(1) Upon the appointment of a Trial Commissioner, the Disciplinary Clerk shall notify the parties of his/her name and address. The Trial Commissioner shall fix the time and place of the hearing and the Disciplinary Clerk shall give notice thereof to the parties. Such hearing shall occur not less than 30 days, nor more than 180 days, after the date of the notice, but for good cause shown, said time may be extended by the Trial Commissioner for a period not to exceed an additional 180 days.

(2) Any time, not later than 20 days after the appointment of a Trial Commissioner or at such point in the proceeding that facts become known sufficient for such challenge, the Respondent or Bar Counsel may, by motion, challenge for cause the Trial Commissioner. If the challenge is such as might disqualify a Circuit Judge, the Chief Justice shall relieve the challenged member and direct the Disciplinary Clerk to immediately fill the vacancy.

(3) The Trial Commissioner may convene a pretrial conference. The Trial Commissioner shall have the authority to demand the appearance of counsel representing the respective parties at the pretrial conference or such other conferences as he/she may convene in person or by telephone for the purpose of disposing of pretrial matters or motions.