ODC carries out two main functions: (1) disciplinary investigations and prosecutions; and (2) professional ethics educational services. 

ODC’s primary function is handling complaints of alleged unethical conduct by Hawai`i attorneys and attorneys admitted pro hac vice (out-of-state attorneys admitted for a limited purpose).   Ethics investigations may lead to determinations ranging from a finding of no unethical conduct (resulting in dismissal of the complaint) to institution of formal disciplinary proceedings (leading to possible imposition of disciplinary sanctions).

As part of its educational function, ODC spends time answering questions from Hawai`i attorneys on ethical matters regarding their own prospective conduct.  Informal verbal opinions are provided by ODC, however, as described in more detail in this website, these informal opinions are nonbinding against ODC.

Other educational activities undertaken by ODC include articles on ethics appearing in the Hawai`i Bar Journal, preparation of ethics-related materials for various continuing legal education programs, and speaking to groups of lawyers and non-lawyers about attorney ethics and discipline issues locally and nationally.

JANET S. HUNT is the Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the ODC.  She has served as an Assistant Chief Trial Counsel and as a Supervising Trial Counsel in the Office of the Chief Trial Counsel, Enforcement Division of the State Bar of California for twenty-one years prior to accepting the Chief Disciplinary Counsel position with ODC in 2008.  She practiced as a creditor's rights attorney in bankruptcy court and a general practitioner until she became staff attorney with the State Bar of California in 1987.  She is the current Administrator for the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection.  She is a member of the National Organization of Bar Counsel and the National Client Protection Organization where she serves as a member of the Program Committee.  She is a member of the United States Supreme Court, HSBA, the State Bar of California and the American Bar Association.

Click here for the July 2010 Hawaii Bar Journal interview of Janet.