Code of Maine Rules
94 - INDEPENDENT AGENCIES
649 - MAINE COMMISSION ON INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES
Chapter 4 - CASELOAD STANDARDS FOR ASSIGNED COUNSEL AND CONTRACT COUNSEL
Section 649-4-5 - APPLICATION

i. All attorneys accepting assignments to represent consumers of indigent legal services are required to annually certify to the Commission approximately what portion of their annual working hours are dedicated to assigned cases.

ii. All attorneys who are eligible to accept case assignments on the effective date of this rule must submit their first certification not later than 30 calendar days after the effective date of this rule and by July 15th of that year and every year thereafter, as outlined below.

iii. Attorneys who apply to accept Commission cases will be required to submit this certification prior to receiving case assignments.

iv. Attorneys who renew their eligibility to accept Commission cases must, at the time of the submission of their renewal application, submit a new certification of approximately what portion of their annual working hours are dedicated to assigned cases. This certification must be submitted to the Commission no later than July 15th of each year.

v. After a certification is submitted, the attorney's maximum active caseload limit will be set in the Commission's information management system.

vi. If an attorney's workload percentages change significantly prior to the annual certification, the attorney can request that the Commission adjust their maximum caseload and/or hours limits.

vii. This certification must be completed on the form provided by the Commission.

viii. Failure to complete the certification as required will result in suspension from all rosters until the certification has been completed to the satisfaction of the Executive Director or their designee.

ix. Suspected falsification of a certification will result in the initiation of a Commission assessment and/or investigation.

i. Counsel are responsible for ensuring that all cases are opened in the Commission's case management system within 7 calendar days of the receipt of notice of assignment in any form, and that cases are closed in the Commission's case management system within 7 days of the completion of work in the file.