Case Name: In the Matter of Divina K. WESTERFIELD, Petitioner
Court: Supreme Court of Indiana
Jurisdiction: Indiana
Decision Date: 2009-08-20
Citations: 911 N.E.2d 570
Docket Number: No. 98S00-0407-DI-308
Parties: In the Matter of Divina K. WESTERFIELD, Petitioner.
Judges: All Justices concur.
Reporter: North Eastern Reporter 2d
Volume: 911
Pages: 570–571

Head Matter:
In the Matter of Divina K. WESTERFIELD, Petitioner.
No. 98S00-0407-DI-308.
Supreme Court of Indiana.
Aug. 20, 2009.

Opinion:
PUBLISHED ORDER GRANTING REINSTATEMENT TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW
On June 16, 2005, this Court suspended Petitioner indefinitely from the practice of law in this state for failure to cooperate with an investigation by the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission ("Commission") of a grievance filed against her ("Grievance"). Petitioner filed a petition for reinstatement on January 5, 2007. On July 13, 2009, the Commission, pursuant to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(18)(b), filed its recommendation that Petitioner be reinstated to the practice of law in Indiana.
A petition for reinstatement may be granted only if the petitioner proves to the Commission by clear and convincing evidence that:
(1) The petitioner desires in good faith to obtain restoration of his [or her] privilege to practice law;
(2) The petitioner has not practiced law in this State or attempted to do so since he or she was disciplined;
(3) The petitioner has complied fully with the terms of the order for discipline;
(4) The petitioner's attitude towards the misconduct for which he or she was disciplined is one of genuine remorse;
(5) The petitioner's conduct since the discipline was imposed has been exemplary and above reproach;
(6) The petitioner has a proper understanding of and attitude towards the standards that are imposed upon members of the bar and will conduct himself or herself in conformity with such standards;
(7) The petitioner can safely be recommended to the legal profession, the courts and the public as a person fit to be consulted by others and to represent them and otherwise act in matters of trust and confidence, and in general to aid in the administration of justice as a member of the bar and an officer of the Courts;
(8) The disability has been removed, if the discipline was imposed by reason of physical or mental illness or infirmity, or for use of or addiction to intoxicants or drugs;
(9) The petitioner has taken the Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) within six (6) months before or after the date the petition for reinstatement is filed and passed with a scaled seore of eighty (80) [or above].
Admis. Disc. R. 28(4)(b). With her petition for reinstatement, Petitioner supplied a response to the Grievance, which the Commission finds adequate. The Commission concluded that Petitioner proved all the above elements by clear and convincing evidence.
This Court, being duly advised, finds that the recommendation of the Commission should be accepted. The Court therefore GRANTS the petition for reinstatement and REINSTATES Petitioner as a member of the Indiana bar. The Grievance remains pending before the Commission.
All Justices concur.