Lawyers Fund for Client Compensation Committee Report including ...

of the Committee. On any particular matter, the staff lawyer handling the claimprepares a recommendation as to what grant should be made based on the factsthat are fully set out in the recommendation memorandum.29. Referee reports are also approved by the Review Sub-Committee. In situationswhere staff are unable to make a recommendation, either because an agreementcannot be reached with the claimant as to the appropriate amount for a grant orbecause staff disputes the validity of the claim, a Referee Hearing may be held. TheReferee conducts the hearing, following which a report and recommendation as towhether a grant should be paid (and how much) is submitted to the Review Sub-Committee.30. The decision of the Review Sub-Committee is final, whether it involves arecommendation by staff or a report from a Referee.Issue31. At the May 22, 2002 Committee meeting there was concern expressed by some ofthe committee members that there was not more involvement by the full Committeeon the grant approval process. There was some discussion about the possibility ofhaving a revolving Review Sub-Committee.32. Larry Banack outlined for the Committee the difficulty he has in staffing Disciplinehearing panels and expressed concerns about involving the full Committee in thereview of recommendations, as it would have the effect of tainting the entireCommittee vis a vis the discipline process for members where grants have beenpaid from the Fund. This would further shrink the pool of Benchers available forDiscipline hearings.33. A number of possibilities were suggested, including the appointment of subcommitteemembers on a rotating basis.Decision of the Committee34. The Committee decided to defer the discussion until after the next Bencherelection, at which time the matter should be referred to the new Committee.9