1. must be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
2. must be of good moral character and fitness;
3. must not have been convicted in any court of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude;
4. must have completed at least two (2) years of college and have graduated from a law school in the United States, territories, or possessions which is accredited by the ABA;
5. must have filed an application for admission to practice in Guam in accordance with the applicable Guam admission rules; and
6. must have passed the Guam Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (“MPRE”) with a score sufficient for admission based on the applicable Guam admission rules.

The Supreme Court of Guam is responsible for the admission, discipline and regulation of the Guam Bar membership. The Board of Governors of the Guam Bar Association, which consists of the President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer and two members at large, oversees the operations and administration of the Bar. The Guam Bar Ethics Committee, a standing committee of the Bar appointed by the President and confirmed by the Supreme Court of Guam, is responsible for accepting complaints and imposing discipline on members which may constitute violations of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the American Bar Association. Other standing committees of the Bar include Programs and Public Relations, Legislative Liaison, Continuing Legal Education, Library, Legal Aid and Lawyer Referrals, and Judicial Liaison.

Many members of the Guam Bar are also members of various state bar associations from across the United States, and the vast majority of our members have graduated from ABA accredited law schools. Active members pay annual dues of $300.00, while inactive members pay dues of $75.00.

All members of the Guam Bar are admitted through a bar examination process, which generally includes the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), essays and character examination. Recently, the Guam Supreme Court has implemented an attorneys examine for experienced attorneys. Also, under recent changes by the Guam Supreme Court, persons admitted to practice in other jurisdictions may qualify under Guam’s new ADR and multi jurisdictional limited practice rules. See, Guam Supreme Court Promulgation Orders 04-01 and 04-02 (http://www.guamsupremecourt.com) for more information. For specific admissions requirements, you should contact the Supreme Court of Guam, Board of Law Examiners (http://www.justice.gov.gu/supreme/BOLE.htm).

THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A warm Hafa Adai and Welcome to all GBA Members:

On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Guam Bar Association, we are pleased to begin the year 2012 as a co-sponsor with the District Court of Guam’s 2012 Annual Conference event on January 26, 2012.  Most notably, the Guam Bar Association was honored to welcome the Honorable Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor with the Supreme Court of theUnited States of America as the keynote presenter for the 2012 District Court Conference.  Within the past year and a half during my tenure, the Bar has worked diligently in promoting the following goals:

*  Providing on-going Continuing Legal Education courses and seminars to bar members towards the improvement of the practice of law;

*  Working in partnership with the District Court of Guam and Judiciary of Guam to provide valuable CLE resources and training to bar members.

*  Advancing community outreach and awareness through the promotion of Law Week Activities and Pro bono services to the public;

*  Sponsoring annual charitable events such as the GBA Golf Tournament to raise monies towards programs that provide resources for Pro Se litigants under LASH;

*  Working towards providing valuable resources and benefits for bar members.

One of the Guam Bar Association’s most notable accomplishments for 2011 was the passage of the amendment by the American Bar Association (“ABA”) allowing Guam, the CNMI and American Samoa to have a full seat in the House of Representatives.  For twenty (20) years, Guam and the CNMI shared one seat in the ABA House of Representatives, and with the passage of this amendment, Guam can now avail itself to more resources and benefits with the ABA.

I look forward to continue serving as President and working towards the improvement of our services within the Guam Bar Association.

Sincerely,

CYNTHIA V. ECUBE

President

BUENAS, HAFA ADAI yan bienbenida para i nuebo na Guam Bar Association website! I Guam Bar Association ma kumplasi mas ki kuatro siento benti sinko na’ miembros siha. Man magof ham para bai en ofresi esti i nuebo na website para infotmation para i man miembros yan kontodu i ti man miembros siha pot i iyot-ta Bar yan legat na communidat. In a’atan mona para ta na lamaolek esti na website para benefision i miembros siha yan para ta na’i i publiko mas chaddek na manera para hu ma atan pot legat setbisio yan infotmation.

Para ayu siha ni esta man hi hita gi legat na’ communidat, ola-ha’ mohon ya in setda’ ayudante i man gaigue guine siha na’ infotmasion pot lokat na’ sinisedi siha yan palo otro siha na sinisedi para i praktikan pot lai giya Guam. Para ayu siha ni man nuebo giya Guam pat ti ma gof tungo pot i legat na setbisio siha guini, ola-ha’ mohon ya enseda’ esti i mangai-gue guine ayudante ni intoduktion i Bar Association yan i man dedikasion na abogados yan otro siha na legat profisots ni sumes-setbe i kommunidat-ta.

Ta’lo, in kombibida hamyo ya kontat gi finu mame Guam, “Hafa Adai“.

WELCOME to the new Guam Bar Association website! The Guam Bar Association is made up of more than 425 active and inactive members. We proudly offer this new website as a resource of information for members and non-members alike about our Bar and our legal community. We look forward to developing and improving this site to benefit our members and to provide the public with easier access to legal services and information.

For those already part of our legal community, we hope this site will help keep you informed of local events and issues relevant to the practice of law in Guam. For those new to Guam or just unfamiliar with the legal services available here, we hope this site will serve as a warm introduction to our Bar Association and the dedicated lawyers, jurists, and other legal professionals who serve our community.

Again welcome, and as we say here in Guam, “Hafa Adai!“

Supreme Court of Guam Suite 300, 120 West O’Brien DriveHagatna, Guam 96910-5174

• Tel: (671) 475-3396 • Fax: (671) 475-3400
•  •  www.guambar.org
• Lawyer Referral Service: Tel: 671.864.LAWS (5297)

Send Us a Message

For more information on the Guam Bar Association, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact us. We will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!

1. Use the webform below (scroll down) to email us.
2. If you desire to send a direct e-mail, please send it to: 
3. Contact the guambar.org WebMaster for more info, bug reports, or suggestions:

If you have a complaint against a Guam Bar lawyer, a question about the unauthorized practice of law, or a question about legal ethics, please contact: Guam Bar Association Ethics Committee

• Bruce Bradley Hearing Counsel
• (671) 475-3167 120 W. O’Brien Dr., 2nd Floor Hagatna, GU 96910

• Jacqueline Taitano Terlaje Chairperson
• (671) 648-9001 (671) 649-9002 (fax) Jacque.terlaje@gmail.com 888 North Marine Corps Drive Suite 215 Tamuning, Guam 96913

Section 1. ACTIVE AND INACTIVE MEMBERS, REGISTRATION. The Board of Governors shall cause to be maintained a registry of active and inactive members in accordance with the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION Rules. Persons licensed on or prior to the effective date of the Rules shall register within a time to be fixed by order of the Court. Persons licensed thereafter shall register promptly upon their admission to practice. Upon registration, a member shall pay the full amount of the prescribed fee for the current calendar year, unless he is admitted to practice less than six months before expiration of the current calendar year; in which case he shall pay one-half of the fee for such year. An inactive member who amends his registration so as to become an active member shall pay the active membership fee for the current calendar year less the amount of the fee paid for said year as an inactive member, provided that for active membership of less than six months in the current calendar year he shall pay one-half of the difference between the active and inactive membership fee. In case of late registration, a member shall pay the active membership fee for the current and all past years. If he elects to register as an inactive member such election shall, in case of late registration, take effect at the beginning of the next year.

Section 2. ASSOCIATES AND STUDENT ASSOCIATES. In addition to the membership and classes of membership provided in the preceding section of this Article, the Board of Governors shall consider and in the exercise of its discretion approve or disapprove application for association as Associates or as Student Associates, as provided by Rule 2, Section 6. Such association shall carry with it the privilege of attendance at GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION meetings, without the right to Vote or hold office, and the receiving of GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION official publications, but shall not carry with it other rights and privileges incident to membership. Applications for association shall be on such forms as may be prescribed by the board of Governors, including endorsement or recommendation of applicant by an active member of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. Such association shall be on an annual calendar year basis subject to renewal without necessity for additional application. The amount of dues or fees required of such Associates and of such Student Associates shall be as to each group respectively as prescribed by the Board of Governors. Application to become an Associate or Student Associate shall be approved only when the applicant meets the qualifications prescribed therefore by Rule 2, Section 6.

ARTICLE II MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Section 1. NOTICE, ORDER OF BUSINESS. Notice of meetings of members shall be as prescribed by Rule 6, Section 4. At each meeting of the members the order of business shall be as prescribed by the Board of Governors, except as provided in these By-Laws. The order of business may be changed by vote of a majority of the members present at any meeting.

Section 2. QUORUM. A quorum shall consist of twenty-five percent of the active membership of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in good standing.

Section 3. RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE. At least seven days prior to each meeting of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, the President shall appoint a Committee on Resolutions and designate the Chairman. The Committee shall report all resolutions referred to it, together with its approval, disapproval or other recommendation thereon, to the meeting of the members. Every resolution shall be in writing, and unless presented by a committee or section, it shall be referred to the Committee on Resolutions. In order to be eligible for consideration, a resolution requiring referral shall be filed at the office of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION at least five days before the annual meeting.

ARTICLE III BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. VACANCIES. If any member at large vacancy in the Board of Governors is created by death, resignation, removal from office, suspension, or disbarment, and the vacancy occurs between annual meetings of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, or if no successor is elected as provided for herein, the post shall be filled from the active membership by vote of the remaining members of the Board, and the person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term. Voting shall be by secret ballot. Section 2. QUORUM. A majority of the members of the Board of Governors shall constitute a quorum of said Board.

Section 3. POWERS AND DUTIES. The government of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be vested in the Board of Governors. It shall control and administer the business and affairs of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and shall have all the powers necessary or incidental thereto and for carrying out the purposes of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in keeping with the Rules and these By-Laws. The Board shall select the delegate of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION to the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association.

Section 4. MEETINGS. The Board of Governors shall meet immediately after the adjournment of the annual meeting of the members, or on the following day, as the President may direct, and there shall be at least three additional regular meetings of the Board each year. Special meetings may be called by him or the Secretary upon request of any five members of the Board, not less than ten nor more than twenty days after such request is received. Meetings shall be held at such times and places as may be fixed by the Board or the President. Every member of the Board shall have at least three days’ notice, by mail, of each meeting of the Board of Governors, other than the meeting following the annual meeting of the members.

Section 5. BUDGET. The Board of Governors shall adopt a budget to each fiscal year showing the anticipated income and tentative appropriations to cover estimated expenses of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION which budget the Board of Governors shall have authority from time to time to amend.

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

Section 1. PRESIDENT, VICE-PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, TREASURER. The officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Section 2. OTHER OFFICERS. The Board of Governors may create such other offices as it deems necessary, with such authority and duties as prescribed by the Board. Such offices shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the Board.

Section 3. REMOVAL. An officer may be removed for cause by two-thirds of the members of the Board of Governors at a meeting called for that purpose, after being given a written statement of the charges against him and a hearing before the Board thereon, if he so requests.

Section 4. RESIGNATION. Any officer may resign at any time upon settling his accounts with the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION.

ARTICLE V THE PRESIDENT

Section 1. PRESIDING OFFICER. The President shall preside at all meetings of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION.

Section 2. ANNUAL ADDRESS. The President shall deliver an address at the annual meeting of the members.

Section 3. DUTIES UPON TAKING OFFICE. At the first meeting of the Board of Governors held following the annual meeting at which he is elected to the presidency, the President shall: (a) Submit in writing to the Board of Governors a proposed programs of activities for the ensuing year; (b) Appoint the committee chairmen and members with the approval of the Board; and (c) Present such budgetary recommendations as he may deem appropriate.

Section 4. ANNUAL REPORT. The President shall annually and near the expiration of his term of office make a written report to the Court concerning the affairs of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, copies of which shall be made available to the members at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE VI VICE-PRESIDENT, SUCCESSION

Section 1. DUTIES. The Vice-President shall perform such duties as the President may delegate to him and as the Board of Governors may prescribe. In the event of the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall preside at all meetings of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and of the Board of Governors and shall perform all other duties of the President and in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President he shall succeed to the presidency.

ARTICLE VII THE SECRETARY

Section 1. DUTIES. The Secretary shall be responsible for the keeping of the minutes and other records of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. He shall be Secretary of the Board of Governors and shall be responsible of keeping the minutes of the Board. He shall attend to the giving of all notices and shall perform the duties customarily incidental to his office and such other duties as the Board of Governors may from time to time prescribe.

ARTICLE VIII THE TREASURER, FINANCE

Section 1. DUTIES. The Treasurer of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall bill and collect the membership fees. He shall be responsible for disbursement of the funds of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION pursuant to authorization by the Board of Governors, or as otherwise provided. He shall make reports in reference to finance at all meetings of the Board of Governors and of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. He shall be responsible for the keeping of regular accounts, which at all times shall be open to the inspection of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION.

Section 2. DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS. Funds of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be deposited in any bank or savings and loan association insured by an agency of the United States, designated by the Board of Governors. Such deposits shall be in the name of the “GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION” or, in the case of a special trust fund, in the name of said fund with the addition of the words “GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION”, and shall be withdrawn only by checks or vouchers signed by any two of the following, as may be authorized by the Board: The Treasurer, the Secretary, the President, the Vice-President, and the Executive Director.

Section 3. SUCCESSION. In the event of vacancy in the office of the Treasurer, or his absence or disability, his duties shall devolve upon the Secretary until the vacancy is filled or an acting Treasurer is appointed.

Section 4. BOND. A blanket fidelity bond shall be obtained to cover all officers, employees, or other persons handling funds of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, which bond shall be payable to the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in such amounts as the Board of Governors shall determine from time to time.

Section 5. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Annually and as of the end of each fiscal year, a Financial Statement shall be made by an independent certified public accountant, selected by the Board of Governors, of all the funds, property and accounts of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. The Financial Statement shall be delivered to the Board of Governors and made available to the membership for their consideration. (Amended 12/98)

ARTICLE IX NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS. On or before September 1 of each year the Secretary shall notify each active member in good standing that a term of a member of the Board of Governors is to expire at the conclusion of the next annual meeting, of the date fixed by this Section for filing nominating positions. Such notice may be given by mail to each such member at his address shown on the records of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, or by publication in an official publication of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. The members may nominate one or more candidates for the office of member of the Board of Governors for the two year term commencing at the conclusion of the next annual meeting. A nominating statement shall be filed for each candidate at the office of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, not later than October 15, and shall be signed by three active members in good standing.

Section 2. NOMINATING COMMITTEE, OTHER NOMINATIONS. (a) On or before each September 15, prior to the annual meeting at which the officers’ term shall expire, the President shall appoint a nominating committee of five members approved by the Board. The nominating committee shall nominate two candidates for each of the offices. In the event the nominating statement for members at large of the Board of Governors filed on or before October 15 pursuant to Section 1 are insufficient to nominate at least one candidate for each such post to be filled, the nominating committee also shall nominate candidates for such posts from the active membership so that there shall be a candidate for each such post. No nomination shall be made unless the proposed nominee consents thereto. (b) After nominations are made as provided by Section 1 and Section 2(a) above, a list of the nominees shall be mailed to each active member in good standing at least forty-five days before the date of the annual meeting. Not later than ten days after the date of mailing of the list of nominations so made, any twenty active members in good standing may nominate a candidate for President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer by filing at the office of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION a nominating statement. (c) No person may be nominated under Section 1 of this section for more than one office. Every nominee must be an active member in good standing.

Section 3. BALLOTS. As soon as practicable, the Board shall meet and determine the persons duly nominated who have accepted the nomination, and shall cause ballots to be prepared to (a) election of officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, and (b) election of a member or members of the Board of Governors in which the term of an incumbent will expire at the conclusion of the next annual meeting. The Ballots may be separate for officers and members at large of the Board, respectively, or combined. Each ballot shall have printed thereon the name of each person duly nominated for each position to which the respective ballot applies. Instructions accompanying the ballots, or imprinted thereon, shall specify the method by which a vote for a particular candidate shall be indicated and shall give notice as to the last date by which the ballot must be received at the office of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, which date shall annually be fixed by the Board of Governors.

Section 4. VOTERS LISTS, DISTRIBUTION OF BALLOTS. A voters list shall be prepared containing the names of all currently active members in good standing. Each such member shall be given a distinguishing number. There shall be mailed to each such member by regular mail as soon as practicable and at least twenty days before the annual meeting: (a) a ballot for election of officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and, where applicable, a ballot for election of a member or members of the Board of Governors, or a combined ballot for all such offices; (b) a plain envelope containing no identification, for transmission of the ballots, and (c) an envelope addressed to the office of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION, bearing an identifying number of the member, together with a blank for signature of the member. The ballots shall bear no number or identification.

Section 5. CONDUCT OF ELECTION. Each member desiring to vote shall mark his ballot according to the instruction furnished, and shall return the ballot or ballots in the envelopes herein before prescribed to the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION on or before the date specified by the Board of Governors. No ballot returned later than such date shall be counted. There shall be an Election Committee named by the President, who shall designate the chairman. At a time and place specified by the Board of Governors, the Election Committee shall (a) separate the ballots in the unopened envelopes; (b) determine from the numbers and signatures on the envelopes that the ballots were cast by members in good standing, withholding and preserving those not so identified; (c) open the envelopes which bear qualifying numbers and signature and place the plain inner envelopes in a separate container; (d) open the plain inner envelopes and count the ballots for candidates for members of the Board of Governors; (e) count the ballots for candidates for officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION; and (f) report the results at the beginning the annual meeting. The Committee shall deposit the ballots and envelopes, including any not counted for any reason, with the Secretary. The Election Committee may employ such impartial accounting and clerical assistance as it may deem necessary.

Section 6. RECOUNT. Any candidate dissatisfied with the result of the count as to his election may, prior to adjournment of the annual meeting, request a recount of the ballots pertaining to his election by filing such a request in writing with the secretary of the meeting. The President shall forthwith appoint a Recount Committee (which shall be composed of persons different from the Election Committee), and designate the chairman thereof. The Recount Committee shall, as soon as practicable; (a) recount the ballots pertaining to all elections in which a recount has been requested and examine the envelopes containing ballots not counted, such ballots, as determined by the Committee; (b) determine the number of votes validly cast for each candidate in such election; and (c) report the results to the annual meeting. The results determined by the Recount Committee shall be final and not subject to further challenge.

Section 7. DECLARATION OF RESULTS OF ELECTIONS. The candidate receiving a plurality of the votes in each election (according to the report of the Election Committee, or in election in which a recount shall have been requested, the report of of the recount Committee) shall be declared elected. In the event two or more candidates receive the same highest number of votes in any election, the incumbent holder of his position shall continue to serve until his successor is determined, and the Board of Governors shall determine which of such tying candidates shall be declared elected.

ARTICLE X COMMITTEES – GENERALLY

Section 1. NAMES. The following shall be standing committees of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and shall be appointed as provided by these By-Laws or the Rules of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION: 1. Program and Public Relations 2. Legislative Liaison 3. Continuing Legal Education 4. Library 5. Legal Aid and Lawyer Referrals 6. Judicial Liaison 7. Professional Ethics and Unauthorized Practice of Law

Section 2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS, APPOINTMENT. Except as otherwise provided, all standing committees shall be composed of four members appointed by the President with the approval of the Board; provided that the President may in his discretion, with the approval of the Board, appoint additional members for his term only.

Section 3. SPECIAL COMMITTEES. There shall be such special committees, other than those referred to in the Rules of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION or the By-Laws, as may from time to time be authorized or created by the Board of Governors or by resolution of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. Unless otherwise provided, members of special committees shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board. The special committees shall continue for such terms as may be designated in creating them, and if no time is determined shall continue until abolished by the creating authority.

Section 4. CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN. The President each year with the approval of the Board, shall designate and appoint a chairman and a vice chairman of each standing and special committee, except as otherwise provided.

Section 5. VACANCY IN OFFICE OR COMMITTEE, ABSENCE OR DISABILITY. Unless otherwise provided: (a) a vacancy in any office or committee shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the Board, and the appointee shall hold office for the unexpired term and until his successor shall have been chosen; and (b) in the event of the absence or disability of an officer of committee member an acting officer or member to serve during such absence or disability may be designated by the President with the approval of the Board.

Section 6. MEETINGS, REPORTS. Committees shall meet as often as necessary in order to perform their duties. Each committee shall keep a record of all actions taken, and shall submit to the President, on or before December 1 of each year, a report of its activities.

Section 7. STAGGERED TERMS. Except as otherwise provided, the President, in making the initial appointments, shall appoint one-half of the members of each committee for a term of one year and the other one-half of the members of each committee for a term of two years. All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of two years, so that half of the membership of each committee shall retire each year, except as otherwise provided. Each member shall hold office until his successor is appointed.

Pursuant to statute and the inherent power of this Court over the members of the Bar and the practice of law, there are hereby adopted the Guam Bar Association Rules 1 – 10 in order to provide for: (a) The organization, government and membership of a public body corporate to assist this Court in improving the administration of justice and carrying out of other purposes set forth in these Rules and the By-Laws as approved by the Court; and (b) A fund consisting of the fees imposed pursuant to these Rules, and the contributions to said fund by the Guam Bar Association and other persons, expenditure of said fund to be administered by the public body and limited to its purpose.

RULE 1 ORGANIZATION AND POWERS OF THE GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION

Section 1: Creation

Pursuant to statute there is created a public body corporate, the Bar of Guam, to be known as the “Guam Bar Association,” which shall have the power to enter into contracts and acquire, hold, encumber and dispose of real and personal property, and such other powers, privileges and duties as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper fulfillment of its duties.

Section 2: Purposes

The purposes of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION are to improve the administration of justice, improve the standards of the legal profession, encourage higher and better education of its members, assist in the admission and discipline of its members, assist in the formulation and administration of measures to prevent the unauthorized practice of law, and assume such other responsibilities and duties as this Court may from time to time determine.

RULE 2 MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Persons Included

All persons now or hereafter licensed by this Court to practice law with authority to appear before all the Courts of this territory shall be members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and are required to register and pay fees as such. The conduct of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be governed by the Code of Professional Responsibility of the American Bar Association.

Section 2: Classes of Members

Membership in the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall consist of two classes: Active and Inactive. Only active members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in good standing may vote or hold office in the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. The class of membership shall be determined as follows: (a) Members who are not engaged in the practice of law in this territory, or who are judges or in the military service may be inactive members at their election. (b) Active members shall be all other members.

Section 3: Practice of Active Members; Non-Residents

No attorney licensed to practice law in this territory shall so practice law unless he is an active member of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in good standing. Practice by a non-resident attorney who is not admitted to practice law in the Courts of this territory shall be governed by Section 28021 of the Government Code.

Section 4: Good Standing

No persons shall be deemed a member in good standing: (a) While unregistered; (b) While suspended for non-payment of the prescribed fees as provided by Rule 9; (c) While suspended for disciplinary reasons; or (d) While disbarred.

Section 5: Registration

The Board of Governors shall provide for the registration of members in accordance with these Rules, and the By-Laws. A member shall be registered if he pays the required fees and files the prescribed form showing the date of his admission, his mailing address, the date of his birth and the class of membership. A member shall be deemed an active members unless he registers as an inactive member. A member may amend his registration at any time.

Section 6: Associates.

In addition to the membership and classes of membership hereinbefore provided in this Rule, the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION may by its By- Laws recognize a Associates those of the legal profession not admitted to practice law in this territory, engaged in some capacity not requiring such admission. Law students in their Junior and Senior years may become Student Associates. Associates and Student Associates may be furnished copies of appropriate official publications and may be entitled to attend the meetings and activities conducted by the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION or any of its component parts, without the right to vote or hold office.

RULE 3 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Section 1: Government by Board of Governors

The government of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be vested in a Board of Governors.

Section 2: Composition of Board

The Board of Governors shall be composed of the following: (a) The President, the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the immediate past President. (b) Two members elected at large.

Section 3: Meetings

The Board of Governors shall hold at least four regular meetings in each year. Regular meeting and special meetings shall be held at such times and places as may be determined in accordance with the By-Laws and upon such call and notice as may be set forth in the By-Laws.

Section 4: Elections, Term, Qualifications, Vacancies

The term of office of each member of the Board of Governors elected at large shall be two years commencing at the conclusion of the annual meeting of the Association at which his election is reported and ending at the conclusion of the second annual meeting thereafter. Each such elected member shall hold office for the term for which he was elected and until his successor is elected or otherwise selected. The By-Laws shall provide for all nominations and elections of such members of the Board of Governors. Any vacancy on the Board of Governors arising in the office of member elected at large shall be filled by vote of the remaining members of the Board of Governors for the unexpired term from the active membership in the manner provided by the By-Laws. An acting member of the Board of Governors may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board, to serve during the temporary absence or incapacity of any member elected at large.

Section 5: Removal of Members of Board of Governors

Provision may be made by the By-Laws for removal of members of the Board of Governors for non-attendance at meetings or for other cause. by the By-Laws for removal of members of the Board of Governors for non-attendance at meetings or for other cause.

RULE 4 OFFICERS

Section 1: Designation, Term and Removal

The officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall include a President, Vice President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, all of whom shall be elected by the membership by secret ballot. Such other officers as may be provided for by (our) or pursuant to the By-Laws may be elected or appointed as provided therein. The officers shall have such duties, rights and powers as the By-Laws may provide. The President shall be the chairman of the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee and shall preside at all meetings thereof. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall succeed to the Presidency, and shall serve out the unexpired term. Vacancies in the above-designated offices may be filled at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Governors called for that purpose. An acting officer to serve during the temporary absence (of) or incapacity of any officer may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board, except as otherwise provided by the By-Laws. An officer may be removed for cause by two-thirds of the members of the Board of Governors at a meeting called or that purpose, in the manner provided by the By-Laws.

RULE 5 COMMITTEES; SECTIONS

Section 1: Executive Committee

There shall be an Executive Committee composed of such officers and members of the Board of Governors as may be designated by or pursuant to the By-Laws, which shall exercise the powers and duties of the Board of Governors when it is not in session, subject to such limitations as the By-Laws may provide.

Section 2: Standing Committees. There shall be such standing committees, which shall be composed of such members, serving such terms, appointed in such manner, and having such duties as are or may be provided for by these Rules or By-Laws.

RULE 6 MEETINGS

Section 1: Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be held at such place as may be designated by the Board of Governors, on the second Tuesday of January of each year at 5:00 p.m., or at such later date and time as may be fixed by the Board but not later than April 30 in each year.

Section 2: Monthly Meeting. The Board of Governors may establish a regular time and date for a monthly meeting, which may be amended by the Board from time to time.

Section 3: Special Meetings. Special meetings of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION may be held at such times and places as may be determined by the Board of Governors. The Secretary shall call a special meeting of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION upon petition signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the active members in good standing and such special meeting shall be held within sixty (60) days after the petition is filed with the Secretary. The business transacted at special meetings shall be specified in the call.

Section 4: Notice. At least five (5) days’ notice of the time and place of each annual or special meeting shall be given in writing by mail to each member at his address shown on the records of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. The notice requirement may be shortened when deemed necessary by the Board of Governors due to extraordinary circumstances.

RULE 7 BY-LAWS

Section 1: Adoption and Amendment of By-Laws. The initial By-Laws of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be those submitted by the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and approved and adopted by Order of this Court, to take effect upon the effective date of these Rules. By-Laws not inconsistent with these Rules may be adopted, amended or repealed by the active members in good standing voting by ballot, or at a regular meeting or special meeting of the members. There shall be at least ten (10) days’ notice of the proposed changes, which notice shall contain the complete text thereof. Such notice may be given in the manner provided by Rule 6, Section 3. If the voting is by ballot the action shall require approval by a majority of the votes cast, and if at a meeting of the members, shall require approval of a majority of those present at the meeting. Proposals may be made by twenty five (25) active members in good standing without Board approval, but in order for such proposals to be considered at the annual meeting they shall be submitted to the Secretary on or before December 1.The action of the members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION with respect to the By-Laws shall be certified to and filed with this Court, and may be subject of a petition for review to be filed with this Court within thirty (30) days after such filing, or may be reviewed by the Court on its own motion. A petition for review shall be signed by at least twenty five (25) active members of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in good standing. This Court may consider the petition for review in such manner as it deems proper and may approve, modify or disapprove the action under review. Such By-Laws, amendments or repeals shall take effect upon the expiration of thirty (30) days after the filing thereof with the Court unless the Court shall otherwise order, provided that any changes in the purposes of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall require the approval of the Court.

RULE 8 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Section 1: Authorization for and Compensation of. The Board of Governors may appoint an Executive Director to assist the Board of Governors and the officers of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION in the performance of their respective duties. Said person need not be an attorney. Said person shall devote such time to the affairs of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION as the Board of Governors shall direct. The compensation of the Executive Director shall be fixed by the Board of Governors and said person shall have and perform such duties as the Board of Governors may from time to time prescribe and such other duties as may be delegated by the President, Secretary and Treasurer not inconsistent wit the Rules and By-Laws of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION. The Board of Governors may also employ such a staff as it deems necessary for the conduct of the Bar’s business.

RULE 9 FINANCE

Section 1: Annual Fees. Each member of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall pay the Treasurer an annual fee which shall be due on January 1 of each year. Each member shall be billed for the fee due. Upon his failure to pay within a time fixed by the Board of Governors, a member shall be given thirty (30) days’ notice by the Board of Governors of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION by mail that his annual fee has not been received by the Treasurer. If he fails to pay the same within thirty (30) days after the mailing of the notice, a second thirty-day notice shall be mailed and if he fails to pay the same within this period, this Court shall enter an Order removing his name from the roll of those attorneys admitted to the Bar of Guam and said person shall be required to qualify anew pursuant to Section 28019 before being re-registered as an active member of the Bar.

Section 2: Amount of Annual Fee. The amount of the annual fee shall be fixed by the Board of Governors and approved by this Court. Any increase therein likewise shall be approved by the Court. Until otherwise provided, active member fees shall be $300 per annum. The fees assessed shall be based on the anticipated annual cost of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION as determined by the Board of Governors in discharging its obligations and duties hereunder. A change in the amount of fees shall take effect as of January 1 of the year following the action of the Board of Governors. The fees of inactive and associate members shall be $75.00 per annum. (Amended 12/2003)

Section 3: Receipts and Disbursements. All receipts of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION shall be deposited in a fund hereby created for and limited to the purposes of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION and shall be disbursed as provided by the By-Laws.

RULE 10 AMENDMENT AND EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 1: Amendment. This Court may, on motion of the GUAM BAR ASSOCIATION or on its own motion, amend these Rules at any time.

Section 2: Effective Date. These Rules shall take effect upon the date fixed by Order of the Court in accordance with the terms and provisions prescribed therein.

To lodge an ethics complaint regarding an attorney licensed to practice law in Guam please print the Attorney Ethics Complaint Form, fill it out in its entirety and submit it to the Ethics Prosecutor’s Office. To inquire about the ethics complaint process or to report the potential unauthorized practice of law on Guam the Ethics Prosecutor’s Office may be reached as follows: