RUTH V. McGREGOR, Chief Justice.
In accordance with Rule 50(a) and (b), Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, and Administrative Order No. 99-63, the Supreme Court is responsible for appointing hearing officers for the purpose of adjudicating disciplinary matters regarding attorneys. On November 8, 2006, via Administrative Order No. 2006-98, the Court established an experimental program to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of paid hearing officers and other procedures to expedite the processing of attorney discipline complaints. Further, the Court appointed retired Judge Jeffrey Coker as a paid hearing officer/process improvement consultant, for a one-year term, for the period beginning December 1, 2006 and ending November 30, 2007.
On December 4, 2007, via Administrative Order No. 2007-88, the Court approved the reappointment of Judge Coker for the period of December 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, to provide additional time for evaluation of the experimental program, the use of paid hearing officers, and to allow Judge Coker to present a final report to the Court with his recommendations in May 2008. On May 5, 2008, Judge Coker submitted his final report to the Court, and the Court reviewed and discussed the outcome of the experimental program, including the use of paid hearing officers and the positive impact on timely case processing. The report recommended the ongoing use of paid hearing officers, in addition to the continued use of volunteer hearing officers. The Court concurs with this recommendation. Judge Coker is available and interested in continued service as a paid hearing officer. Therefore, after due consideration,
IT IS ORDERED that the Court approves the reappointment of Jeffrey Coker as a paid hearing officer for the period of July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009. As to hearing officer Coker, Rule 50(b) Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, providing for three-year terms of office, is suspended.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED with respect to this limited appointment, compensation may be paid for hearing officer Coker's services. Therefore, as to hearing officer Coker, that portion of Rule 50(e), Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court, which precludes compensation for hearing officer service is suspended.