private reprimand. An unpublished communication between a disciplinary agency and a wrongdoing attorney, admonishing the attorney about the improper conduct. • Sometimes a published reprimand that does not identify the lawyer by name is considered a private reprimand. [Cases: Attorney and Client 58. C.J.S. Attorney and Client §§ 116–118.]
public reprimand. A published notice, appearing usu. in a legal newspaper or bar journal, admonishing the attorney about improper conduct and describing the impropriety for the benefit of other members of the legal profession. [Cases: Attorney and Client 58. C.J.S. Attorney and Client §§ 116–118.]