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

Citation: 268 Neb. 674, 686 N.W.2d 902

Docket Number: 

State: nebraska

Court: Nebraska Supreme Court

Date: 2004-10-01T00:00:00Z

Document:
686 N.W.2d 902 (2004) 268 Neb. 674 STATE of Nebraska ex rel. COUNSEL FOR DISCIPLINE OF THE NEBRASKA SUPREME COURT, relator, v. Paul M. CONLEY, respondent. No. S-04-460. Supreme Court of Nebraska. October 1, 2004. WRIGHT, CONNOLLY, GERRARD, STEPHAN, and MILLER-LERMAN, JJ. *903 PER CURIAM. Respondent, Paul M. Conley, was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Nebraska on June 1, 1968, and at all times relevant hereto was engaged in the private practice of law in Lancaster County, Nebraska. On April 15, 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)(4) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); DR 1-102(A)(5) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to administration of justice); DR 1-102(A)(6) (engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on respondent's fitness to practice law); and Canon 7, DR 7-101(A)(3) (prejudicing or damaging client during course of professional relationship). On August 10, 2004, respondent filed a conditional admission under Neb. Ct. R. of Discipline 13 (rev.2002), in which he knowingly admitted the truth of the allegations that he violated DR 1-102(A)(4), (5), and (6), and DR 7-101(A)(3), and, in effect, waived all proceedings against him in connection therewith in exchange for a public reprimand. Upon due consideration, the court approves the conditional admission and orders that respondent be publicly reprimanded. In summary, the formal charges allege that on November 21, 2001, respondent undertook the representation of Steve and Becky Vandenberg in a chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding. The formal charges further allege that during the course of the bankruptcy proceedings, respondent entered into a stipulation with one of the Vandenbergs' creditors without authorization from the Vandenbergs, and without the Vandenbergs' knowledge regarding the complete terms of the stipulation. The formal charges further allege that during the pendency of the bankruptcy proceeding, respondent received notice from the chapter 13 trustee that the Vandenbergs were in default in making their monthly payments to the trustee, and allege that respondent failed to notify the Vandenbergs or to take any steps to prevent the dismissal of the Vandenbergs' bankruptcy proceedings. The formal charges further allege that the Vandenbergs' chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding was dismissed on February 12, 2003. Rule 13 provides in pertinent part: *904 Pursuant to rule 13, we find that respondent knowingly admits the essential relevant facts outlined in the formal charges and knowingly admits that he violated DR 1-102(A)(4), (5), and (6), and DR 7-101(A)(3). 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)(4), (5), and (6), and DR 7-101(A)(3), and that respondent should be and hereby is publicly reprimanded. 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 10(P) (rev.2003) and 23(B) (rev.2001), within 60 days after an order imposing costs and expenses, if any, is entered by the court. JUDGMENT OF PUBLIC REPRIMAND. HENDRY, C.J., and McCORMACK, J., not participating.