What does it mean if a lawyer's conduct is "subject to litigation sanctions"?

When a lawyer's conduct is described as "subject to litigation sanctions," it indicates that the lawyer may face serious consequences for their actions during the litigation process. This typically means that the lawyer could be fined or disqualified from representing a party in the case, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Such sanctions are imposed by the court to maintain the integrity of the judicial process, deter future wrongful behavior, and protect the interests of clients and other parties involved.

The possibility of fines serves as a financial penalty intended to discourage unethical or unprofessional conduct. Disqualification from representing a client can occur if the court finds that the lawyer's behavior was particularly egregious or if it creates a conflict of interest.

Other options, such as receiving a warning, having fees increased, or being able to appeal the sanctions, do not capture the full scope of what "subject to litigation sanctions" entails. Warnings may be given in less severe instances, but are not typically formal sanctions. Increased fees are generally not a direct consequence of misconduct as a sanction, and the ability to appeal sanctions is contingent upon the circumstances and the legal framework but is not defined within the term "subject to litigation sanctions."