Opinion ID: 835833
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bar's Complaint and Trial Panel Proceeding

Text: In March 2002, the Bar filed an Amended Formal Complaint against the accused, alleging that he had violated DR 7-102(A)(1) and (2), DR 7-106(C)(7), DR 7-110(B)(2) and (3), and DR 1-102(A)(4), both when he had presented his first ex parte motion seeking to vacate the amended supplemental judgment and when he had presented his second ex parte motion seeking to delay the sheriff's sale pending entry of an order under former ORS 18.410 (1995). The Bar's amended complaint further alleged that the accused had violated DR 5-101(A)(1) and DR 7-102(A)(2) when he requested satisfaction of the sanction judgments without complying with the requirements respecting full disclosure of a conflict of interest. The trial panel held a hearing later in 2002. The Bar introduced a transcript of the accused's deposition from May 2001 and several exhibits, largely consisting of transcripts and court orders from the proceedings before Judge Nachtigal; however, the Bar introduced no witness testimony. The accused introduced the testimony of three witnesses and also testified at length in his own behalf. Five months after the completion of the hearing, the trial panel issued an opinion that determined that the accused had committed all the alleged violations respecting his second ex parte motion and had violated DR 1-102(A)(4), DR 7-102(A)(1), and DR 7-110(B) respecting his first ex parte motion. The trial panel further determined that the accused had violated DR 5-101(A)(1), respecting his request to satisfy the sanction judgments. [8] Finally, the trial panel imposed a 90-day suspension. On review, the accused argues that his conduct in representing the Kerbers did not violate any disciplinary rules; alternatively, he asks this court to impose only a public reprimand. The Bar, in turn, argues that this court should reach the same conclusions as the trial panel respecting both the alleged violations and the appropriate sanction. [9]