The Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission investigates and disciplines attorneys who violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. Common reasons why attorneys are disciplined include (a) lack of diligence; (b) incompetence: (c) failure to communicate with clients; (d) neglect; (e) failure to abide by client’s decision; (f) dishonesty; (g) criminal acts; (h) misappropriation of client’s funds; (i) commingling of client’s funds and (j) failure to disclose a conflict of interest.
The Attorney Grievance Commission can impose the following sanctions against a transgressing attorney: (a) warning; (b) public reprimand; (c) private reprimand; (d) suspension; and (e) disbarment.