Rule 4-209.2. Special Masters in Emergency Suspension Proceedings; Qualifications, Training, Terms, Powers and Duties

(a) In addition to the pool of Special Masters described in Rule 4-209.1, the Supreme Court shall appoint six members of the State Bar, and such additional number of members as the Court may feel to be desirable or necessary from time to time,to serve as Special Masters in emergency suspension show cause hearings and in such other matters as may be designated by the Supreme Court. Two (2) bar members shall be selected from each of the three federal judicial districts in Georgia, additional members shall be selected from appropriate federal judicial districts in Georgia as determined by the Court, and all appointees shall serve for five-year terms. A Special Master shall be eligible for reappointment.

(b) Training for Special Masters who serve in emergency suspension proceedings is required as provided in Bar Rule 4-209.1(b).

(1) to exercise general supervision over proceedings assigned to him or her and to perform all duties specifically enumerated in these Rules;

(2) to permit negotiations between the State Bar of Georgia and the Respondent;

(3) to receive and evaluate any Petition for Voluntary Discipline filed by a Respondent, to receive and evaluate responses to such petition from the Office of General Counsel and to make recommendations to the Supreme Court on such petition;

(4) to grant continuances and to extend any time limit provided for herein as to any matter pending before him or her;

(5) to apply to the Supreme Court of Georgia for an order naming a successor in the event that the Special Master becomes incapacitated to perform his or her duties;

(6) to sign subpoenas and exercise the powers described in Rule 4-221(b);

(7) to preside over evidentiary hearings and to decide questions of law and fact raised during such hearings; and

(8) to make a recommendation as to whether the Respondent should be suspended pending further disciplinary proceedings.