News that former Pennsylvania Bar Association president David Schwager was arrested for prostitution came as a shock to many and has left some wondering whether it has damaged the reputation of the statewide organization he so recently headed. But, according to several ethics attorneys, the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel will likely have a tricky case to make if it wants to bring disciplinary proceedings against the ex-bar president.

“He hasn’t violated a rule. He hasn’t hurt a client. The offense is minor, and so what’s the misconduct?” ethics lawyer Ellen Brotman said. “There’s nobody to complain, and what is the ODC going to charge him with?”