Case Title: State Ex Rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Holthaus

Citation: 268 Neb. 313, 686 N.W.2d 570

Docket Number: 

State: nebraska

Court: Nebraska Supreme Court

Date: 2004-07-02T00:00:00Z

Document:
686 N.W.2d 570 (2004) 268 Neb. 313 STATE of Nebraska ex rel. COUNSEL FOR DISCIPLINE OF THE NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT, relator, v. Roger R. HOLTHAUS, respondent. No. S-04-044. Supreme Court of Nebraska. July 2, 2004. HENDRY, C.J., and WRIGHT, CONNOLLY, GERRARD, STEPHAN, McCORMACK, and MILLER-LERMAN, JJ. PER CURIAM. Respondent, Roger R. Holthaus, was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Nebraska on June 27, 1972, and at all times relevant hereto was engaged in the private practice of law in Omaha, Nebraska. On January 12, 2004, formal charges were filed against respondent. The formal charges set forth one count that included charges that respondent violated the following provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility: Canon 1, DR 1-102(A)(1) (violating disciplinary rule), and Canon 6, DR 6-101(A)(3) (neglecting legal matter), as well as his oath of office as an attorney, Neb.Rev.Stat. § 7-104 (Reissue 1997). On May 17, 2004, respondent filed a conditional admission under Neb. Ct. R. of Discipline 13 (rev.2002), in which he knowingly did not challenge or contest the truth of the allegations that he violated DR 1-102(A)(1) and DR 6-101(A)(3), as well as his oath of office as an attorney, and waived all proceedings against him in connection therewith in exchange for a 6-month suspension of his license to practice law. Upon due consideration, the court approves the conditional admission and orders that respondent be suspended from the practice of law in the State of Nebraska for 6 months. In summary, the formal charges allege that respondent neglected his responsibilities *571 as the attorney for the personal representative of a probate estate by not timely filing pleadings in the probate case, not filing tax returns, not communicating with the residual beneficiary, and not properly handling estate assets. As a result of respondent's failure to properly handle the probate proceedings, the estate's residual beneficiary filed a petition to surcharge the personal representative and respondent, which resulted in a judgment against respondent and the personal representative. Respondent has satisfied the judgment. Rule 13 provides in pertinent part: Pursuant to rule 13, we find that respondent knowingly does not challenge or contest the essential relevant facts outlined in the formal charges and knowingly does not challenge or contest that he violated DR 1-102(A)(1) and DR 6-101(A)(3), as well as his oath of office as an attorney. We further find that respondent waives all proceedings against him in connection herewith. Upon due consideration, the court approves the conditional admission and enters the orders as indicated below. Based on the conditional admission of respondent, the recommendation of the Counsel for Discipline, and our independent review of the record, we find by clear and convincing evidence that respondent has violated DR 1-102(A)(1) and DR 6-101(A)(3), as well as his oath of office as an attorney, and that respondent should be and hereby is suspended for a period of 6 months, effective immediately, after which time respondent may apply for reinstatement. Respondent shall comply with Neb. Ct. R. of Discipline 16 (rev.2001), and upon failure to do so, he shall be subject to punishment for contempt of this court. Accordingly, respondent is directed to pay costs and expenses in accordance with Neb.Rev.Stat. §§ 7-114 and 7-115 (Reissue 1997) and Neb. Ct. R. of Discipline 23(B) (rev.2001). JUDGMENT OF SUSPENSION.