(AP) — Dennis Carlson, who heads the Nebraska Office of the Counsel for Discipline, has announced his plan to retire.

Carlson has served as counsel for discipline of the Nebraska Supreme Court since 1981. Prior to that, Carlson was a public defender in Lancaster County for seven years.

The office investigates and prosecutes attorneys who violate the rules of professional conduct as adopted by the Nebraska Supreme Court. The goal of the disciplinary system is to protect the public, the profession and justice system from unethical attorneys.

Chief Justice Michael Heavican says Carlson shaped the office into “an effective and efficient disciplinary body during the last 30 years.”