The proposed bill would amend section 12-353 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to enhance the provisions related to attorney discipline matters. Under current law, if an attorney prevails in a discipline matter, the State Bar of Arizona is responsible for attorney fees and court costs. The bill introduces new language that specifies the inclusion of "loss of earnings" as a recoverable cost, calculated during the entire duration of the investigation, discipline process, and any related court litigation or appeal.

Additionally, the bill allows attorneys who prevail in these matters to file a claim against the State Bar if they have suffered damage to their reputation. This insertion broadens the scope of recovery for attorneys beyond just financial costs, addressing reputational harm as a significant concern in attorney discipline cases. Overall, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive support for attorneys who successfully defend against disciplinary actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-353