Arkansas Committee on Professional Conduct

Pursuant to Ark. R. Prof. Cond. § 3(A)(1), the Supreme Court of Arkansas appoints members to the Committee on Professional Conduct to help carry out its procedures. The Committee is composed of two seven-member panels, Panel A and Panel B. Each panel includes: five (5) attorneys, one from each of Congressional District and one at-large; and two (2) non-attorneys (lay persons), both selected at-large from across the state. Appointments are for six-year terms unless otherwise directed by the Court. Members may be reappointed for one additional six-year term. Terms are staggered to ensure continuity.

Vacancies arising from causes other than term expiration are filled by the Court, with appointees serving the remainder of the unexpired term. If the unexpired term is less than two years, the appointee may still serve two full consecutive six-year terms. Members serve until their successors are appointed and certified.

Pursuant to Ark. R. Prof. Cond. § 3(A)(3), fourteen reserve members serve on Panels C and D. These reserve members may be called upon if: a Panel A or B member is disqualified or unavailable; or an additional panel is needed due to workload. Of Panels C and D, the reserve members shall include: ten (10) attorneys, with at least two from each Congressional District; and four (4) non-attorneys (lay persons) selected at-large. Reserve members serve under the same terms as regular members.

Each year, Panels A and B elect an Executive Chairperson and Executive Secretary on a rotating basis. Separately, each panel elects its own Panel Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary annually. There are no limits as to how many times a member may hold these leadership roles.