Rule 9.101. Definitions

As used in subchapter 9.100:

(1) “board” means the Attorney Discipline Board;

(2) “commission” means the Attorney Grievance Commission;

(3) “administrator” means the grievance administrator;

(4) “investigator” means a person specially designated by the administrator to assist

him or her in the investigation of alleged misconduct or requested reinstatement;

(5) “attorney” or “lawyer” means a person regularly licensed, specially admitted,

permitted to practice law in Michigan on a temporary or other limited basis, or who

is otherwise subject to the disciplinary authority of Michigan pursuant to order or

rule of the Supreme Court;

(6) “respondent” means an attorney named in a request for investigation or complaint,

or proceedings for reciprocal discipline, based on a judgment of conviction, or

transfers to inactive status under MCR 9.121;

(7) “request for investigation” means the first step in bringing alleged misconduct to the

administrator’s attention;

(8) “complaint” means the formal charge prepared by the administrator and filed with

the board;

(9) “review” means examination by the board of a hearing panel’s order on petition by

the administrator, complainant, or respondent;

(10) “appeal” means judicial re-examination by the Supreme Court of the board’s final

order on petition by the administrator, complainant, or respondent;

(11) “grievance” means alleged misconduct;

(12) “investigation” means fact finding on alleged misconduct under the administrator’s

direction.

(13) “disbarment” means revocation of the license to practice law.

(14) “complainant” means a person who signs a request for investigation.

(15) “disability inactive status” means inactive status to which a lawyer has been

transferred pursuant to MCR 9.121 or a similar rule of another jurisdiction.

Chapter 9. Professional Disciplinary Proceedings

Chapter Updated January 1, 2026

(16)”disciplinary proceeding” means a proceeding commenced under this subchapter

seeking the imposition of discipline for misconduct.