(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — July 13, 2010) Raymond A. Hein has been named as the new deputy bar counsel for the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland. Commission Chairperson Linda Lamone announced Hein’s appointment, which became effective July 1.

Hein has been an assistant bar counsel with the Attorney Grievance Commission since 1993. He succeeds Glenn M Grossman, who was appointed the Commission’s bar counsel in May. Before joining the Commission, Hein was in private law practice from 1987 to 1993. After graduating from the Johns Hopkins University in 1983, Hein earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1986. After law school, he clerked for Judge Robert L. Karwacki of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, and was admitted to the Maryland bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

“Ray has served the public as an assistant bar counsel for 17 years, and his experience, professionalism and leadership skills make him uniquely qualified for this new challenge,” Grossman said. “The Commission provides a vital service to the people of Maryland, and we are well prepared and excited to carry the office forward into the future.”

The Attorney Grievance Commission is responsible for investigating complaints lodged against attorneys practicing in Maryland and for prosecuting cases of professional misconduct. The 26-member staff of investigators, lawyers, paralegals and administrative support receives approximately 2,000 grievances lodged against attorneys each year.

The Commission was established in 1975 to oversee the discipline of Maryland lawyers and to review the conduct of lawyers to determine the need for alternatives to discipline. The Commission also seeks to prevent the unauthorized practice of law. Subject to approval by the Court of Appeals, the Commission appoints a lawyer to serve as bar counsel. The Commission consists of nine lawyers and three public members appointed by the Court of Appeals for staggered three-year terms. Members of the Commission serve without compensation.

“The Court believes Mr. Hein is an excellent choice to serve as deputy bar counsel, and will be an experienced and skilled resource as the Commission continues its invaluable work,” said Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Court of Appeals. “We look to the Commission to continue to raise the standard of conduct for all attorneys in Maryland, thus, ultimately protecting the public and ensuring its trust and confidence in the legal profession,” he added.

Hein resides in Baltimore County, and is active in the county’s school system. He has been a member of the Baltimore County Board of Education Ethics Review Panel since 2004, and served as chairman of that panel in 2006 and 2009. He also is a member of the Baltimore County Public Schools Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education.

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Editor’s note: A headshot of Raymond A. Hein is available for publication upon request. For more information, contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, (410) 260-1488.