Opinion ID: 2050973
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Petitioner's Recognition of the Seriousness of the Misconduct

Text: Petitioner's assistance in the prosecution of Mr. Tillerson should not be understood as an effort to deflect responsibility for his own misconduct. To the contrary, at the hearing Petitioner could barely be suppressed from repeatedly describing his own shortcomings and errors. The Hearing Committee obviously was very taken with Petitioner's testimony in this regard. Petitioner testified during the reinstatement hearing that the handling of the Madison matter (the subject of Roxborough I ) had been his responsibility and that he had neglected it. Tr. I 75-76. He never has reimbursed Mr. Madison, but testified that he will take steps towards doing so. Tr. II 40. He further testified that he would agree to restitution in the amount of $715 to his client. With respect to the matters that were the subject of Roxborough II, Petitioner confirmed during his testimony that he had used in the complaint in the Rich matter certain information gained in his interview with Mr. Woodard. Tr. II 62. The Hearing Committee credited his testimony that the private detective contacted Woodward without his knowledge. Hearing Committee Report at 4, 19. Petitioner acknowledged that he should have taken further steps to avoid any contact with Woodard. Tr. II 58-59. With respect to the Takeall matter, Petitioner acknowledged that he had handled the case emotionally and unprofessionally. Tr. I 46. He candidly acknowledged that his judgment in this matter lacked the emotional distance that a disinterested professional should have provided. Tr. II 56. Petitioner also completed the course on professional responsibility ordered as a result of the case. Tr. II 71. The Hearing Committee concluded that it believes that Mr. Roxborough fully grasped the nature of his previous misconduct. Hearing Committee Report at 19.