Rule 1:20-8. Time Goals; Accountability; Priority

(a) Investigations The Disciplinary system shall endeavor to complete all investigations of standard matters within six months, and of complex matters within nine months, the time period commencing on the date a written grievance is docketed and concluding on the date a formal complaint is filed, the grievance is dismissed or other authorized disposition is made.

(b) Formal Hearings The disciplinary system shall endeavor to complete formal hearings within six months from the expiration of the time for filing an answer to a complaint until a report is filed with the Director for transmittal to the Disciplinary Review Board.

(c) Appellate Review The disciplinary system shall endeavor to complete all recommendations for discipline filed with the Disciplinary Review Board within six months from the date of docketing by the Office of Board Counsel until the issuance of the Board's decision. All ethics and fee arbitration appeals should be completed and a decision issued within three months of docketing the appeal by the Board.

(d) Supreme Court Review The disciplinary system shall endeavor to complete matters (except emergent actions) filed with the Supreme Court within six months from the date of docketing by the Office of the Clerk of the Court until issuance of the Court's order or opinion.

(e) Effect of Goals The time periods herein prescribed are not jurisdictional and shall not serve as a bar or defense to any disciplinary investigation or proceeding.

(f) Accountability Analysis of compliance by the disciplinary system of the time periods herein prescribed shall be made annually and at such intervals as the Disciplinary Oversight Committee may direct, and an analysis published showing how the respective caseloads compare with these goals.

(g) Priority of Disciplinary Matters Generally, disciplinary matters shall take precedence over administrative, civil and criminal cases. All courts and tribunals shall make reasonable accommodations for the attendance of counsel, witnesses, and other participants. Every participant in a disciplinary proceeding shall be obligated to give reasonable advance notice of potential litigation conflicts to the assignment judge or to the particular judge or officer in charge of the litigation. The same advance notice also shall be given to the presenter, respondent, counsel, and the panel chair or special ethics master in the disciplinary matter.