Opinion ID: 2507323
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Presence of Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

Text: Fourth, discipline can be adjusted based on the presence of mitigating and aggravating factors. Mitigating factors in a lawyer disciplinary proceeding are any considerations or factors that may justify a reduction in the degree of discipline to be imposed. Syl. pt. 2, Lawyer Disciplinary Bd. v. Scott, 213 W.Va. 209, 579 S.E.2d 550 (2003). The Scott opinion, at Syllabus point 3, further explains that [m]itigating factors which may be considered in determining the appropriate sanction to be imposed against a lawyer for violating the Rules of Professional Conduct include: (1) absence of a prior disciplinary record; (2) absence of a dishonest or selfish motive; (3) personal or emotional problems; (4) timely good faith effort to make restitution or to rectify consequences of misconduct; (5) full and free disclosure to disciplinary board or cooperative attitude toward proceedings; (6) inexperience in the practice of law; (7) character or reputation; (8) physical or mental disability or impairment; (9) delay in disciplinary proceedings; (10) interim rehabilitation; (11) imposition of other penalties or sanctions; (12) remorse; and (13) remoteness of prior offenses. 213 W.Va. 209, 579 S.E.2d 550. By contrast, [a]ggravating factors in a lawyer disciplinary proceeding are any considerations or factors that may justify an increase in the degree of discipline to be imposed. Syl. pt. 4, Scott, id. Before the HPS, the recognized aggravating factors were a pattern and practice of accepting retainer fees but then failing to carry out services; failing to communicate with clients; failing to respond to requests for information from the ODC; multiple offenses; and prior disciplinary actions. Further, Mr. Morgan had been admonished on a previous occasion for failure to communicate with clients. Mitigating factors were set forth as the absence of selfish or dishonest motive; remorse; and the fact that Mr. Morgan had been licensed to practice law since only 2001. During testimony, Mr. Morgan offered other mitigating factors, including that he was recovering from a financially vicious split with former law partners and pursuing litigation to rectify claims against these partners during the time frame of his misconduct. He also was recovering from a divorce from his now ex-wife. Mr. Morgan has expressed remorse and has contacted the victims to apologize and admit he acted inappropriately. He also apologized and admitted his negligence to the ODC. Mr. Morgan also points out that none of the aggrieved clients voiced objection to the sanctions as recommended by the ODC. Taking into account the evidence, including the mitigating factors and the aggravating factors, we conclude that the recommendations submitted by the HPS are too lenient. We are reminded that, `[i]n deciding on the appropriate disciplinary action for ethical violations, this Court must consider not only what steps would appropriately punish the respondent attorney, but also whether the discipline imposed is adequate to serve as an effective deterrent to other members of the Bar and at the same time restore public confidence in the ethical standards of the legal profession.' Syllabus Point 3, Committee on Legal Ethics v. Walker, 178 W.Va. 150, 358 S.E.2d 234 (1987). Syl. Pt. 5, Committee on Legal Ethics v. Roark, 181 W.Va. 260, 382 S.E.2d 313 (1989). Syl. pt. 7, Jordan, 204 W.Va. 495, 513 S.E.2d 722. Based on the severity and number of instances of Mr. Morgan's misconduct, as well as the financial, legal, and emotional impact his actions have had on his clients and the public, the only adequate discipline that would serve the public policy interests is a one-year suspension of Mr. Morgan's law license. The remaining sanctions as proposed by the HPS are hereby adopted in full.