Case Name: IN RE APPLICATION FOR DISCIPLINE OF HARRY S. STEARNS, JR.
Court: Minnesota Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Minnesota
Decision Date: 1976-06-04
Citations: 309 Minn. 548
Docket Number: No. 46847
Parties: IN RE APPLICATION FOR DISCIPLINE OF HARRY S. STEARNS, JR.
Judges: 
Reporter: Minnesota Reports
Volume: 309
Pages: 548–548

Head Matter:
IN RE APPLICATION FOR DISCIPLINE OF HARRY S. STEARNS, JR.
243 N. W. 2d 312.
June 4, 1976
No. 46847.
R. B. Reavill, Acting Administrative Director on Professional Conduct, for petitioner.
Joseph J. Dudley, for respondent.

Opinion:
Per Curiam.
This is a proceeding brought by the Board of Professional Responsibility for the discipline of an attorney at law admitted to practice in the State of Minnesota, arising out of the appropriation to his own use of funds belonging to two clients without their consent.
It is undisputed that' the attorney's derelictions stemmed from alcoholism and that prior to these two incidents the attorney was a person of ability, integrity, and good moral character. It also appears that the attorney made full disclosure of the improprieties to the Board of Professional Responsibility before any complaint had been filed against him, and that he has made restitution of the sums which he appropriated with the exception of a disputed item of interest.
The attorney recognizes a need for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Under all the circumstances it is the opinion of the court that the attorney be suspended from the practice of law in the State of Minnesota. After one year he may petition for reinstatement to the bar on probation, provided the petition includes a showing that he has made full restitution; that he has undergone appropriate medical treatment and has remained abstinent during that period; and that there is a substantial likelihood, supported by competent medical evidence, that his alcoholism is and will remain arrested. Accordingly the attorney is herewith suspended from the practice of law in the State of Minnesota.