formal investigation into an alleged violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (subpart B of this part) or the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct (Code of Judicial Conduct). The Rules Counsel will notify the JAG prior to the commencement of any preliminary inquiry or investigation. The preliminary inquiry and any subsequent investigation will be conducted according to the procedures set forth in this subpart. Sec. 776.77 Related investigations and actions. Acts or omissions by covered attorneys may constitute professional misconduct, criminal misconduct, poor performance of duty, or a combination of all three. Care must be taken to characterize appropriately the nature of a covered attorney's conduct to determine who may and properly should take official action. (a) Questions of legal ethics and professional misconduct by covered attorneys are within the exclusive province of the JAG. Ethical or professional misconduct will not be attributed to any covered attorney in any official record without a final JAG determination, made in accordance with this part that such misconduct has occurred. (b) Criminal misconduct is properly addressed by the covered USG attorney's commander through the disciplinary process provided under the UCMJ and implementing regulations, or through referral to appropriate civil authority. (c) Poor performance of duty is properly addressed by the covered USG attorney's reporting senior through a variety of administrative actions, including documentation in fitness reports or employee appraisals. (d) Prior JAG approval is not required to investigate allegations of criminal conduct or poor performance of duty involving covered attorneys. When, however, investigations into criminal conduct or poor performance reveal conduct that constitutes a violation of this part or of the Code of Judicial Conduct in the case of judges, such conduct shall be reported to the Rules Counsel immediately. (e) Generally, professional responsibility complaints will be processed in accordance with this part upon receipt. Rules Counsel may, however, on a case-by-case basis, delay such processing to await the outcome of pending related criminal, administrative, or investigative proceedings. (f) Nothing in this part prevents a military judge or other appropriate official from removing a covered attorney from acting in a particular court-martial or prevents the JAG, the SJA to CMC, or the appropriate official from reassigning a covered attorney to different duties prior to, during, or subsequent to proceedings conducted under the provision of this part. Sec. 776.78 Informal complaints. Informal, anonymous, or ``hot line'' type complaints alleging professional misconduct must be referred to the appropriate authority (such as the JAG Inspector General or the concerned supervisory attorney) for inquiry. Such complaints are not, by themselves, cognizable under this subpart but may, if reasonably confirmed, be the basis of [[Page 68404]] a formal complaint described in Sec. 776.79 of this part. Sec. 776.79 The formal complaint. (a) The formal complaint shall: (1) Be in writing and be signed by the complainant; (2) State that the complainant has personal knowledge, or has otherwise received reliable information indicating, that: (i) The covered attorney concerned is, or has been, engaged in misconduct that demonstrates a lack of integrity, that constitutes a violation of this part or the Code of Judicial Conduct or a failure to meet the ethical standards of the profession; or (ii) The covered attorney concerned is ethically, professionally, or morally unqualified to perform his or her duties; and (3) Contain a complete, factual statement of the acts or omissions constituting the substance of the complaint, as well as a description of any attempted resolution with the covered attorney concerned. Supporting statements, if any, should be attached to the complaint. (b) A complaint may be initiated by any person, including the Administrative Law Division of the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) Administrative Law Division (Code 13) or the Judge Advocate Research and Civil Law Branch, Office of the SJA to CMC, HQMC (JAR). Sec. 776.80 Initial screening. (a) Complaints involving conduct of a Navy or Marine Corps trial or appellate judge shall be forwarded to OJAG (Code 05). All other complaints shall be forwarded to OJAG (Code 13) or, in cases involving Marine Corps judge advocates or civil service and contracted civilian attorneys who perform legal services under the cognizance and supervision of the SJA to CMC, to JAR. In cases involving Marine judge advocates, including trial and appellate judges, where the SJA to CMC is not the Rules Counsel, the cognizant Rules Counsel will notify the SJA to CMC when a complaint is received. (b) OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and JAR shall log all formal complaints received and will ensure a copy of the complaint and allied papers is provided to the covered attorney who is the subject of the complaint. Service of the formal complaint and other materials on the covered attorney must be accomplished through personal service or registered/certified mail sent to the covered attorney's last known address reflected in official Navy and Marine Corps records or in the records of the state bar(s) that licensed the attorney to practice law. The covered attorney's supervisory attorney must also be provided notice of the complaint. (c) The covered attorney concerned may elect to provide an initial statement, normally within ten calendar days from receipt, regarding the complaint for the Rules Counsel's consideration. The covered attorney will promptly inform OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), or JAR if he or she intends to submit any such statement. At this screening stage, forwarding of the complaint to the Rules Counsel will not be unduly delayed to await the covered attorney's submission. (d) The cognizant Rules Counsel shall initially review the complaint, and any statement submitted by the covered attorney complained of, to determine whether it complies with the requirements set forth in paragraph (4) of this section. The Rules Counsel is not required to delay the initial review of the complaint awaiting the covered attorney's submission. (1) Complaints that do not comply with the requirements may be returned to the complainant for correction or completion, and resubmission to OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), or JAR. If the complaint is not corrected or completed and resubmitted within 30 days of the date of its return, the Rules Counsel may close the file without further action. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and JAR will maintain copies of all correspondence relating to the return and resubmission of a complaint, and shall notify the covered attorney concerned, as well as the supervisory attorney, if and when the Rules Counsel takes action to close the file. (2) Complaints that comply with the requirements shall be further reviewed by the cognizant Rules Counsel to determine whether the complaint establishes probable cause to believe that a violation of subpart B of this part or Code of Judicial Conduct has occurred. (e) The cognizant Rules Counsel shall close the file without further action if the complaint does not establish probable cause to believe a violation has occurred. The Rules Counsel shall notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and the supervisory attorney, that the file has been closed. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and JAR will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. (f) The cognizant Rules Counsel may close the file if there is a determination that the complaint establishes probable cause but the violation is of a minor or technical nature appropriately addressed through corrective counseling. The Rules Counsel shall report any such decision, to include a brief summary of the case, to the JAG. (In cases relating to Marine judge advocates, including trial and appellate judges, in which the SJA to CMC is not the cognizant Rules Counsel, an information copy shall be forwarded to the SJA to CMC.) The Rules Counsel shall ensure the covered attorney concerned receives appropriate counseling and shall notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and the supervisory attorney that the file has been closed. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and JAR will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. The covered attorney concerned is responsible, under these circumstances, to determine if his or her Federal, state, or local licensing authority requires reporting of such action. Sec. 776.81 Forwarding the complaint. (a) If the Rules Counsel determines there is probable cause to believe that a violation of subpart B of this part or of the Code of Judicial Conduct has occurred, and the violation is not of a minor or technical nature, the Rules Counsel shall notify the JAG. (In cases relating to Marine Corps judge advocates, including trial and appellate judges, in which the SJA to CMC is not the cognizant Rules Counsel, the SJA to CMC shall also be notified.) The Rules Counsel shall forward the complaint and any allied papers, as follows: (1) In cases involving a military trial judge, if practicable, to a covered attorney with experience as a military trial judge (normally senior to and of the same Service (Navy or Marine Corps) as the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case) and assign the officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter; (2) In cases involving a military appellate judge, if practicable, to a covered attorney with experience as a military appellate judge (normally senior to and of the same Service (Navy or Marine Corps) as the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case) and assign the officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter; (3) In all other cases, to such covered attorney as the cognizant Rules Counsel may designate (normally senior to the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case), and assign the officer to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter. (b) The Rules Counsel shall provide notice of the complaint (if not [[Page 68405]] previously informed) as well as notice of the preliminary inquiry: (1) To the covered attorney against whom the complaint is made as well as the supervisory attorney; (2) In cases involving a covered USG attorney on active duty or in civilian Federal service, to the commanding officer, or equivalent, of the covered USG attorney concerned; (3) In cases involving Navy or Marine Corps judge advocates serving in Naval Legal Service Command (NLSC) units, to Commander, NLSC; (4) In cases involving Navy attorneys serving in Marine Corps units, involving Marine Corps attorneys serving in Navy units, or involving Marine Corps trial and appellate judges, to the SJA to CMC (Attn: JAR); (5) In cases involving trial or appellate court judges, to either the Chief Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary or Chief Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, as appropriate; and (6) In cases involving covered attorneys certified by the Judge Advocates General/Chief Counsel of the other uniformed services, to the appropriate military service attorney discipline section. Sec. 776.82 Interim suspension. (a) Where the Rules Counsel determines there is probable cause to believe that a covered attorney has committed misconduct and poses a substantial threat of irreparable harm to his or her clients or the orderly administration of military justice, the Rules Counsel shall so advise the JAG. Examples of when a covered attorney may pose a ``substantial threat of irreparable harm'' include, but are not limited to: (1) When charged with the commission of a crime which involves moral turpitude or reflects adversely upon the covered attorney's fitness to practice law, and where substantial evidence exists to support the charge; (2) When engaged in the unauthorized practice of law (e.g., failure to maintain good standing in accordance with Sec. 776.71 of this part); or (3) Where unable to represent client interests competently. (b) Upon receipt of information from the Rules Counsel, JAG may order the covered attorney to show cause why he or she should not face interim suspension, pending completion of a professional responsibility investigation. The covered attorney shall have 10 calendar days in which to respond. Notice of the show cause order shall be provided as outlined in Sec. 776.81(b) of this part. (c) If an order to show cause has been issued under paragraph (b) of this section, and the period for response has passed without a response, or after consideration of any response and finding sufficient evidence demonstrating probable cause to believe that the covered attorney is guilty of misconduct and poses a substantial threat of irreparable harm to his or her client or the orderly administration of military justice, the JAG may direct an interim suspension of the covered attorney's certification under Articles 26(b) or 27(b), UCMJ, or R.C.M. 502(d)(3), or the authority to provide legal assistance, pending the results of the investigation and final action under this part. Notice of such action shall be provided as outlined in Sec. 776.81(b) of this part. (d) Within 10 days of the JAG's decision to impose an interim suspension, the covered attorney may request an opportunity to be heard before an impartial officer designated by the JAG. Where so requested, that opportunity will be scheduled within 10 calendar days of the request. The designated officer shall receive any information that the covered attorney chooses to submit on the limited issue of whether to continue the interim suspension. The designated officer shall submit a recommendation to the JAG within 5 calendar days of conclusion. (e) A covered attorney may, based upon a claim of changed circumstances or newly discovered evidence, petition for dissolution or amendment of the JAG's imposition of interim suspension. (f) Any professional responsibility investigation involving a covered attorney who has been suspended pursuant to subpart B of this part shall proceed and be concluded without appreciable delay. However, the JAG may determine it necessary to await completion of a related criminal investigation or proceeding, or completion of a professional responsibility action initiated by other licensing authorities. In such cases, the JAG shall cause the Rules Counsel to so notify the covered attorney under interim suspension as well as those officials outlined in Sec. 776.81(b) of this part. Where necessary, continuation of the interim suspension shall be reviewed by the JAG every 6 months. Sec. 776.83 Preliminary inquiry. (a) The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is to determine whether, in the opinion of the officer appointed to conduct the preliminary inquiry (PIO), the questioned conduct occurred and, if so, whether the preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that such conduct constitutes a violation of subpart B of this part or the Code of Judicial Conduct. The PIO is to recommend appropriate action in cases of substantiated violations. (b) Upon receipt of the complaint, the PIO shall promptly investigate the allegations, generally following the format and procedures set forth in the Manual of the Judge Advocate General (JAGMAN) for the conduct of command investigations. Reports of relevant investigations by other authorities including, but not limited to, the command, the Inspector General, and State licensing authorities should be used. The PIO should also: (1) Identify and obtain sworn affidavits or statements from all relevant and material witnesses to the extent practicable; (2) Identify, gather, and preserve all other relevant and material evidence; and (3) Provide the covered attorney concerned an opportunity to review all evidence, affidavits, and statements collected and a reasonable period of time (normally not exceeding 10 calendar days) to submit a written statement or any other written material that the covered attorney wishes considered. (c) The PIO may appoint and use such assistants as may be necessary to conduct the preliminary inquiry. (d) The PIO shall personally review the results of the preliminary inquiry to determine whether, by a preponderance of the evidence, a violation of subpart B of this part or of the Code of Judicial Conduct has occurred. (1) If the PIO determines that no violation has occurred or that the violation is minor or technical in nature and warrants only corrective counseling, then he or she may recommend that the file be closed. (2) If the PIO determines by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation did occur, and that corrective action greater than counseling may be warranted, he or she shall: (i) Draft a list of substantiated violations of these Rules of Professional Conduct or the Code of Judicial Conduct; (ii) Recommend appropriate action; and (iii) Forward the preliminary inquiry to the Rules Counsel, providing copies to the covered attorney concerned and the supervisory attorney. (e) The Rules Counsel shall review all preliminary inquiries. If the report is determined by the Rules Counsel to be incomplete, the Rules Counsel shall return it to the PIO, or to another inquiry officer, for further or [[Page 68406]] supplemental inquiry. If the report is complete, then: (1) If the Rules Counsel determines, either consistent with the PIO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the report, that a violation of this part has not occurred and that further action is not warranted, the Rules Counsel shall close the file and notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and all officials previously provided notice of the complaint. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and/or JAR, as appropriate, will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. (2) If the Rules Counsel determines, either consistent with a PIO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the report, that a violation of subpart B of this part has occurred but that the violation is of a minor or technical nature, then the Rules Counsel may determine that corrective counseling is appropriate and close the file. The Rules Counsel shall report any such decision, to include a brief summary of the case, to the JAG. The Rules Counsel shall ensure that the covered attorney concerned receives appropriate counseling and shall notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and all officials previously provided notice of the complaint that the file has been closed. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and/or JAR, as appropriate, will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. The covered attorney concerned is responsible, under these circumstances, to determine if his or her Federal, state, or local licensing authority requires reporting such action. (3) If the Rules Counsel determines, either consistent with a PIO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the report, that further professional discipline or corrective action may be warranted, the Rules Counsel shall notify the JAG and take the following action: (i) In cases involving a military trial judge, if practicable, forward the recommendation to a covered attorney with experience as a military trial judge (normally senior to and of the same Service (Navy or Marine Corps) as the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case) and assign the officer to conduct an ethics investigation into the matter (see R.C.M. 109 of the Manual for Courts-Martial); (ii) In cases involving a military appellate judge, forward the recommendation to a covered attorney with experience as a military appellate judge (normally senior to and of the same Service (Navy or Marine Corps) as the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case) and assign the officer to conduct an ethics investigation into the matter (see R.C.M. 109 of the Manual for Courts- Martial); or (iii) In all other cases, assign a covered attorney (normally senior to the covered attorney complained of and not previously involved in the case) to conduct an ethics investigation. Sec. 776.84 Ethics investigation. (a) When an ethics investigation is initiated, the covered attorney concerned shall be so notified, in writing, by the Rules Counsel. Notice of such action shall also be provided as outlined in Sec. 776.81(b) of this part. (b) The covered attorney concerned will be provided written notice of the following rights in connection with the ethics investigation: (1) To request a hearing before the investigating officer (IO); (2) To inspect all evidence gathered; (3) To present written or oral statements or materials for consideration; (4) To call witnesses at his or her own expense (local military witnesses should be made available at no cost); (5) To be assisted by counsel (see paragraph (c) of this section); (6) To challenge the IO for cause (such challenges must be made in writing and sent to the Rules Counsel via the challenged officer); and (7) To waive any or all of these rights. Failure to affirmatively elect any of the rights included in this section shall be deemed a waiver by the covered attorney. (c) If a hearing is requested, the covered attorney may be represented by counsel at the hearing. Such counsel may be: (1) A civilian attorney retained at no expense to the Government; or, (2) In the case of a covered USG attorney, another USG attorney: (i) Detailed by the cognizant Naval Legal Service Office (NLSO), (or Defense Services Office (DSO), effective October 1, 2012), Law Center, or Legal Service Support Section (LSSS); or (ii) Requested by the covered attorney concerned, if such counsel is deemed reasonably available in accordance with the provisions regarding individual military counsel set forth in Chapter I of the JAGMAN. There is no right to detailed counsel if requested counsel is made available. (d) If a hearing is requested, the IO will conduct the hearing after reasonable notice to the covered attorney concerned. The hearing will not be unreasonably delayed. The hearing is not adversarial in nature and there is no right to subpoena witnesses. Rules of evidence do not apply. The covered attorney concerned or his or her counsel may question witnesses that appear. The proceedings shall be recorded but no transcript of the hearing need be made. Evidence gathered during, or subsequent to, the preliminary inquiry and such additional evidence as may be offered by the covered attorney shall be considered. (e) The IO may appoint and use such assistants as may be necessary to conduct the ethics investigation. (f) The IO shall prepare a report which summarizes the evidence, to include information presented at any hearing. (1) If the IO believes that no violation has occurred or, by clear and convincing evidence, that the violation has occurred but the violation is minor or technical in nature and warrants only corrective counseling, then he or she may recommend that the file be closed. (2) If the IO believes by clear and convincing evidence that a violation did occur, and that corrective action greater than counseling is warranted, he or she shall: (i) Modify, as necessary, the list of substantiated violations of this part or, in the case of a military trial or appellate judge, the Code of Judicial Conduct; (ii) Recommend appropriate action; and (iii) Forward the ethics investigation to the Rules Counsel with a copy to the attorney investigated. (g) The Rules Counsel shall review all ethics investigations. If the report is determined by the Rules Counsel to be incomplete, the Rules Counsel shall return it to the IO, or to another inquiry officer, for further or supplemental inquiry. If the report is complete, then: (1) If the Rules Counsel determines, either consistent with the IO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the investigation, that a violation of subpart B of this part or Code of Judicial Conduct has not occurred and that further action is not warranted, the Rules Counsel shall close the file and notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and all officials previously notified of the complaint. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13) and/or JAR, as appropriate, will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. (2) If the Rules Counsel determines, either consistent with the IO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the investigation, that a violation of this part or Code of Judicial Conduct has occurred but that the violation is of a minor or technical nature, then the [[Page 68407]] Rules Counsel may determine that corrective counseling is appropriate and close the file. The Rules Counsel shall report any such decision, to include a brief summary of the case, to the JAG. (In cases relating to Marine judge advocates, including trial and appellate judges, in which the SJA to CMC is not the cognizant Rules Counsel, an information copy shall be forwarded to the SJA to CMC.) The Rules Counsel shall ensure that the covered attorney concerned receives appropriate counseling and shall notify the complainant, the covered attorney concerned, and all officials previously notified of the complaint that the file has been closed. OJAG (Code 05), OJAG (Code 13), and/or JAR, as appropriate, will maintain copies of all correspondence related to the closing of the file. The covered attorney concerned is responsible, under these circumstances, to determine if his or her Federal, state, or local licensing authority requires reporting such action. (3) If the Rules Counsel believes, either consistent with the IO recommendation or through the Rules Counsel's own review of the inquiry report, that professional disciplinary action greater than corrective counseling is warranted, the Rules Counsel shall forward the investigation, with recommendations as to appropriate disposition, to the JAG. (In cases relating to Marine judge advocates, including trial and appellate judges, in which the SJA to CMC is not the cognizant Rules Counsel, an information copy shall be forwarded to the SJA to CMC.) Sec. 776.85 Effect of separate proceeding. (a) For purposes of this section, the term ``separate proceeding'' includes, but is not limited to, court-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative board, or similar civilian or military proceeding. (b) In cases in which a covered attorney is determined, at a separate proceeding determined by the Rules Counsel to afford procedural protection equal to that provided by a preliminary inquiry under this part, to have committed misconduct that forms the basis for ethics charges under this part, the Rules Counsel may dispense with the preliminary inquiry and proceed directly with an ethics investigation. (c) In those cases in which a covered attorney is determined to have committed misconduct at a separate proceeding which the Rules Counsel determines has afforded procedural protection equal to that provided by an ethics investigation under this part, the previous determination regarding the underlying misconduct is res judicata with respect to that issue during an ethics investigation. A subsequent ethics investigation based on such misconduct shall afford the covered attorney a hearing into whether the underlying misconduct constitutes a violation of subpart B of this part, whether the violation affects his or her fitness to practice law, and what sanctions, if any, are appropriate. (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) in this section, the Rules Counsel may dispense with the preliminary inquiry and ethics investigation and, after affording the covered attorney concerned written notice and an opportunity to be heard in writing, recommend to the JAG that the covered attorney concerned be disciplined under this part when the covered attorney has been: (1) Decertified or suspended from the practice of law or otherwise subjected to professional responsibility discipline by the JAG or Chief Counsel of another Military Department; (2) Disbarred or suspended from the practice of law or otherwise subjected to professional responsibility discipline by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces or by any Federal, State, or local bar; or (3) Convicted of a felony (or any offense punishable by one year or more of imprisonment) in a civilian or military court that, in the opinion of the Rules Counsel, renders the attorney unqualified or incapable of properly or ethically representing the DoN or a client when the Rules Counsel has determined that the attorney was afforded procedural protection equal to that provided by an ethics investigation under this part. Sec. 776.86 Action by the Judge Advocate General. (a) The JAG is not bound by the recommendation rendered by the Rules Counsel, IO, PIO, or any other interested party, but will base any action on the record as a whole. Nothing in this part limits the JAG's authority to suspend from the practice of law in DoN matters any covered attorney alleged or found to have committed professional misconduct or violated subpart B of this part, either in DoN or civilian proceedings, as detailed in this part. (b) The JAG may, but is not required to, refer any case to the Professional Responsibility Committee for an advisory opinion on interpretation of subpart B of this part or its application to the facts of a particular case. (c) Upon receipt of the ethics investigation, and any requested advisory opinion, the JAG will take such action as the JAG considers appropriate in the JAG's sole discretion. The JAG may, for example: (1) Direct further inquiry into specified areas. (2) Determine the allegations are unfounded, or that no further action is warranted, and direct the Rules Counsel to make appropriate file entries and notify the complainant, covered attorney concerned, and all officials previously notified of the complaint. (3) Determine the allegations are supported by clear and convincing evidence, and take appropriate corrective action including, but not limited to: (i) Limiting the covered attorney to practice under direct supervision of a supervisory attorney; (ii) Limiting the covered attorney to practice in certain areas or forbidding him or her from practice in certain areas; (iii) Suspending or revoking, for a specified or indefinite period, the covered attorney's authority to provide legal assistance; (iv) Finding that the misconduct so adversely affects the covered attorney's ability to practice law in the naval service or so prejudices the reputation of the DoN legal community, the administration of military justice, the practice of law under the cognizance of the JAG, or the armed services as a whole, that certification under Article 27(b), UCMJ, or R.C.M. 502(d)(3), should be suspended or is no longer appropriate, and directing such certification to be suspended for a prescribed or indefinite period or permanently revoked; (v) In the case of a judge, finding that the misconduct so prejudices the reputation of military trial and/or appellate judges that certification under Article 26(b), UCMJ (10 U.S.C. 826(b)), should be suspended or is no longer appropriate, and directing such certification to be suspended for a prescribed or indefinite period or to be permanently revoked; and (vi) Directing the Rules Counsel to contact appropriate authorities such as the Chief of Naval Personnel or the Commandant of the Marine Corps so that pertinent entries in appropriate DoN records may be made; notifying the complainant, covered attorney concerned, and any officials previously provided copies of the complaint; and notifying appropriate tribunals and authorities of any action taken to suspend, decertify, or limit the practice of a covered attorney as counsel before courts-martial or the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals, administrative boards, as a legal [[Page 68408]] assistance attorney, or in any other legal proceeding or matter conducted under JAG cognizance and supervision. Sec. 776.87 Finality. Any action taken by the JAG is final. Sec. 776.88 Report to licensing authorities. Upon determination by the JAG that a violation of subpart B of this part or the Code of Judicial Conduct has occurred, the JAG may cause the Rules Counsel to report that fact to the Federal, State, or local bar or other licensing authority of the covered attorney concerned. If so reported, notice to the covered attorney shall be provided by the Rules Counsel. This decision in no way diminishes a covered attorney's responsibility to report adverse professional disciplinary action as required by the attorney's Federal, State, and local bar or other licensing authority. Subpart D--Outside Practice of Law by Covered USG Attorneys Sec. 776.89 Background. (a) A covered USG attorney's primary professional responsibility is to the DoN, and he or she is expected to devote the required level of time and effort to satisfactorily accomplish assigned duties. Covered USG attorneys engaged in the outside practice of law, including while on terminal leave, must comply with local bar rules governing professional responsibility and conduct and obtain proper authorization from the JAG as required by Sec. Sec. 776.57 and 776.88 of this part. (b) Outside employment of DoN personnel, both military and civilian, is limited by the UCMJ, MCM, and 10 U.S.C. 1044. A covered USG attorney may not provide compensated legal services, while working in a private capacity, to persons who are eligible for legal assistance, unless specifically authorized by the JAG. See Sec. 776.24. Because of the appearance of misuse of public office for private gain, this prohibition is based upon the status of the proposed client and applies whether or not the services provided are actually available in a DoN/DoD legal assistance office. (c) Additionally, DoN officers and employees are prohibited by 18 U.S.C. 209 from receiving pay or allowances from any source other than the United States for the performance of any official service or duty unless specifically authorized by law. Furthermore, 18 U.S.C. 203 and 205 prohibit Federal officers and employees from personally representing or receiving, directly or indirectly, compensation for representing any other person before any Federal agency or court on matters in which the United States is a party or has an interest. (d) These limitations are particularly significant when applied to covered USG attorneys who intend to engage concurrently in a civilian law practice. In such a situation, the potential is high for actual or apparent conflict arising from the mere opportunity to obtain clients through contacts in the course of official business. Unique conflicts or adverse appearances may also develop because of a covered USG attorney's special ethical responsibilities and loyalties. Sec. 776.90 Definition. (a) Outside practice of law is defined as any provision of legal advice, counsel, assistance or representation, with or without compensation, that is not performed pursuant or incident to duties as a covered USG attorney (including while on terminal leave). Occasional uncompensated assistance rendered to relatives or friends is excluded from this definition (unless otherwise limited by statute or regulation). Teaching a law course as part of a program of education or training offered by an institution of higher education is not practicing law for purposes of this rule. (b) The requirement to seek permission prior to engaging in the outside practice of law does not apply to non-USG attorneys, or to Reserve or Retired judge advocates unless serving on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days. Sec. 776.91 Policy. (a) As a general rule, the JAG will not approve requests by covered USG attorneys to practice law in association with attorneys or firms which represent clients with interests adverse to the DoN. (b) The JAG's approval of a particular request does not constitute DoN certification of the requesting attorney's qualifications to engage in the proposed practice or DoN endorsement of activities undertaken after such practice begins. Moreover, because any outside law practice is necessarily beyond the scope of a covered USG attorney's official duties, the requesting attorney should consider obtaining personal malpractice insurance coverage. Sec. 776.92 Action. (a) Covered USG attorneys, who contemplate engaging in the outside practice of law, including while on terminal leave, must first obtain approval from the JAG. Requests should be forwarded in the form prescribed in Sec. 776.94 of this part to OJAG (Code 05), JAG (Code 13), or JAR, as appropriate, via the attorney's chain of command. (b) The requesting attorney's commanding officer may: (1) Disapprove and return the request if he or she perceives actual or apparent conflicts of interests; (2) Recommend disapproval of the request and forward it, along with his or her rationale for such a recommendation; or (3) Forward the request recommending approval and providing such other information as may be relevant. (c) The JAG will review the request and advise applicants in writing of the decision, and of any conditions and limitations under which a particular practice may be undertaken. Until permission is granted, applicants will not commence any outside law practice. Sec. 776.93 Revalidation. (a) Covered USG attorneys to whom permission is given to engage in the outside practice of law will notify the JAG in writing, via their chain of command, within 30 days of any material change in: (1) The nature or scope of the outside practice described in their requests, including termination, or (2) Their DoN assignment or responsibilities. (b) Covered USG attorneys to whom permission is given to engage in the outside practice of law will annually resubmit an application to continue the practice, with current information, by October 1 each year. Sec. 776.94 Outside Law Practice Questionnaire and Request. DATE From: (Attorney Requesting Outside Practice of Law) To: Deputy Chief Judge, Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary/Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General (Administrative Law)/Head, Judge Advocate Research and Civil Law Branch, Judge Advocate Division Via: (Chain of Command) Subj: OUTSIDE PRACTICE OF LAW REQUEST ICO (Name of attorney) 1. Background Data a. Name, rank/pay grade: b. Current command and position: c. Description of duties and responsibilities (including collateral duty assignments): d. Describe any DoN responsibilities that require you to act officially in any way with respect to any matters in which your anticipated outside employer or clients have interests: [[Page 68409]] e. Normal DoN working hours: 2. Proposed Outside Practice of Law Information a. Mailing address and phone number: b. Working hours: c. Number of hours per month: d. Description of proposed practice (indicate the type of clientele you anticipate serving, as well as the type of work that you will perform): e. Describe whether you will be a sole practitioner, or collocated, renting from, or otherwise affiliated or associated in any matter with other attorneys: f. Describe, in detail, any anticipated representation of any client before the United States or in any matter in which the United States has an interest: g. Describe the manner in which you will be compensated (hourly, by case, fixed salary, and how much of your fees will be related in any way to any representational services before the Federal Government by yourself or by another): h. Provide a description of any military-related work to which your proposed practice may be applied including, but not limited to, courts- martial, administrative discharge boards, claims against the Department of the Navy, and so forth: 3. Attorneys With Whom Outside Practice Is/Will Be Affiliated, Collocated, or Otherwise Associated a. Identify the type of organization with which you will be affiliated (sole practitioner, partnership, and so forth), the number of attorneys in the firm, and the names of the attorneys with whom you will be working: b. Identify the attorneys in the firm who are associated in any way with the military legal community (e.g., active, Reserve, or retired judge advocate), and specify their relationship to any of the military services: c. Identify the nature of your affiliation with the organization with which you intend to be associated (staff attorney, partner, associate, space-sharing, rental arrangement, other): d. Provide a brief description of the type of legal practice engaged in by the organization with which you intend to affiliate, including a general description of the practice, as well as the clientele: e. Describe the clientele who are military personnel or their dependents, and the number and type of cases handled: f. Describe whether your affiliates will refer clients to you, and the anticipated frequency of referral: g. Describe (1) Whether your associates will assist or represent clients with interests adverse to the United States or in matters in which the United States has an interest: (2) Those clients, matters, and interests in detail: (3) What support will you provide in such cases: (4) What compensation, in any form, you will receive related to such cases: 4. Desired Date of Commencement of Outside Practice a. Identify if this is your first request or an annual submission for re-approval: b. If this is an annual submission, indicate when your outside practice began: c. If this is your first request, indicate when you wish to begin your practice: 5. Conflicts of Interest and Professional Conduct (Include the following statement in your request) ``I certify that I have read and understand my obligations under enclosure (3) to JAGINST 5803.1 (series), DOD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, JAGMAN Chapter VII, the Legal Assistance Manual, and Title 18, U.S.C. 203, 205, and 209. I certify that no apparent or actual conflict of interests or professional improprieties are presented by my proposed initiation/continuation of an outside law practice. I also certify that if an apparent conflict of interest or impropriety arises during such outside practice, I will report the circumstances to my supervisory attorney immediately.'' 6. Privacy Act Statement. I understand that the preceding information is gathered per the Privacy Act as follows: Authority: Information is solicited per Executive Order 12731 and DOD 5500.7-R. Primary purpose: To determine whether outside employment presents conflicts of interest with official duties. Routine use: Information will be treated as sensitive and used to determine propriety of outside employment. Disclosure: Disclosure is voluntary. Failure to provide the requested information will preclude the Judge Advocate General from approving your outside practice of law request. Signature Subpart E--Relations With Non-USG Counsel Sec. 776.95 Relations with Non-USG Counsel. (a) This part applies to non-USG attorneys representing individuals in any matter for which the JAG is charged with supervising the provision of legal services, including but not limited to, courts- martial, administrative separation boards or hearings, boards of inquiry, and disability evaluation proceedings. Employment of a non-USG attorney by an individual client does not alter the responsibilities of a covered USG attorney to that client. Although a non-USG attorney is individually responsible for adhering to the contents of this part, the covered USG attorney detailed or otherwise assigned to that client shall take reasonable steps to inform the non-USG attorney: (1) Of the contents of this part; (2) That subpart B of this part apply to civilian counsel practicing before military tribunals, courts, boards, or in any legal matter under the supervision of the JAG as a condition of such practice; and (3) That subpart B of this part take precedence over other rules of professional conduct that might otherwise apply, but that the attorney may still be subject to rules and discipline established by the attorney's Federal, state, or local bar association or other licensing authority. (b) If an individual client designates a non-USG attorney as chief counsel, the detailed USG attorney must defer to civilian counsel in any conflict over trial tactics. If, however, the attorneys have ``co- counsel'' status, then conflict in proposed trial tactics requires the client to be consulted to resolve the conflict. (c) If the non-USG attorney has, in the opinion of the involved covered USG attorney, acted or failed to act in a manner which is contrary to subpart B of this part, the matter should be brought to the attention of the civilian attorney. If the matter is not resolved with the civilian counsel, the covered USG attorney should discuss the situation with the supervisory attorney. If not resolved between counsel, the client must be informed of the matter by the covered USG attorney. If, after being apprised of possible misconduct, the client approves of the questioned conduct, the covered USG attorney shall attempt to withdraw from the case in accordance with Sec. 776.35 of this part. The client shall be informed of such intent to withdraw prior to action by the covered USG attorney. [[Page 68410]] Subpart F--[Reserved] Dated: October 16, 2015. N.A. Hagerty-Ford, Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2015-26982 Filed 11-3-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE waiving a potential or actual conflict of Likewise, covered attorneys are bound
interest. Section 776.42 of this part by professional responsibility rules,
Department of the Navy (Candor and obligations toward the such as ABA Rule 8.2, regarding
[No. USN–2013–0011] tribunal) was revised to clearly statements concerning the qualifications
articulate a covered attorney’s and integrity of judges. Military judges,
RIN 0703–AA92 responsibility for false evidence even when not sitting in court, are
presented by a client, witness, or the judges under the Rules, and as such, are
32 CFR Part 776 attorney. Procedural revisions to this entitled to both the respect due their
part included the addition of the Chief commissions and the respect
Professional Conduct of Attorneys
Judge of the Navy as the designated commanded by Rule 8.2, which places
Practicing Under the Cognizance and
Rules Counsel for professional specific limits on covered attorneys
Supervision of the Judge Advocate
responsibility matters involving military regarding statements they make
General
judges, and the removal of the concerning judges.
AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD. requirement to route professional Public confidence in the
ACTION: Final rule. responsibility complaints concerning independence, integrity and impartiality
Marine judge advocates through the of the judiciary will not be served by
SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy General Court-Martial Convening noting that military judges are military
(DoN) is issuing a final rule to comport Authority. Additional commentary and officers performing judicial functions
with current policy as stated in JAG annotation applicable to the Navy JAG’s with limited judicial authority. A
Instruction 5803.1 (Series) governing the Professional Responsibility Rules are professional responsibility rule
professional conduct of attorneys contained in JAG Instruction 5803.1 modification as suggested by the
practicing under the cognizance and (Series), which can be accessed through commentator could explicitly separate
supervision of the Judge Advocate http://www.jag.navy.mil. the military officer from the office he or
General. The rule generally aligns with The revisions to this rule are part of she holds as a military judge thus
the American Bar Association Model the Department of Defense (DoD) creating a perception that a judge could
Rules of Professional Conduct. retrospective plan under E.O. 13563 be subject to pressure or inappropriate
DATES: This rule is effective December 4, completed in August 2011. DoD’s full criticism outside an ongoing court-
2015. plan can be accessed at http:// martial. The rules seek to maintain a
www.regulations.gov/ separate and distinct place for judicial
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
#!docketDetail;D=DOD-2011-OS-0036. officers that does not cease with the
Commander Noreen A. Hagerty-Ford,
JAGC, U.S. Navy, Office of the Judge Public Comment Summary referral and conclusion of a court-
Advocate General (Administrative Law), The proposed rule received one martial and require that a judge be and
Department of the Navy, 1322 Patterson public comment in three parts. appear impartial, fair, and appropriate
Ave., SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Following is a summary of the comment in decorum while avoiding an abuse of
Yard, DC 20374–5066, telephone: 703– and our response. the prestige of the judicial office. We
614–7408. Comment: The first part of the note that the comment suggests the rules
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DoN comment is in regard to the judicial contain adequate guidance without
published a proposed rule at 78 FR function and the appearance of marginalizing the authority and
25538 on May 1, 2013, to revise 32 CFR improper influence. The commenter standing of the judge.
part 776, to comport with current policy recommends that the Rules explicitly The second part of the comment is in
as stated in JAG Instruction 5803.1 acknowledge that military judges do not regard to the special responsibilities of
(Series) governing the professional have any inherent judicial authority trial counsel. The commenter suggests
conduct of attorneys practicing under separate from the court-martial to which that the proposed language perpetuates
the cognizance and supervision of the they have been detailed and when they a misconception regarding the
Judge Advocate General. Accordingly, act, they do so as a court-martial and not relationship between a trial counsel and
the proposed rule amending 32 CFR part as a military judge. a convening authority.
776 is adopted as a final rule with minor Response: We appreciate the Response: We appreciate this
editorial changes. comment; however, military judges comment. As stated in the Executive
remain judges, even when not Summary to the proposed rule,
Executive Summary performing duties associated with a additional commentary is contained in
This final rule serves as an update to particular referred court-martial. For JAG Instruction 5803.1. The concern
the current 32 CFR part 776 and purposes of the Appointments Clause, raised by the comment is appropriately
replaces current regulations. The rule which provided the background upon and adequately addressed in Rule 1.13,
generally aligns with the American Bar which the comment relied, military which clarifies that the trial counsel’s
Association Model Rules of Professional judges are military officers performing client is the DoN, and that the trial
Conduct. In the proposed rule, updates judicial functions. For purposes of the counsel only maintains an attorney-
were made to § 776.25 of this part Canons and the role they fulfill in client relationship with the DoN. The
(Confidentiality of information), military justice, military judges remain comments to Rule 3.8 further emphasize
clarifying when an attorney shall reveal judges. While it may be true that that the trial counsel’s client is the DoN.
confidential information and when such military judges have limited inherent The last part of the comment pertains
disclosure is discretionary. The update judicial authority separate from a court- to the complaint processing procedures.
to this part allowed covered attorneys to martial, this does not diminish their Specifically, the commenter wishes to
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make reasonable disclosures necessary status as judges nor relieve them of the add language regarding appointment of
to ensure compliance with the Rules of requirement at all times to avoid Investigating Officers (IO) using the
Professional Conduct. Section 776.26 of conduct that would call into question words ‘‘neutral and detached’’ since it is
this part (Conflict of interest: General their integrity and impartiality or cause not mentioned that IOs should be
rule) was revised to require that a client the public to question the impartiality of neutral and detached. In addition, the
give informed consent, in writing, when the judiciary. commenter disagrees with JAG not
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being bound by the findings of an Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601) because it 776.30 Successive Government and private
investigation. would not, if promulgated, have a employment.
Response: We appreciate this significant economic impact on a 776.31 Former judge or arbitrator.
comment. As stated in the Executive substantial number of small entities. 776.32 Department of the Navy as client.
Summary to the proposed rule, 776.33 Client with diminished capacity.
Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork 776.34 Safekeeping property.
additional commentary is contained in 776.35 Declining or terminating
JAG Instruction 5803.1. The instruction Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)
representation.
requires investigating officers normally It has been determined that 32 CFR 776.36 Prohibited sexual relations.
be officers who are senior to the part 776 does not impose any reporting 776.37 Advisor.
respondent and who were not or recordkeeping requirements under 776.38 Mediation.
previously involved in the case, which the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 776.39 Evaluation for use by third persons.
adequately ensures an appropriate (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). 776.40 Meritorious claims and contentions.
investigating officer is assigned. The 776.41 Expediting litigation.
complaint process is intended to create Federalism (Executive Order 13132) 776.42 Candor and obligations toward the
an administrative record for the JAG in It has been determined that 32 CFR tribunal.
776.43 Fairness to opposing party and
exercising his authority and part 776 does not have federalism counsel.
responsibility under SECNAVINST implications, as set forth in Executive 776.44 Impartiality and decorum of the
5430.27D for ensuring the ethical and Order 13132. This rule does not have tribunal.
professional practice of covered substantial direct effects on: 776.45 Extra-tribunal statements.
attorneys. Such authority has not been (1) The States; 776.46 Attorney as witness.
delegated to investigating officers. The (2) The relationship between the 776.47 Special responsibilities of a trial
nature of each stage of the investigation National Government and the States; or counsel and other government counsel.
with escalating burdens of proof is (3) The distribution of power and 776.48 Advocate in nonadjudicative
sufficient to provide the JAG with the responsibilities among the various proceedings.
information necessary to make an 776.49 Truthfulness in statements to
levels of government.
others.
informed, independent decision. 776.50 Communication with person
List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 776
Regulatory Procedures represented by counsel.
Rules of Professional Conduct, and 776.51 Dealing with an unrepresented
Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Complaint Processing Procedures. person.
Planning and Review’’ and Executive For the reasons set forth in the 776.52 Respect for rights of third persons.
Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation preamble, revise 32 CFR part 776 to read 776.53 Responsibilities of the Judge
and Regulatory Review’’ as follows: Advocate General and supervisory
attorneys.
It has been determined that 32 CFR 776.54 Responsibilities of a subordinate
part 776 is not a significant regulatory PART 776—PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT OF ATTORNEYS attorney.
action. The rule does not: 776.55 Responsibilities regarding non-
(1) Have an annual effect on the PRACTICING UNDER THE attorney assistants.
economy of $100 million or more or COGNIZANCE AND SUPERVISION OF 776.56 Professional independence of a
adversely affect in a material way the THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL covered USG attorney.
economy, a sector of the economy, 776.57 Unauthorized practice of law.
Subpart A—General
productivity, competition, jobs, the 776.58–776.65 [Reserved]
Sec. 776.66 Bar admission and disciplinary
environment, public health or safety, or
776.1 Purpose. matters.
State, local, or tribal governments or 776.2 Applicability. 776.67 Judicial and legal officers.
communities; 776.3 Policy. 776.68 Reporting professional misconduct.
(2) create a serious inconsistency or 776.4 Attorney-client relationships. 776.69 Misconduct.
otherwise interfere with an action taken 776.5 Judicial conduct. 776.70 Jurisdiction.
or planned by another agency; 776.6 Conflict. 776.71 Requirement to remain in good
(3) materially alter the budgetary 776.7 Reporting requirements. standing with licensing authorities.
impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, 776.8 Professional Responsibility 776.72–776.75 [Reserved]
or loan programs, or the rights and Committee.
776.9 Rules Counsel. Subpart C—Complaint Processing
obligations of recipients thereof; or Procedures
(4) raise novel legal or policy issues 776.10 Informal ethics advice.
arising out of legal mandates, the 776.11 Outside practice of law. 776.76 Policy.
776.12 Maintenance of files. 776.77 Related investigations and actions.
President’s priorities, or the principles 776.13–776.17 [Reserved] 776.78 Informal complaints.
set forth in these Executive Orders. 776.79 The formal complaint.
Subpart B—Rules of Professional Conduct
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Sec. 776.80 Initial screening.
776.18 Preamble. 776.81 Forwarding the complaint.
202, Pub. L. 104–4) 776.19 Principles. 776.82 Interim suspension.
It has been determined that 32 CFR 776.20 Competence. 776.83 Preliminary inquiry.
part 776 does not contain a Federal 776.21 Establishment and scope of 776.84 Ethics investigation.
mandate that may result in the representation. 776.85 Effect of separate proceeding.
expenditure by State, local and tribal 776.22 Diligence. 776.86 Action by the Judge Advocate
governments, in aggregate, or by the 776.23 Communication. General.
776.24 Fees. 776.87 Finality.
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private sector, of $100 million or more 776.25 Confidentiality of information. 776.88 Report to licensing authorities.
in any one year. 776.26 Conflict of interest: General rule.
776.27 Conflict of interests: Prohibited Subpart D—Outside Practice of Law by
Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory Covered USG Attorneys
Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. 601) transactions.
776.28 Conflict of interest: Former client. 776.89 Background.
It has been certified that 32 CFR part 776.29 Imputed disqualification: General 776.90 Definition.
776 is not subject to the Regulatory rule. 776.91 Policy.
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776.92 Action. Marine Corps judge advocates (Military procedures established herein and may
776.93 Revalidation. Occupational Specialty (MOS) 4402 or provide the basis for decisions by the
776.94 Outside Law Practice Questionnaire 9914). JAG regarding the covered attorney’s
and Request. (ii) All active-duty judge advocates of continued qualification to provide legal
Subpart E—Relations with Non-USG other U.S. armed forces who practice services in DoN matters.
Counsel law or provide legal services under the (d) Although subpart B of this part do
776.95 Relations with Non-USG Counsel. cognizance and supervision of the JAG. not apply to non-attorneys, they do
(iii) All civil service and contracted define the type of ethical conduct that
Subpart F [Reserved] civilian attorneys who practice law or the public and the military community
Authority: 10 U.S.C. 806, 806a, 826, 827, perform legal services under the have a right to expect from DoN legal
1044; Manual for Courts-Martial, United cognizance and supervision of the JAG. personnel. Accordingly, Subpart B of
States, 2012; U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990; This includes civilian attorneys this part shall serve as the model of
Department of Defense Instruction 1442.02 employed by the DoN as Executive ethical conduct for the following
(series); Secretary of the Navy Instruction Agent for Combatant Commands, and personnel when involved with the
5430.27 (series), Responsibility of the Judge for whom the JAG serves as the delivery of legal services under the
Advocate General of the Navy and the Staff ‘‘qualifying authority’’ under the
Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the supervision of the JAG:
authority citations. (1) Navy Legalmen and Marine Corps
Marine Corps for Supervision and Provision (iv) All Reserve or Retired judge
of Certain Legal Services. legal administrative officers, legal
advocates of the Navy or Marine Corps service specialists, and legal services
Subpart A—General (and any other U.S. armed force), who, reporters;
while performing official DoN duties,
(2) Limited duty officers (LAW);
§ 776.1 Purpose. practice law, provide legal services
(3) Legal interns; and
In furtherance of the authority under the cognizance and supervision of
the JAG or are serving in non-legal MOS (4) civilian support personnel
citations (which, if not found in local
billets. including paralegals, legal secretaries,
libraries, are available from the Office of
(v) All other attorneys appointed by legal technicians, secretaries, court
the Judge Advocate General, 1322
the JAG (or the Staff Judge Advocate to reporters, and other personnel holding
Patterson Avenue SE., Suite 3000,
the Commandant of the Marine Corps similar positions. Covered USG
Washington Navy Yard DC 20374–
(SJA to CMC) in Marine Corps matters) attorneys who supervise non-attorney
5066), which require the Judge
to serve in billets or to provide legal DON employees are responsible for their
Advocate General of the Navy (JAG) to
services normally provided by Navy or ethical conduct to the extent provided
supervise the performance of legal
Marine Corps judge advocates. This for in § 776.55 of this part.
services under JAG cognizance
throughout the Department of the Navy policy applies to officer and enlisted § 776.3 Policy.
(DoN), this part is promulgated: Reservists, active-duty personnel, and
(a) Covered attorneys shall maintain
(a) To establish Rules of Professional any other personnel who are licensed to
the highest standards of professional
Conduct (subpart B of this part) for practice law by any Federal or state
ethical conduct. Loyalty and fidelity to
attorneys subject to this part; authority but who are not members of
the United States, the law, clients, both
(b) To establish procedures for the Judge Advocate General’s Corps or
institutional and individual, and the
receiving, processing, and taking action who do not hold the 4402 or 9914 MOS
rules and principles of professional
on complaints of professional designation in the Marine Corps.
(vi) All qualified volunteer attorneys ethical conduct set forth in subpart B of
misconduct made against attorneys
that have been certified as legal this part must come before private gain
practicing under the supervision of the
assistance attorneys by the JAG, or his or personal interest.
JAG, whether arising from professional
designee, pursuant to the authority (b) Subpart B of this part and related
legal activities in DoN proceedings and
citations. procedures set forth herein concern
matters, or arising from other, non-U.S.
(2) The following non-U.S. matters solely under the purview of the
Government related professional legal
Government attorneys, referred to JAG. Whether conduct or failure to act
activities or personal misconduct that
collectively as ‘‘covered non-USG constitutes a violation of the
suggests the attorney is ethically,
attorneys’’ throughout this part: professional duties imposed by this part
professionally, or morally unqualified to
(i) All civilian attorneys representing is a matter within the sole discretion of
perform legal services within the DoN;
(c) To prescribe limitations on and individuals in any matter for which the the JAG or officials authorized to act for
procedures for processing requests to JAG is charged with supervising the the JAG. Subpart B of this part are not
engage in the outside practice of law by provision of legal services. These substitutes for, and do not take the place
those DoN attorneys practicing under matters include, but are not limited to, of, other rules and standards governing
the supervision of the JAG; and courts-martial, administrative DoN personnel, such as the Department
(d) To ensure quality legal services at separation boards or hearings, boards of of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation, the
all proceedings under the cognizance inquiry, and disability evaluation Code of Conduct for members of the
and supervision of the JAG. proceedings. Armed Forces, the Uniform Code of
(3) The term ‘‘covered attorney’’ does Military Justice (UCMJ), and the general
§ 776.2 Applicability. not include those civil service or precepts of ethical conduct to which all
(a) This part applies to all ‘‘covered civilian attorneys who practice law or DoN service members and employees
attorneys’’ as defined herein.’’ perform legal services under the are expected to adhere. Similarly, action
taken per this part is not supplanted or
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(b) ‘‘Covered attorneys’’ include: cognizance and supervision of the
(1) The following U.S. Government General Counsel of the Navy. barred by, and does not, even if the
(USG) attorneys, referred to collectively (c) Professional or personal underlying misconduct is the same,
as ‘‘covered USG attorneys’’ throughout misconduct unrelated to a covered supplant or bar the following action
this part: attorney’s DoN activities, while from being taken by authorized officials:
(i) All active-duty Navy judge normally outside the ambit of Subpart B (1) Punitive or disciplinary action
advocates (designator 2500 or 2505) or of this part, may be reviewed under under the UCMJ; or
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(2) Director, Trial Counsel Assistance permission from the JAG. Failure to §§ 776.13–776.17 [Reserved]
Program (TCAP): Trial counsel matters; obtain permission before engaging in the Subpart B—Rules of Professional
(3) Director, Defense Counsel outside practice of law may subject the Conduct
Assistance Program (DCAP): Defense covered USG attorney to administrative
counsel matters; or disciplinary action, including § 776.18 Preamble.
(4) Director, Legal Assistance Division professional sanctions administered per (a) A covered attorney is a
(OJAG Code 16): Legal assistance subpart C of this part. Further details are representative of clients, an officer of
matters; contained in § 776.57 and subpart D of the legal system, an officer of the
(5) The DSJA to CMC and Head,
this part. Federal Government, and a public
Research and Civil Law Branch (JAR),
citizen who has a special responsibility
Judge Advocate (JA) Division, § 776.12 Maintenance of files. for the quality of justice and legal
Headquarters United States Marine
Pursuant to SECNAVINST 5211.5 services provided to the DoN and to
Corps (HQMC): Cases involving Marine
(series) and SECNAVINST 5212.5 individual clients. These Rules of
Corps judge advocates, or civil service
(series) ethics complaint records and Professional Conduct (Subpart B of this
and contracted civilian attorneys who
outside practice of law request files part) govern the ethical conduct of
perform legal services under the
shall be maintained by the Office of the covered attorneys practicing under the
cognizance and supervision of SJA to
Chief Judge, DoN (Code 05) for judicial Uniform Code of Military Justice, the
CMC;
(6) Deputy Chief Judge, Navy-Marine MCM, 10 U.S.C. 1044 (Legal
conduct matters; the Research and Civil
Corps Trial Judiciary: Judicial matters; Assistance), other laws of the United
Law Branch, JA Division, HQMC (JAR)
and States, and regulations of the DoN.
for Marine matters; and the Office of the
(7) Professional Responsibility (b) Subpart B of this part not only
JAG, Administrative Law Division (Code
Coordinator, Administrative Law address the professional conduct of
13) for all other matters.
Division (OJAG Code 13): All other judge advocates, but also apply to all
matters. (a) Requests for access to such records other covered attorneys who practice
(b) Limitation. Informal ethics advice should be referred to the Office of the under the cognizance and supervision of
will not normally be provided by JAG/ Chief Judge, Washington Navy Yard, the Navy JAG.
HQMC advisors concerning professional 1254 Charles Morris Street SE., Suite (c) All covered attorneys are subject to
responsibility matters that are then the 320 Washington, DC, 20374–5124; professional disciplinary action, as
subject of litigation. Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate outlined in this part, for violation of
(c) Written advice. A request for General (Administrative Law), Office of subpart B of this part. Action on
informal advice does not relieve the the Judge Advocate General (Code 13), allegations of professional or personal
requester of the obligation to comply 1322 Patterson Avenue SE Suite 3000, misconduct undertaken per subpart B of
with subpart B of this part. Although Washington Navy Yard, DC, 20374– this part does not prevent other Federal,
covered attorneys are encouraged to 5066; or to Head, Research and Civil state, or local bar associations, or other
seek advice when in doubt as to their Law Branch, Office of the Staff Judge licensing authorities, from taking
responsibilities, they remain personally Advocate to the Commandant of the professional disciplinary or other
accountable for their professional Marine Corps, Headquarters United administrative action for the same or
conduct. If, however, an attorney States Marine Corps, 3000 Marine Corps similar conduct.
receives written advice on an ethical Pentagon (Room 4D556), Washington
matter after full disclosure of all § 776.19 Principles.
DC, 20350–3000, as appropriate.
relevant facts and reasonably relies on Subpart B of this part is based on the
such advice, no adverse action under (b) Local command files regarding following principles. Interpretation of
this part will be taken against the professional responsibility complaints subpart B of this part should flow from
attorney. Written advice may be sought will not be maintained. Commanding their common meaning. To the extent
from either a supervisory attorney or the officers and other supervisory attorneys that any ambiguity or conflict exists,
appropriate advisor in paragraph (a) of may, however, maintain personal files subpart B of this part should be
this section. The JAG is not bound by but must not share their contents with interpreted consistent with these
unwritten advice or by advice provided others. general principles.
by personnel who are not supervisory (c) All records maintained under this (a) Covered attorneys shall:
attorneys or advisors. See §§ 776.8(b)(3) part shall be maintained in accordance (1) Obey the law and applicable
and 776.54(c) of this part. with the following procedures military regulations, and counsel clients
established by JAGINST 5801.2 (series) to do so.
§ 776.11 Outside practice of law.
and DON Privacy Act Notice N05813–1: (2) Follow all applicable ethics rules.
A covered USG attorney’s primary
professional responsibility is to the (3) Protect the legal rights and
(1) Records shall be maintained for a
client, as defined by § 776.4 of this part, interests of clients, organizational and
minimum of two years;
and he or she is expected to ensure that individual.
(2) Records shall be maintained for as (4) Be honest and truthful in all
representation of such client is free from
long as an attorney remains subject to dealings.
conflicts of interest and otherwise
JAG-imposed limitations on practice; (5) Not derive personal gain, except as
conforms to the requirements of Subpart
and authorized, for the performance of legal
B of this part and other regulations
concerning the provision of legal (3) Records pertaining to services.
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services within the DoN. The outside unsubstantiated complaints, or to (6) Maintain the integrity of the legal
practice of law, therefore, must be attorneys who are no longer subject to profession.
carefully monitored. Covered USG limitation on practice, shall be (b) Ethical rules should be consistent
attorneys who wish to engage in the destroyed after 10 years. with law. If law and ethics conflict, the
outside practice of law, including while law prevails unless an ethical rule is
on terminal leave, must first obtain constitutionally based.
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(c) The military criminal justice validity, scope, meaning, or application (2) The likelihood, if apparent to the
system is a truth-finding process of the law. client, that the acceptance of the
consistent with constitutional law. (f) [Reserved] particular employment will preclude
other employment by the attorney;
§ 776.20 Competence. § 776.22 Diligence. (3) The fee customarily charged in the
(a) A covered attorney shall provide (a) A covered attorney shall act with locality for similar legal services;
competent, diligent, and prompt reasonable diligence and promptness in (4) The amount involved and the
representation to a client. Competent representing a client, and shall consult results obtained;
representation requires the legal with a client as soon as practicable and (5) The time limitations imposed by
knowledge, skill, access to evidence, as often as necessary upon being the client or by the circumstances;
thoroughness, and expeditious assigned to the case or issue. (6) The nature and length of the
preparation reasonably necessary for (b) [Reserved] professional relationship with the
representation. Initial determinations as client;
to competence of a covered USG § 776.23 Communication. (7) The experience, reputation, and
attorney for a particular assignment (a) A covered attorney shall keep a ability of the attorney or attorneys
shall be made by a supervising attorney client reasonably informed about the performing the services; and
before case or issue assignments; status of a matter and promptly comply (8) Whether the fee is fixed or
however, assigned attorneys may with reasonable requests for contingent.
consult with supervisors concerning (e) When the covered non-USG
information.
competence in a particular case. attorney has not regularly represented
(b) A covered attorney shall explain a
(b) [Reserved] the client, the basis or rate of the fee
matter to the extent reasonably
shall be communicated to the client,
§ 776.21 Establishment and scope of necessary to permit the client to make
preferably in writing, before or within a
representation. informed decisions regarding the
reasonable time after commencing the
(a) Formation of attorney-client representation.
representation.
relationships by covered USG attorneys (c) [Reserved] (f) A fee may be contingent on the
with, and representation of, clients is § 776.24 Fees.
outcome of the matter for which the
permissible only when the attorney is service is rendered, except in a matter
authorized to do so by competent (a) A covered USG attorney shall not in which a contingent fee is prohibited
authority. For purposes of this part, accept any salary, fee, compensation, or by paragraph (a)(7) of this section or
Military Rules of Evidence 502, the other payments or benefits, directly or other law. A contingent fee agreement
Manual of the Judge Advocate General indirectly, other than Government shall be in writing and shall state the
(JAGINST 5800.7 series), and the Naval compensation, for services provided in method by which the fee is to be
Legal Service Command Manual the course of the covered USG attorney’s determined, including the percentage or
(COMNAVLEGSVCCOMINST 5800.1 official duties or employment. percentages that shall accrue to the
series), generally define when an (b) A covered USG attorney shall not covered non-USG attorney in the event
attorney-client relationship is formed accept any salary or other payments as of settlement, trial or appeal, litigation
between a covered USG attorney and a compensation for legal services and other expenses to be deducted from
client servicemember, dependent, or rendered, by that covered USG attorney the recovery, and whether such
employee. in a private capacity, to a client who is expenses are to be deducted before or
(b) Generally, the subject matter scope eligible for assistance under the DoN after the contingent fee is calculated.
of a covered attorney’s representation Legal Assistance Program, unless so Upon conclusion of a contingent fee
will be consistent with the terms of the authorized by the JAG. This rule does matter, the covered non-USG attorney
assignment to perform specific not apply to Reserve or Retired judge shall provide the client with a written
representational or advisory duties. A advocates not then serving on extended statement stating the outcome of the
covered attorney shall inform clients at active-duty. matter and, if there is a recovery,
the earliest opportunity of any (c) A Reserve or Retired judge showing the remittance to the client and
limitations on representation and advocate, whether or not serving on the method of its determination.
professional responsibilities of the extended active-duty, who has initially (g) A covered non-USG attorney shall
attorney towards the client. represented or interviewed a client or not enter into an arrangement for,
(c) A covered attorney shall follow the prospective client concerning a matter charge, or collect a contingent fee for
client’s well-informed and lawful as part of the attorney’s official Navy or representing an accused in a criminal
decisions concerning case objectives, Marine Corps duties, shall not accept case.
choice of counsel, forum, pleas, whether any salary or other payments as (h) A division of fees between covered
to testify, and settlements. compensation for services rendered to non-USG attorneys who are not in the
(d) A covered attorney’s that client in a private capacity same firm may be made only if:
representation of a client does not concerning the same general matter for (1) The division is in proportion to
constitute an endorsement of the client’s which the client was seen in an official the services performed by each attorney
political, economic, social, or moral capacity, unless so authorized by the or, by written agreement with the client,
views or activities. JAG. each attorney assumes joint
(e) A covered attorney shall not (d) Covered non-USG attorneys may responsibility for the representation;
counsel or assist a client to engage in charge fees. Fees shall be reasonable. (2) The client is advised of and does
conduct that the attorney knows is Factors considered in determining the
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not object to the participation of all the
criminal or fraudulent, but a covered reasonableness of a fee include the attorneys involved; and
attorney may discuss the legal and following: (3) The total fee is reasonable.
moral consequences of any proposed (1) The time and labor required, the (i) Covered Non-USG Attorneys.
course of conduct with a client, and novelty and difficulty of the questions Paragraphs (d) through (h) of this
may counsel or assist a client in making involved, and the skill requisite to section apply only to private civilian
a good faith effort to determine the perform the legal service properly; attorneys practicing in proceedings
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by another attorney who is related as USG attorneys. The knowledge, actions, clerical assistance, inadvertent
parent, child, sibling, or spouse to the and conflicts of interests of one covered disclosure of confidential or privileged
covered attorney, except upon consent USG attorney are not imputed to material may occur. A covered attorney
by the client after consultation regarding another simply because they operate who mistakenly receives any such
the relationship; or from the same office. For example, the confidential or privileged materials
(7) Acquire a proprietary interest in fact that a number of defense attorneys should refrain from reviewing them
the cause of action or subject matter of operate from one office and normally (except for the limited purpose of
litigation the covered attorney is share clerical assistance would not ascertaining ownership or proper
conducting for a client. prohibit them from representing co- routing), notify the attorney to whom
(c) [Reserved] accused at trial by court-martial. the material belongs that he or she has
Imputed disqualification rules for non- such material, and either follow
§ 776.28 Conflict of interest: Former client. USG attorneys are established by their instructions of the attorney with respect
(a) A covered attorney who has individual licensing authorities and to the disposition of the materials or
formerly represented a client in a matter may well proscribe all attorneys from refrain from further reviewing or using
shall not thereafter represent another one law office from representing a co- the materials until a definitive
person in the same or a substantially accused, or a party with an adverse resolution of the proper disposition of
related matter in which that person’s interest to an existing client, if any the materials is obtained from a court.
interests are materially adverse to the attorney in the same office were so A covered attorney’s duty to provide his
interests of the former client, unless the prohibited. or her client zealous representation does
former client gives informed consent, (2) Whether a covered USG attorney is not justify a rule allowing the receiving
confirmed in writing. disqualified requires a functional attorney to take advantage of
(b) A covered attorney who has analysis of the facts in a specific inadvertent disclosures of privileged
formerly represented a client in a matter situation. The analysis should include and/or confidential materials. This
shall not thereafter: consideration of whether the following policy recognizes and reinforces the
(1) Use information relating to the will be compromised: Preserving principles of: Confidentiality and the
representation to the disadvantage of the attorney-client confidentiality; attorney-client privilege; analogous
former client or to the covered maintaining independence of judgment; principles governing the inadvertent
attorney’s own advantage, except as and avoiding positions adverse to a waiver of the attorney-client privilege;
Subpart B of this part would permit or client. See, e.g., U.S. v. Stubbs, 23 M.J. the law governing bailments and
require with respect to a client, or when 188 (CMA 1987). missent property; and considerations of
the information has become generally (3) Preserving confidentiality is a common sense, reciprocity, and
known; or question of access to information. professional courtesy.
(2) Reveal information relating to the Access to information, in turn, is (5) Maintaining independent
representation except as subpart B of essentially a question of fact in a judgment allows a covered USG
this part would permit or require with particular circumstance, aided by attorney to consider, recommend, and
respect to a client. inferences, deductions, or working carry out any appropriate course of
(c) [Reserved] presumptions that reasonably may be action for a client without regard to the
made about the way in which covered covered USG attorney’s personal
§ 776.29 Imputed disqualification: General USG attorneys work together. A covered interests or the interests of another.
rule. USG attorney may have general access When such independence is lacking or
(a) Imputed disqualification: General to files of all clients of a military law unlikely, representation cannot be
rule. Covered USG attorneys working in office (e.g., legal assistance attorney) zealous.
the same military law office are not and may regularly participate in (6) Another aspect of loyalty to a
automatically disqualified from discussions of their affairs; it may be client is the general obligation of any
representing a client because any of inferred that such a covered USG attorney to decline subsequent
them practicing alone would be attorney in fact is privy to all representations involving positions
prohibited from doing so by § 776.26, information about all the office’s clients. adverse to a former client in
§ 776.27, § 776.28, or § 776.38 of this In contrast, another covered USG substantially related matters. This
part. Covered non-USG attorneys must attorney (e.g., military defense counsel) obligation normally requires abstention
consult their federal, state, and local bar may have access to the files of only a from adverse representation by the
rules governing the representation of limited number of clients and individual covered attorney involved,
multiple or adverse clients within the participate in discussion of the affairs of but, in the military legal office,
same office before such representation is no other clients; in the absence of abstention is not required by other
initiated, as such representation may information to the contrary, it should be covered USG attorneys through imputed
expose them to disciplinary action inferred that such a covered USG disqualification.
under the rules established by their attorney in fact is privy to information
licensing authorities. about the clients actually served but not § 776.30 Successive Government and
(b) Comment. (1) The circumstances to information of other clients. private employment.
of military (or Government) service may Additionally, a covered USG attorney (a) Except as the law or regulations
require representation of opposing sides changing duty stations or changing may otherwise expressly permit, a
by covered USG attorneys working in assignments within a military office has former covered USG attorney, who has
the same law office. Such representation a continuing duty to preserve information known to be confidential
is permissible so long as conflicts of Government information about a person
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confidentiality of information about a
interests are avoided and independent client formerly represented. See that was acquired while a covered USG
judgment, zealous representation, and § 776.25 and § 776.28 of this part. attorney, may not represent a private
protection of confidences are not (4) In military practice, where covered client whose interests are adverse to that
compromised. Thus, the principle of USG attorneys representing adverse person in a matter in which the
imputed disqualification is not interests are sometimes required to information could be used to the
automatically controlling for covered share common spaces, equipment, and material disadvantage of that person.
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The former covered USG attorney may (e) As used in the rule, the term business of the organization. The head
continue association with a firm, ‘‘confidential Governmental of the organization may not invoke the
partnership, or association representing information’’ means information that attorney-client privilege or the rule of
any such client only if the disqualified has been obtained under Governmental confidentiality for the head of the
covered USG attorney is screened from authority and that, at the time this Rule organization’s own benefit but may
any participation in the matter and is is applied, the Government is prohibited invoke either for the benefit of the DoN.
apportioned no part of the fee or any by law or regulations from disclosing to In invoking either the attorney-client
other benefit therefrom. the public or has a legal privilege not to privilege or attorney-client
(1) The disqualified former covered disclose, and that is not otherwise confidentiality on behalf of the DoN, the
USG attorney must ensure that he or she available to the public. head of the organization is subject to
is screened from any participation in the (f) [Reserved] being overruled by higher authority.
matter and is apportioned no part of the (b) If a covered USG attorney knows
fee or any other benefit therefrom; and, § 776.31 Former judge or arbitrator. that an officer, employee, or other
(2) Must provide written notice (a) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of member associated with the
promptly to the appropriate this section, a covered USG attorney organizational client is engaged in
Government agency to enable it to shall not represent anyone in action, intends to act or refuses to act in
ascertain compliance with the connection with a matter in which the a matter related to the representation
provisions of applicable law and covered USG attorney participated that is either adverse to the legal
regulations. personally and substantially as a judge interests or obligations of the DoN or a
(b) Except as the law or regulations or other adjudicative officer, arbitrator, violation of law that reasonably might
may otherwise expressly permit, a or law clerk to such a person, unless all be imputed to the DoN, the covered
former covered USG attorney, who has parties to the proceeding give informed USG attorney shall proceed as is
information known to be confidential consent, confirmed in writing. reasonably necessary in the best interest
Government information about a person (b) A covered USG attorney shall not of the naval service. In determining how
which was acquired while a covered negotiate for employment with any to proceed, the covered USG attorney
USG attorney, may not represent a person who is involved as a party or as shall give due consideration to the
private client whose interests are attorney for a party in a matter in which seriousness of the violation and its
adverse to that person in a matter in the covered USG attorney is consequences, the scope and nature of
which the information could be used to participating personally and the covered USG attorney’s
the material disadvantage of that person. substantially as a judge or other representation, the responsibility in the
The former covered USG attorney may adjudicative officer. A covered USG naval service and the apparent
attorney serving as law clerk to a judge, motivation of the person involved, the
continue association with a firm,
other adjudicative officer, or arbitrator policies of the naval service concerning
partnership, or association representing
may negotiate for employment with a such matters, and any other relevant
any such client only if the disqualified
party or attorney involved in a matter in considerations. Any measures taken
covered USG attorney is screened from
which the clerk is participating shall be designed to minimize prejudice
any participation in the matter and is
personally and substantially, but only to the interests of the naval service and
apportioned no part of the fee or any
after the covered USG attorney has the risk of revealing information relating
other benefit therefrom.
notified the judge, other adjudicative to the representation to persons outside
(c) Except as the law or regulations
officer, or arbitrator, and been the service. Such measures shall
may otherwise expressly permit, a
disqualified from further involvement in include:
covered USG attorney shall not: (1) Asking for reconsideration of the
(1) Participate in a matter in which the matter.
matter by the acting official;
the covered USG attorney participated (c) An arbitrator selected as a partisan (2) Advising that a separate legal
personally and substantially while in of a party in a multi-member arbitration opinion on the matter be sought for
private practice or nongovernmental panel is not prohibited from presentation to appropriate authority in
employment, unless under applicable subsequently representing that party. the naval service;
law no one is, or by lawful delegation (d) [Reserved] (3) Referring the matter to, or seeking
may be, authorized to act in the covered guidance from, higher authority in the
USG attorney’s stead in the matter; or, § 776.32 Department of the Navy as client. chain of command including, if
(2) Negotiate for private employment (a) Except when representing an warranted by the seriousness of the
with any person who is involved as a individual client pursuant to paragraph matter, referral to the supervisory
party or as attorney for a party in a (f) of this section, a covered USG attorney assigned to the staff of the
matter in which the covered USG attorney represents the DoN (or the acting official’s next superior in the
attorney is participating personally and Executive agency to which assigned) chain of command; or
substantially. acting through its authorized officials. (4) Advising the acting official that his
(d) As used in this paragraph (d), the These officials include the heads of or her personal legal interests are at risk
term ‘‘matter’’ includes: organizational elements within the and that he or she should consult
(1) Any judicial or other proceeding, naval service, such as the commanders counsel as there may exist a conflict of
application, request for a ruling or other of fleets, divisions, ships and other interest for the covered USG attorney,
determination, contract, claim, heads of activities. When a covered USG and the covered USG attorney’s
controversy, investigation, charge, attorney is assigned to such an responsibility is to the organization.
accusation, arrest, or other particular organizational element and designated (c) If, despite the covered USG
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matter involving a specific party or to provide legal services to the head of attorney’s efforts per paragraph (b) of
parties, and the organization, an attorney-client this section, the highest authority that
(2) Any other matter covered by the relationship exists between the covered can act concerning the matter insists
conflict-of-interest rules of the DoD, attorney and the DoN as represented by upon action or refuses to act, in clear
DoN, or other appropriate Government the head of the organization as to violation of law, the covered USG
agency. matters within the scope of the official attorney shall terminate representation
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with respect to the matter in question. (d) [Reserved] representation, refunding any advance
In no event shall the attorney participate payment of fee that has not been earned.
or assist in the illegal activity. In this § 776.34 Safekeeping property. The covered attorney may retain papers
case, a covered USG attorney shall (a) Covered USG attorneys shall not relating to the client to the extent
report such termination of normally hold or safeguard property of permitted by law.
representation to the attorney’s a client or third persons in connection (e) [Reserved]
supervisory attorney or attorney with representational duties. See
representing the next superior in the § 776.27 of this part. § 776.36 Prohibited sexual relations.
chain of command. (b) [Reserved] (a) A covered attorney shall not have
(d) In dealing with the officers, sexual relations with a current client. A
employees, or members of the naval § 776.35 Declining or terminating covered attorney shall not require,
service a covered USG attorney shall representation. demand, or solicit sexual relations with
explain the identity of the client when (a) Except as stated in paragraph (c) of a client incident to any professional
it is apparent that the naval service’s this section, a covered attorney shall not representation.
interests are adverse to those of the represent a client or, when (b) A covered attorney shall not
officer, employee, or member. representation has commenced, shall engage in sexual relations with another
(e) A covered USG attorney seek to withdraw from the attorney currently representing a party
representing the naval service may also representation of a client if: whose interests are adverse to those of
represent any of its officers, employees, (1) The representation will result in a client currently represented by the
or members, subject to the provisions of violation of subpart B of this part or covered attorney.
§ 776.26 of this part and other other law or regulation; (c) A covered attorney shall not
applicable authority. If the DoN’s (2) The covered attorney’s physical or engage in sexual relations with a judge
consent to dual representation is mental condition materially impairs his who is presiding or who is likely to
required by § 776.26 of this part, the or her ability to represent the client; or preside over any proceeding in which
consent shall be given by an appropriate (3) The covered attorney is dismissed the covered attorney will appear in a
official of the DoN other than the by the client. representative capacity.
individual who is to be represented. (b) Except as stated in paragraph (c) (d) A covered attorney shall not
(f) A covered USG attorney who has of this section, a covered attorney may engage in sexual relations with other
been duly assigned to represent an seek to withdraw from representing a persons involved in the particular case,
individual who is subject to criminal or client if withdrawal can be judicial or administrative proceeding, or
disciplinary action or administrative accomplished without material adverse other matter for which representation
proceedings, or to provide legal effect on the interests of the client, or if: has been established, including but not
assistance to an individual, has, for (1) The client persists in a course of limited to witnesses, victims, co-
those purposes, an attorney-client action involving the covered attorney’s accused, and court-martial or board
relationship with that individual. services that the covered attorney members.
(g) [Reserved] reasonably believes is criminal or (e) For purposes of this paragraph (e),
fraudulent; ‘‘sexual relations’’ means:
§ 776.33 Client with diminished capacity. (2) The client has used the covered (1) Sexual intercourse; or
(a) When a client’s capacity to make attorney’s services to perpetrate a crime (2) Any touching of the sexual or
adequately considered decisions in or fraud; other intimate parts of a person or
connection with the representation is (3) The client insists upon pursuing causing such person to touch the sexual
diminished, whether because of an objective that the covered attorney or other intimate parts of the covered
minority, mental impairment, or for considers repugnant or imprudent; attorney for the purpose of arousing or
some other reason, the covered attorney (4) In the case of covered non-USG gratifying the sexual desire of either
shall, as far as reasonably possible, attorneys, the representation will result party.
maintain a normal attorney-client in an unreasonable financial burden on (f) [Reserved]
relationship with the client. the attorney or has been rendered
(b) When the covered attorney unreasonably difficult by the client; or § 776.37 Advisor.
reasonably believes that the client has (5) Other good cause for withdrawal (a) In representing a client, a covered
diminished capacity, is at risk of exists. attorney shall exercise independent
substantial physical, financial, or other (c) A covered attorney must comply professional judgment and render
harm unless action is taken and cannot with applicable law requiring notice to candid advice. In rendering advice, a
adequately act in the client’s own or permission of a tribunal when covered attorney may refer not only to
interest, the covered attorney may take terminating a representation. When law but to other considerations such as
reasonably necessary protective action, ordered to do so by a tribunal or other moral, economic, social, and political
including consulting with individuals competent authority, a covered attorney factors that may be relevant to the
or entities that have the ability to take shall continue representation client’s situation.
action to protect the client. notwithstanding good cause for (b) [Reserved]
(c) Information relating to the terminating the representation.
representation of a client with (d) Upon termination of § 776.38 Mediation.
diminished capacity is protected by representation, a covered attorney shall (a) A covered attorney may act as a
§ 776.25 of this part. When taking take steps to the extent reasonably mediator between individuals if:
protective action pursuant to paragraph practicable to protect a client’s interests, (1) The covered attorney consults
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(b) of this section, the covered attorney such as giving reasonable notice to the with each individual concerning the
is impliedly authorized under client, allowing time for assignment or implications of the mediation, including
§ 776.25(a) of this part to reveal employment of other counsel, and the advantages and risks involved, and
information about the client, but only to surrendering papers and property to the effect on the attorney-client
the extent reasonably necessary to which the client is entitled and, where confidentiality, and obtains each
protect the client’s interests. a non-USG attorney provided individual’s consent to the mediation;
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(2) The covered attorney reasonably action, may nevertheless defend the § 776.43 Fairness to opposing party and
believes that the matter can be resolved client at the proceeding as to require counsel.
on terms compatible with each that every element of the case is (a) A covered attorney shall not:
individual’s best interests, that each established. (1) Unlawfully obstruct a party’s
individual will be able to make (b) [Reserved] access to evidence or unlawfully alter,
adequately informed decisions in the destroy, or conceal a document or other
matter, and that there is little risk of § 776.41 Expediting litigation. material having potential evidentiary
material prejudice to the interests of any (a) A covered attorney shall make value. A covered attorney shall not
of the individuals if the contemplated reasonable efforts to expedite litigation counsel or assist another person to do
resolution is unsuccessful; and, or other proceedings consistent with the any such act;
(3) The covered attorney reasonably interests of the client. (2) Falsify evidence, counsel or assist
believes that the mediation can be a witness to testify falsely, or offer an
(b) [Reserved]
undertaken impartially and without inducement to a witness that is
improper effect on other responsibilities § 776.42 Candor and obligations toward prohibited by law;
the covered attorney has to any of the the tribunal. (3) Knowingly disobey an order of the
individuals. tribunal except for an open refusal
(a) A covered attorney shall not
(b) While acting as a mediator, the based on an assertion that no valid
knowingly:
covered attorney shall consult with each obligation exists;
individual concerning the decisions to (1) Make a false statement of material (4) In pretrial procedure, make a
be made and the considerations relevant fact or law to a tribunal or fail to correct frivolous discovery request or fail to
in making them, so that each individual a false statement of material fact or law make reasonably diligent effort to
can make adequately informed previously made to the tribunal by the comply with a legally proper discovery
decisions. covered attorney; request by a party;
(c) A covered attorney shall withdraw (2) Fail to disclose to the tribunal (5) In trial, allude to any matter that
as a mediator if any of the individuals legal authority in the controlling the covered attorney does not
so requests, or if any of the conditions jurisdiction known to the covered reasonably believe is relevant or that
stated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section attorney to be directly adverse to the will not be supported by admissible
is no longer satisfied. Upon withdrawal, position of the client and not disclosed evidence, assert personal knowledge of
the covered attorney shall not represent by opposing counsel; facts in issue except when testifying as
any of the individuals in the matter that (3) Offer evidence that the covered a witness, or state a personal opinion as
was the subject of the mediation unless attorney knows to be false. If a covered to the justness of a cause, the credibility
each individual consents. attorney, the attorney’s client, or a of a witness, the culpability of a civil
(d) [Reserved] witness called by the covered attorney, litigant, or the guilt or innocence of an
has offered material evidence and the accused; or
§ 776.39 Evaluation for use by third covered attorney comes to know of its (6) Request a person other than a
persons. falsity, the covered attorney shall take client to refrain from voluntarily giving
(a) A covered attorney may provide an reasonable remedial measures, relevant information to another party
evaluation of a matter affecting a client including, if necessary, disclosure to the unless:
for the use of someone other than the tribunal. A covered attorney may refuse (i) The person is a relative, an
client if: to offer evidence, other than the employee, or other agent of a client; and
(1) The covered attorney reasonably testimony of an accused in a criminal (ii) The covered attorney reasonably
believes that making the evaluation is matter, that the covered attorney believes that the person’s interests will
compatible with other aspects of the reasonably believes is false; or not be adversely affected by refraining
covered attorney’s relationship with the (4) Disobey an order imposed by a from giving such information.
client; and tribunal unless done openly before the (b) [Reserved]
(2) The client provides informed tribunal in a good faith assertion that no
consent, confirmed in writing. § 776.44 Impartiality and decorum of the
valid order should exist.
(b) Except as disclosure is required in tribunal.
(b) A covered attorney who represents
connection with a report of an (a) A covered attorney shall not:
a client in an adjudicative proceeding
evaluation, information relating to the (1) Seek to influence a judge, court
and who knows that a person intends to
evaluation is otherwise protected by member, member of a tribunal,
engage, is engaging or has engaged in
§ 776.25 of this part. prospective court member or member of
criminal or fraudulent conduct related
(c) [Reserved] a tribunal, or other official by means
to the proceeding shall take reasonable
prohibited by law or regulation;
§ 776.40 Meritorious claims and remedial measures, including, if (2) Communicate ex parte with such
contentions. necessary, disclosure to the tribunal. a person except as permitted by law or
(a) A covered attorney shall not bring (c) The duties stated in paragraph (a) regulation; or
or defend a proceeding, or assert or of this section continue to the (3) Engage in conduct intended to
controvert an issue therein, unless there conclusion of the proceedings, and disrupt a tribunal.
is a basis for doing so that is not apply even if compliance requires (b) [Reserved]
frivolous, which includes a good faith disclosure of information otherwise
argument for an extension, protected by § 776.25 of this part. § 776.45 Extra-tribunal statements.
modification, or reversal of existing law. (d) In an ex parte proceeding, a (a) A covered attorney shall not make
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A covered attorney representing an covered attorney shall inform the an extrajudicial statement about any
accused in a criminal proceeding or the tribunal of all material facts known to person or case pending investigation or
respondent in an administrative the covered attorney that will enable the adverse administrative or disciplinary
proceeding, that could result in tribunal to make an informed decision, proceedings that a reasonable person
incarceration, discharge from the Naval whether or not the facts are adverse. would expect to be disseminated by
service, or other adverse personnel (e) [Reserved] means of public communication if the
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covered attorney knows or reasonably claim or defense involved and, except attorney in the covered attorney’s office
should know that it will have a when prohibited by law or regulation, is likely to be called as a witness, unless
substantial likelihood of materially the identity of the persons involved; precluded from doing so by § 776.26 or
prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding (4) The scheduling or result of any § 776.28 of this part.
or an official review process thereof. step in litigation; (c) [Reserved]
(b) A statement referred to in (5) A request for assistance in
paragraph (a) of this section ordinarily obtaining evidence and information § 776.47 Special responsibilities of a trial
is likely to have such an effect when it necessary thereto; counsel and other government counsel.
refers to a civil matter triable to a jury, (6) A warning of danger concerning (a) A trial counsel in a criminal case
a criminal matter (including before a the behavior of the person involved, shall:
military tribunal or commission), or any when there is reason to believe that (1) Recommend to the convening
other proceeding that could result in there exists the likelihood of substantial authority that any charge or
incarceration, discharge from the naval harm to an individual or to the public specification not supported by probable
service, or other adverse personnel interest; and cause be withdrawn;
action, and the statement relates to: (7) In a criminal case, in addition to (2) Make reasonable efforts to assure
(1) The character, credibility, paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this that the accused has been advised of the
reputation, or criminal record of a party, section: right to, and the procedure for
suspect in a criminal investigation, (i) The identity, duty station, obtaining, counsel and has been given
victim, or witness, or the identity of a occupation, and family status of the reasonable opportunity to obtain
victim or witness, or the expected accused; counsel;
(ii) If the accused has not been (3) Not seek to obtain from an
testimony of a party, suspect, victim, or
apprehended, information necessary to unrepresented accused a waiver of
witness;
(2) The possibility of a plea of guilty aid in apprehension of that person; important pretrial rights;
(iii) The fact, time, and place of (4) Make timely disclosure to the
to the offense or the existence or
apprehension; and defense of all evidence or information
contents of any confession, admission, (iv) The identity of investigating and
or statement given by an accused or known to the trial counsel that tends to
apprehending officers or agencies and negate the guilt of the accused or
suspect or that person’s refusal or the length of the investigation.
failure to make a statement; mitigates the offense, and, in connection
(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) with sentencing, disclose to the defense
(3) The performance or results of any and (b)(1) through (7) of this section, a
forensic examination or test or the all unprivileged mitigating information
covered attorney may make a statement known to the trial counsel, except when
refusal or failure of a person to submit that a reasonable covered attorney
to an examination or test, or the identity the trial counsel is relieved of this
would believe is required to protect a responsibility by a protective order or
or nature of physical evidence expected client from the substantial undue
to be presented; regulation;
prejudicial effect of recent publicity not (5) Exercise reasonable care to prevent
(4) Any opinion as to the guilt or initiated by the covered attorney or the
innocence of an accused or suspect in investigators, law enforcement
attorney’s client. A statement made personnel, employees, or other persons
a criminal case or other proceeding that pursuant to this paragraph shall be
could result in incarceration, discharge assisting or associated with the trial
limited to such information as is counsel from making an extrajudicial
from the naval service, or other adverse necessary to mitigate the recent adverse
personnel action; statement that the trial counsel would
publicity. be prohibited from making under
(5) Information the covered attorney (e) The protection and release of
knows or reasonably should know is § 776.45 of this part; and
information in matters pertaining to the (6) Except for statements that are
likely to be inadmissible as evidence DoN is governed by such statutes as the
before a tribunal and would, if necessary to inform the public of the
Freedom of Information Act and the nature and extent of the trial counsel’s
disclosed, create a substantial risk of Privacy Act, in addition to those
materially prejudicing an impartial actions and that serve a legitimate law
governing protection of national defense enforcement purpose, refrain from
proceeding; information. In addition, other laws and
(6) The fact that an accused has been making extrajudicial comments that
regulations may further restrict the
charged with a crime, unless there is have a substantial likelihood of
information that can be released or the
included therein a statement explaining heightening public condemnation of the
source from which it is to be released
that the charge is merely an accusation accused.
(e.g., the Manual of the Judge Advocate (b) Trial counsel and other
and that the accused is presumed General).
innocent until and unless proven guilty; government counsel shall exercise
(f) [Reserved]
or reasonable care to avoid intercepting,
(7) The credibility, reputation, § 776.46 Attorney as witness. seizing, copying, viewing, or listening to
motives, or character of civilian or (a) A covered attorney shall not act as communications protected by the
military officials of the DoD. advocate at a trial in which the covered attorney-client privilege during
(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) attorney is likely to be a necessary investigation of a suspected offense
and (b)(1) through (7) of this section, a witness except when: (particularly when conducting
covered attorney involved in the (1) The testimony relates to an government-sanctioned searches where
investigation or litigation of a matter uncontested issue; attorney-client privileged
may state without elaboration: (2) The testimony relates to the nature communications may be present), as
well as in the preparation or
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(1) The general nature of the claim, and quality of legal services rendered in
offense, or defense; the case; or prosecution of a case. Such
(2) The information contained in a (3) Disqualification of the covered communications expressly include, but
public record; attorney would work substantial are not limited to, land-line telephone
(3) That an investigation of the matter hardship on the client. conversations, facsimile transmissions,
is in progress, including the general (b) A covered attorney may act as U.S. mail, and Email. Trial counsel and
scope of the investigation, the offense or advocate in a trial in which another other government counsel must not
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infringe upon the confidential nature of appropriately supervising the activities the consent of the other attorney or is
attorney-client privileged of personnel assisting the trial counsel. authorized by law to do so.
communications and are responsible for (5) Paragraph (a)(6) of this section (b) [Reserved]
the actions of their agents or supplements § 776.45 of this part, which
representatives when they induce or prohibits extrajudicial statements that § 776.51 Dealing with an unrepresented
assist them in intercepting, seizing, have a substantial likelihood of person.
copying, viewing, or listening to such prejudicing an adjudicatory proceeding. (a) When dealing on behalf of a client
privileged communications. A trial counsel can, and should, avoid with a person who is not represented by
(c)(1) The trial counsel represents the comments that have no legitimate law counsel, a covered attorney shall not
United States in the prosecution of enforcement purpose and have a state or imply that the covered attorney
special and general courts-martial. See substantial likelihood of increasing is disinterested. When the covered
Article 38(a), UCMJ; see also R.C.M. public opprobrium of the accused. attorney knows or reasonably should
103(16), 405(d)(3)(A), and 502(d)(5). Nothing in this Comment is intended to know that the unrepresented person
Accordingly, a trial counsel has the restrict the statements that a trial misunderstands the covered attorney’s
responsibility of administering justice counsel may make that comply with role in the matter, the covered attorney
and is not simply an advocate. This § 776.45 of this part. shall make reasonable efforts to correct
responsibility carries with it specific (6) The ‘‘ABA Standards for Criminal the misunderstanding.
obligations to see that the accused is Justice: The Prosecution Function,’’ (3d (b) [Reserved]
accorded procedural justice and that ed. 1993), has been used by appellate
guilt is decided upon the basis of § 776.52 Respect for rights of third
courts in analyzing issues concerning persons.
sufficient evidence. Paragraph (a)(1) of trial counsel conduct. To the extent
this section recognizes that the trial (a) In representing a client, a covered
consistent with these Rules, the ABA
counsel does not have all the authority attorney shall not use means that have
standards may be used to guide trial
vested in modern civilian prosecutors. no substantial purpose other than to
counsel in the prosecution of criminal
The authority to convene courts-martial, embarrass, delay, or burden a third
cases. See United States v. Howe, 37
and to refer and withdraw specific person, or use methods of obtaining
M.J. 1062 (NMCRS 1993); United States
charges, is vested in convening evidence that violate the legal rights of
v. Dancy, 38 M.J. 1 (CMA 1993); United
authorities. Trial counsel may have the such a person.
States v. Hamilton, 41 M.J. 22 (CMA
duty, in certain circumstances, to bring 1994); United States v. Meek, 44 M.J. 1 (b) [Reserved]
to the court’s attention any charge that
(CMA 1996). § 776.53 Responsibilities of the Judge
lacks sufficient evidence to support a
(d) [Reserved] Advocate General and supervisory
conviction. See United States v. Howe,
37 M.J. 1062 (NMCMR 1993). Such attorneys.
§ 776.48 Advocate in nonadjudicative
action should be undertaken only after proceedings. (a) The JAG and supervisory attorneys
consultation with a supervisory attorney shall make reasonable efforts to ensure
(a) A covered attorney representing a that all covered attorneys conform to
and the convening authority. See also
client before a legislative or subpart B of this part.
§ 776.42(d) of this part (governing ex
administrative tribunal in a (b) A covered attorney having direct
parte proceedings). Applicable law may
nonadjudicative proceeding shall supervisory authority over another
require other measures by the trial
counsel. Knowing disregard of those disclose that the appearance is in a covered attorney shall make reasonable
obligations or a systematic abuse of representative capacity and shall efforts to ensure that the other attorney
prosecutorial discretion could constitute conform to the provisions of §§ 776.42 conforms to subpart B of this part.
a violation of § 776.69 of this part. (a) through (d), 776.43, and 776.44 of (c) A supervisory attorney shall be
(2) Paragraph (a)(3) of this section this part. responsible for another subordinate
does not apply to an accused appearing (b) [Reserved] covered attorney’s violation of subpart B
pro se with the approval of the tribunal. of this part if:
§ 776.49 Truthfulness in statements to
Nor does it forbid the lawful (1) The supervisory attorney orders or,
others.
questioning of a suspect who has with knowledge of the specific conduct,
knowingly waived the rights to counsel (a) In the course of representing a ratifies the conduct involved; or
and to remain silent. client a covered attorney shall not (2) The supervisory attorney has
(3) The exception in paragraph (a)(4) knowingly; direct supervisory authority over the
of this section recognizes that a trial (1) Make a false statement of material other attorney and knows of the conduct
counsel may seek an appropriate fact or law to a third person; or at a time when its consequences can be
protective order from the tribunal if (2) Fail to disclose a material fact to avoided or mitigated but fails to take
disclosure of information to the defense a third person when disclosure is reasonable remedial action.
could result in substantial harm to an necessary to avoid assisting a criminal (d) A supervisory attorney is
individual or organization or to the or fraudulent act by a client, unless responsible for ensuring that the
public interest. This exception also disclosure is prohibited by § 776.25 of subordinate covered attorney is properly
recognizes that applicable statutes and this part. trained and is competent to perform the
regulations may proscribe the disclosure (b) [Reserved] duties to which the subordinate covered
of certain information without proper attorney is assigned.
authorization. § 776.50 Communication with person
(e) [Reserved]
(4) A trial counsel may comply with represented by counsel.
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paragraph (a)(5) of this section in a (a) In representing a client, a covered § 776.54 Responsibilities of a subordinate
number of ways. These include attorney shall not communicate about attorney.
personally informing others of the trial the subject of the representation with a (a) A covered attorney is bound by
counsel’s obligations under § 776.46 of party the covered attorney knows to be this part notwithstanding that the
this part, conducting training of law represented by another attorney in the covered attorney acted at the direction
enforcement personnel, and matter, unless the covered attorney has of another person.
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(b) In recognition of the judge detailed or assigned to represent an unqualified persons. A covered USG
advocate’s unique dual role as a individual member or employee of the attorney’s performance of legal duties
commissioned officer and attorney, DoN is expected to exercise unfettered pursuant to a military department’s
subordinate judge advocates shall obey loyalty and professional independence authorization, however, is considered a
lawful directives and regulations of during the representation consistent Federal function and not subject to
supervisory attorneys when not with this part and remains ultimately regulation by the states. Thus, a covered
inconsistent with this part or the duty responsible for acting in the best interest USG attorney may perform legal
of a judge advocate to exercise of the individual client. assistance duties even though the
independent professional judgment as (c) The exercise of professional covered attorney is not licensed to
to the best interest of an individual judgment in accordance with paragraph practice in the jurisdiction within
client. (a) or (b) of this section shall not, which the covered attorney’s duty
(c) A subordinate covered attorney standing alone, be a basis for an adverse station is located. Paragraph (a)(2) of
does not violate this part if that covered evaluation or other prejudicial action. this section does not prohibit a covered
attorney acts in accordance with a (1) Subpart B of this part recognizes USG attorney from using the services of
supervisory attorney’s written and that a judge advocate is a military officer non-attorneys and delegating functions
reasonable resolution of an arguable required by law to obey the lawful to them, so long as the covered attorney
question of professional duty. orders of superior officers. It also supervises the delegated work and
(d) [Reserved] recognizes the similar status of a retains responsibility for it. See § 776.55
civilian USG attorney. Nevertheless, the of this part. Likewise, it does not
§ 776.55 Responsibilities regarding non- practice of law requires the exercise of prohibit covered USG attorneys from
attorney assistants. judgment solely for the benefit of the providing professional advice and
(a) With respect to a non-attorney client and free of compromising instruction to non-attorneys whose
acting under the authority, supervision, influences and loyalties. Thus, when a employment requires knowledge of law;
or direction of a covered attorney: covered USG attorney is assigned to for example, claims adjusters, social
(1) The senior supervisory attorney in represent an individual client, neither workers, accountants and persons
an office shall make reasonable efforts to the attorney’s personal interests, the employed in Government agencies. In
ensure that the person’s conduct is interests of other clients, nor the addition, a covered USG attorney may
compatible with the professional interests of third persons should affect counsel individuals who wish to
obligations of a covered attorney; loyalty to the individual client. proceed pro se or non-attorneys
(2) A covered attorney having direct (2) Not all direction given to a authorized by law or regulation to
supervisory authority over the non- subordinate covered attorney is an appear and represent themselves or
attorney shall make reasonable efforts to attempt to influence improperly the others before military proceedings.
ensure that the person’s conduct is covered attorney’s professional
compatible with the professional judgment. Each situation must be §§ 776.58–776.65 [Reserved]
obligations of a covered attorney; and evaluated by the facts and
(3) A covered attorney shall be § 776.66 Bar admission and disciplinary
circumstances, giving due consideration matters.
responsible for conduct of such a person to the subordinate’s training,
that would be a violation of this part if (a) A covered attorney, in connection
experience, and skill. A covered
engaged in by a covered attorney if: with any application for bar admission,
attorney subjected to outside pressures
(i) The covered attorney orders or, appointment as a judge advocate,
should make full disclosure of them to
with the knowledge of the specific employment as a civilian USG attorney,
the client. If the covered attorney or the
conduct, explicitly or impliedly ratifies certification by the JAG or his designee,
client believes the effectiveness of the
the conduct involved; or or in connection with any disciplinary
representation has been or will be
(ii) The covered attorney has direct matter, shall not:
impaired thereby, the covered attorney
supervisory authority over the person, (1) Knowingly make a false statement
should take proper steps to withdraw
and knows of the conduct at a time of fact; or
from representation of the client. (2) Fail to disclose a fact necessary to
when its consequences can be avoided (3) Additionally, a judge advocate has
or mitigated but fails to take reasonable correct a misapprehension known by
a responsibility to report any instances
remedial action. the person to have arisen in the matter,
of unlawful command influence. See
(b) [Reserved] or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful
R.C.M. 104, MCM, 1998.
demand for information from an
§ 776.56 Professional independence of a § 776.57 Unauthorized practice of law. admissions or disciplinary authority,
covered USG attorney. except that this part does not require
(a) A covered USG attorney shall not:
(a) Notwithstanding a judge (1) Except as authorized by an disclosure of information otherwise
advocate’s status as a commissioned appropriate military department, protected by § 776.25 of this part.
officer subject, generally, to the practice law in a jurisdiction where (b) The duty imposed by subpart B of
authority of superiors, a judge advocate doing so is prohibited by the regulations this part extends to covered attorneys
detailed or assigned to represent an of the legal profession in that and other attorneys seeking admission
individual member or employee of the jurisdiction; or to a bar, application for appointment as
DoN is expected to exercise unfettered (2) Assist a person who is not a a covered USG attorney (military or
loyalty and professional independence member of the bar in the performance of civilian) or certification by the JAG or
during the representation consistent activity that constitutes the his designee. Hence, if a person makes
with subpart B of this part and remains a false statement in connection with an
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unauthorized practice of law.
ultimately responsible for acting in the (3) Engage in the outside practice of application for admission or
best interest of the individual client. law without receiving proper certification (e.g., misstatement by a
(b) Notwithstanding a civilian USG authorization from the JAG. civilian attorney before a military judge
attorney’s status as a Federal employee (b) Limiting the practice of law to regarding qualifications under R.C.M.
subject, generally, to the authority of members of the bar protects the public 502), it may be the basis for subsequent
superiors, a civilian USG attorney against rendition of legal services by disciplinary action if the person is
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admitted, and in any event may be (3) Engage in conduct involving attorneys practicing under the
relevant in a subsequent admission dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or supervision of the JAG, violation of the
application. The duty imposed by misrepresentation; provisions contained in subpart B of
subpart B of this part applies to a (4) Engage in conduct that is this part may result in suspension from
covered attorney’s own admission or prejudicial to the administration of practice in DoN proceedings.
discipline as well as that of others. justice; (3) Covered non-USG attorneys,
Thus, it is a separate professional (5) State or imply an ability to Reservists, or Retirees (acting in their
offense for a covered attorney to make influence improperly a government civilian capacity) who seek to provide
a knowing misrepresentation or agency or official; or legal services in any DoN matter under
omission in connection with a (6) Knowingly assist a judge or JAG cognizance and supervision, may
disciplinary investigation of the covered judicial officer in conduct that is a be precluded from such practice of law
attorney’s own conduct. Subpart B of violation of applicable rules of judicial if, in the opinion of the JAG (as
this part also requires affirmative conduct or other law. exercised through this rule) the
clarification of any misunderstanding (b)(1) Judge advocates hold a attorney’s conduct in any venue renders
on the part of the admissions, commission as an officer in the Navy or that attorney unable or unqualified to
certification, or disciplinary authority of Marine Corps and assume legal practice in DoN programs or
which the person involved becomes responsibilities going beyond those of proceedings.
aware. other citizens. A judge advocate’s abuse
of such commission can suggest an § 776.71 Requirement to remain in good
§ 776.67 Judicial and legal officers. inability to fulfill the professional role standing with licensing authorities.
(a) A covered attorney shall not make of judge advocate and attorney. This (a) Each officer of the Navy appointed
a statement that the covered attorney concept has similar application to as a member of the JAG Corps, each
knows to be false or with reckless civilian USG attorneys. officer of the Marine Corps designated a
disregard as to its truth or falsity (2) Covered non-USG attorneys, judge advocate, and each civil service
concerning the qualifications or Reservists, and Retirees (acting in their and contracted civilian attorney who
integrity of a judge, investigating officer, civilian capacity), like their active-duty practices law under the cognizance and
hearing officer, adjudicatory officer, or counterparts, are expected to supervision of the JAG shall maintain a
public legal officer, or of a candidate for demonstrate model behavior and status considered ‘‘in good standing’’ at
election or appointment to judicial or exemplary integrity at all times. The all times with the licensing authority
legal office. JAG may consider any and all admitting the individual to the practice
(b) [Reserved] derogatory or beneficial information of law before the highest court of at least
about a covered attorney, for purposes one State, Territory, Commonwealth, or
§ 776.68 Reporting professional of determining the attorney’s the District of Columbia.
misconduct. qualification, professional competence, (b) The JAG, the Staff Judge Advocate
(a) A covered attorney having or fitness to practice law in DoN to the Commandant of the Marine
knowledge that another covered matters, or to administer discipline Corps, or any other supervisory attorney
attorney has committed a violation of under this rule. Such consideration may require any covered USG attorney
subpart B of this part that raises a shall be made, except in emergency over whom they exercise authority to
substantial question as to that covered situations necessitating immediate establish that the attorney continues to
attorney’s honesty, trustworthiness, or action, according to the procedures be in good standing with his or her
fitness as a covered attorney in other established in this rule. licensing authority. Representatives of
respects, shall report such violation in § 776.70 Jurisdiction. the JAG or of the Staff Judge Advocate
accordance with the procedures set to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
(a) All covered attorneys shall be
forth in this part. may also inquire directly of any such
governed by this part.
(b) A covered attorney having (b)(1) Many covered USG attorneys covered USG attorney’s licensing
knowledge that a judge has committed practice outside the territorial limits of authority to establish whether he or she
a violation of applicable rules of judicial the jurisdiction in which they are continues to be in good standing and
conduct that raises a substantial licensed. While covered attorneys has no disciplinary action pending.
question as to the judge’s fitness for remain subject to the governing (c) Each covered USG attorney shall
office shall report such violation in authority of the jurisdiction in which immediately report to the JAG if any
accordance with the procedures set they are licensed to practice, they are jurisdiction in which the covered USG
forth in this part. also subject to subpart B of this part. attorney is or has been a member in
(c) This part does not require (2) When covered USG attorneys are good standing commences disciplinary
disclosure of information otherwise engaged in the conduct of Navy or investigation or action against him or
protected by § 776.25 of this part. Marine Corps legal functions, whether her or if the covered USG attorney is
(d) [Reserved] serving the Navy or Marine Corps as a disciplined, suspended, or disbarred
client or serving an individual client as from the practice of law in any
§ 776.69 Misconduct. jurisdiction.
authorized by the Navy or Marine
(a) It is professional misconduct for a Corps, the provisions contained in (d) Each covered non-USG attorney
covered attorney to: subpart B of this part supersede any representing an accused in any court-
(1) Violate or attempt to violate conflicting rules applicable in martial or administrative separation
subpart B of this part, knowingly assist jurisdictions in which the covered proceeding shall be a member in good
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or induce another to do so, or do so attorney may be licensed. However, standing with, and authorized to
through the acts of another; covered attorneys practicing in State or practice law by, the bar of a Federal
(2) Commit a criminal act that reflects Federal civilian court proceedings will court or of the bar of the highest court
adversely on the covered attorney’s abide by the rules adopted by that State of a State, or a lawyer otherwise
honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as or Federal civilian court during the authorized by a recognized licensing
an attorney in other respects; proceedings. As for covered non-USG authority to practice law and found by
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the military judge to be qualified to (4) A covered USG attorney need only characterize appropriately the nature of
represent the accused. remain in good standing in one a covered attorney’s conduct to
(e)(1) Generally, the JAG relies on the jurisdiction. If admitted to the practice determine who may and properly
licensing authority granting the of law in more than one jurisdiction, should take official action.
certification or privilege to practice law however, and any jurisdiction (a) Questions of legal ethics and
to define the phrase ‘‘good standing.’’ commences disciplinary action against professional misconduct by covered
However, as circumstances require, the or disciplines, suspends or disbars the attorneys are within the exclusive
JAG may, instead, use separate criteria covered USG attorney from the practice province of the JAG. Ethical or
to determine compliance. At a of law, the covered USG attorney must professional misconduct will not be
minimum, ‘‘good standing’’ means the so advise the JAG. attributed to any covered attorney in
individual: (5) An essential time to verify that a any official record without a final JAG
(i) Is subject to the jurisdiction’s judge advocate is currently in good determination, made in accordance with
disciplinary review process; standing is upon accession. Other this part that such misconduct has
(ii) Has not been suspended or appropriate times for verification are occurred.
disbarred from the practice of law before a judge advocate is promoted to (b) Criminal misconduct is properly
within the jurisdiction; a higher grade, detailed to a new addressed by the covered USG
(iii) Is current in the payment of all command, or assigned to duties where attorney’s commander through the
required fees; there is a statutory requirement to be a disciplinary process provided under the
(iv) Has met applicable continuing member of the bar, such as a military UCMJ and implementing regulations, or
legal education requirements that the judge per 10 U.S.C. 826(b). The JAG, the through referral to appropriate civil
jurisdiction has imposed (or the SJA to CMC, or any other supervisory authority.
cognizant authority has waived); and attorney may need to verify the
(c) Poor performance of duty is
professional qualifications of a judge
(v) Has met such other requirements properly addressed by the covered USG
advocate, either periodically or on an
as the cognizant authority has set for attorney’s reporting senior through a
occasional basis. JAGINST 5803.2
eligibility to practice law. So long as variety of administrative actions,
(series) establishes a biennial
these conditions are met, a covered USG including documentation in fitness
requirement for all covered attorneys to
attorney may be ‘‘inactive’’ as to the reports or employee appraisals.
provide proof of good standing.
practice of law within a particular (d) Prior JAG approval is not required
(6) Certification by the United States
jurisdiction and still be ‘‘in good to investigate allegations of criminal
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
standing’’ for purposes of subpart B of conduct or poor performance of duty
that a judge advocate is in good standing
this part. involving covered attorneys. When,
with that court will not satisfy the
(2) Rule for Court-Martial 502(d)(3)(A) requirement of this section, since such however, investigations into criminal
requires that any civilian defense status is normally dependent on Article conduct or poor performance reveal
counsel representing an accused in a 27, UCMJ, certification. conduct that constitutes a violation of
court-martial be a member of the bar of this part or of the Code of Judicial
a Federal court or of the bar of the §§ 776.72–776.75 [Reserved] Conduct in the case of judges, such
highest court of a State. This civilian conduct shall be reported to the Rules
defense counsel qualification only has Subpart C—Complaint Processing Counsel immediately.
meaning if the attorney is a member ‘‘in Procedures (e) Generally, professional
good standing,’’ and is then authorized § 776.76 Policy. responsibility complaints will be
to practice law within that jurisdiction. processed in accordance with this part
(a) It is JAG’s policy to investigate and
See United States v. Waggoner, 22 M.J. upon receipt. Rules Counsel may,
resolve, expeditiously and fairly, all
692 (AFCMR 1986). It is appropriate for however, on a case-by-case basis, delay
allegations of professional impropriety
the military judge, in each and every such processing to await the outcome of
lodged against covered attorneys under
case, to ensure that a civilian defense pending related criminal,
JAG supervision.
counsel is qualified to represent the (b) Rules Counsel approval will be administrative, or investigative
accused. obtained before conducting any proceedings.
(3) Failure of a judge advocate to preliminary inquiry or formal (f) Nothing in this part prevents a
comply with the requirements of investigation into an alleged violation of military judge or other appropriate
subpart B of this part may result in the Rules of Professional Conduct official from removing a covered
professional disciplinary action as (subpart B of this part) or the ABA attorney from acting in a particular
provided for in this rule, loss of Model Code of Judicial Conduct (Code court-martial or prevents the JAG, the
certification under Articles 26 and/or of Judicial Conduct). The Rules Counsel SJA to CMC, or the appropriate official
27(b), UCMJ, adverse entries in military will notify the JAG prior to the from reassigning a covered attorney to
service records, and administrative commencement of any preliminary different duties prior to, during, or
separation under SECNAVINST 1920.6 inquiry or investigation. The subsequent to proceedings conducted
(series) based on the officer’s failure to preliminary inquiry and any subsequent under the provision of this part.
maintain professional qualifications. In investigation will be conducted
the case of civil service and contracted § 776.78 Informal complaints.
according to the procedures set forth in
civilian attorneys practicing under the this subpart. Informal, anonymous, or ‘‘hot line’’
JAG’s cognizance and supervision, type complaints alleging professional
failure to maintain good standing or misconduct must be referred to the
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§ 776.77 Related investigations and
otherwise to comply with the actions. appropriate authority (such as the JAG
requirements of subpart B of this part Acts or omissions by covered Inspector General or the concerned
may result in adverse administrative attorneys may constitute professional supervisory attorney) for inquiry. Such
action under applicable personnel misconduct, criminal misconduct, poor complaints are not, by themselves,
regulations, including termination of performance of duty, or a combination cognizable under this subpart but may,
employment. of all three. Care must be taken to if reasonably confirmed, be the basis of
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![68410 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 213 / Wednesday, November 4, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Subpart F—[Reserved]
Dated: October 16, 2015.
N.A. Hagerty-Ford,
Commander, Office of the Judge Advocate
General, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison
Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015–26982 Filed 11–3–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P
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Document Created: 2018-03-01 11:28:27
Document Modified: 2018-03-01 11:28:27
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective December 4, 2015. | |
| Contact | Commander Noreen A. Hagerty-Ford, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Office of the Judge Advocate General (Administrative Law), Department of the Navy, 1322 Patterson Ave., SE., Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, telephone: 703-614-7408. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 68388 | |
| RIN Number | 0703-AA92 | |
| CFR Associated | Rules of Professional Conduct and Complaint Processing Procedures |
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