AUGUSTA -- Gardiner lawyer C.H. Spurling has been reprimanded by the board that oversees lawyers' conduct.

The board reprimanded Spurling in connection with a case in which he represented a family member in a divorce.

The Grievance Commission of the Board of Overseers of the Bar said Spurling failed to recuse himself from representing his cousin, John P. Hurley, in a divorce begun in 2005.

The panel concluded Spurling should have declined because he previously represented Hurley's wife in a civil case. A Bar rule cited prohibits lawyers from representing clients under those circumstances.

A District Court judge disqualified Spurling in the Hurley divorce; Maine's highest court upheld that finding.

Overseers then brought the complaint against Spurling, and concluded he violated three rules of professional conduct. Spurling had no comment.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com