Opinion ID: 2561940
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: appropriateness of hearing panel recommendation

Text: The hearing panel noted that this case is unique, and it crafted a recommended sanction which it felt would rectify the misconduct and prevent future misconduct. It recommended that Rost be disciplined by published censure, and in conjunction with the censure that the Supreme Court issue a cease and desist order. Then, if Rost subsequently violates that order, the court can cite him for contempt. In making its recommendation, the panel recited: 65. In making this recommendation for discipline, the Hearing Panel considered the factors outlined by the American Bar Association in its Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (hereinafter `Standards'). Pursuant to Standard 3, the factors to be considered are the duty violated, the lawyer's mental state, the potential or actual injury caused by the lawyer's misconduct, and the existence of aggravating or mitigating factors. 66. Duty Violated. The Respondent violated his duty to the profession to comply with rules and orders of the court. 67. Mental State. The Respondent knowingly violated his duty. 68. Injury. As a result of the Respondent's misconduct, the Respondent caused potential harm to Mr. Lloyd and the legal profession. 69. Aggravating or Mitigating Factors. Aggravating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may justify an increase in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its recommendation for discipline, the Hearing Panel, in this case, found the following aggravating factors present: 70. Prior Disciplinary Offenses. In 2001 and 2003, the Respondent was previously disciplined by informal admonition in a total of three cases. In DA8437, the Disciplinary Administrator informally admonished the Respondent for having violated KRPC 1.3 and KRPC 8.4. In DA8440, the Disciplinary Administrator informally admonished the Respondent for having violated KRPC 1.5. In DA8946, the Disciplinary Administrator informally admonished the Respondent for having violated KRPC 8.4. 71. Dishonest or Selfish Motive. The Respondent's misconduct  practicing law after he was retired from the practice of law  was motivated by selfishness. 72. A Pattern of Misconduct. The Respondent engaged in a pattern of misconduct by continuing to practice law after he had taken retired status. 73. Refusal to Acknowledge the Wrongful Nature of Conduct. The Respondent refused to admit any wrongdoing. 74. Vulnerability of Victim. Mr. Lloyd is an ill and feeble elderly man. He was vulnerable to the Respondent's misconduct. 75. Mitigating circumstances are any considerations or factors that may justify a reduction in the degree of discipline to be imposed. In reaching its recommendation for discipline, the Hearing Panel, in this case, found the following mitigating circumstances present: 76. Previous Good Character and Reputation in the Community Including any Letters from Clients, Friends, and Lawyers in Support of the Character and General Reputation of the Attorney. The Respondent was an active and productive member of the bar in Topeka, Kansas. He enjoyed the respect of his peers and clients and generally possesses a good character and reputation. 77. In addition to the above-cited factors, the Hearing Panel has thoroughly examined and considered the following Standards: `Suspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed to the profession, and causes injury or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.' Standard 7.2. `Reprimand is generally appropriate when a lawyer negligently engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed to the profession, and causes injury or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.' Standard 7.3. `Reprimand is generally appropriate when a lawyer: ... (b) has received an admonition for the same or similar misconduct and engages in further acts of misconduct that cause injury or potential injury to a client, the public, the legal system, or the profession.' Standard 8.3. In contrast, the Disciplinary Administrator recommends that Rost be disbarred, citing to two additional standards: Disbarment is generally appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed as a professional with the intent to obtain a benefit for the lawyer or another, and causes serious or potentially serious injury to a client, the public, or the legal system. Standard 7.1. Disbarment is generally appropriate when a lawyer: (a) intentionally or knowingly violates the terms of a prior disciplinary order and such violation causes injury or potential injury to a client, the public, the legal system, or the profession. Standard 8.1(a). The Disciplinary Administrator supports the recommendation for a harsher sanction by arguing that Rost blatantly violated his agreement with the Disciplinary Administrator's office to retire from the practice of law; that he has failed to acknowledge any wrongdoing; and that he took advantage of Lloyd, who the panel described as an ill and feeble elderly man. Rost challenges the panel's recommendation, believing that no sanction is warranted. He argues that we have no jurisdiction over retired attorneys; that his unintentional letter to the district court and use of his attorney registration number do not warrant public censure; and that his actions with regard to Lloyd did not establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that he was practicing law. This court carefully considers the sanction recommendations of assigned hearing panels, as well as giving due regard to those of the Disciplinary Administrator. However, we are not constrained by those recommendations and may fashion a sanction that is entirely of our own choosing. Supreme Court Rule 212(f) (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 328-29) (sanction recommendations are advisory only and shall not prevent the Court from imposing sanctions greater or lesser than those recommended). We discern that the hearing panel was striving to develop a sanction recommendation which would provide for some oversight to insure that Rost does not continue to practice law. However, we agree with the Disciplinary Administrator's assessment that a more severe sanction is warranted. When previously faced with disciplinary proceedings, Rost essentially agreed to an indefinite suspension from the practice of law, styled as a retirement. He was unwilling to abide by that agreement and gives no indication that he understands that being on retired status does not permit him to independently practice law, even on a limited basis. Imposing a sanction of disbarment will clarify Rost's status, both for him and for his clients. See Supreme Court Rule 218 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 350) (disbarred attorney must notify clients in writing of inability to provide further legal representation). Based upon our consideration of the entire record, the arguments of counsel, and statements of the respondent, we conclude that the appropriate discipline in this case is disbarment from the practice of law in this state. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the respondent, Thomas O. Rost, be and he is hereby disbarred from the practice of law in the state of Kansas in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 203(a)(1) (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 266) for his violations of the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Appellate Courts strike the name of Thomas O. Rost from the roll of attorneys licensed to practice law in Kansas. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the respondent shall forthwith comply with the provisions of Supreme Court Rule 218 (2008 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 350) and shall furnish proof of compliance to the Disciplinary Administrator. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this opinion be published in the official Kansas Reports and that the respondent pay the costs of these proceedings. LUCKERT, J., and ROSEN, J., not participating. ELLIOTT, J., and CAPLINGER, J., assigned. [1]