Opinion ID: 2622873
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Substantial Evidence Supports Findings of Fact

Text: ¶ 39 Mr. Burtch argues that because expert opinion on conclusions of law is treated differently from expert opinion on factual data, and because the hearing officer treated violations of the RPC as conclusions of law, all of the findings of fact of the hearing officer should be treated as conclusions of law and reviewed de novo. Review of the findings of fact show the findings of fact are just that, factual information. The conclusions of law are clearly separated from factual findings. As stated above, findings of fact will be reviewed for substantial evidence. ¶ 40 Mr. Burtch appears to challenge all but 30 of the 184 findings of fact made by the hearing officer. RAP 10.3 requires an appellant to present argument to the reviewing court as to why specific findings of fact are in error and to support those arguments with citation to relevant portions of the record. Mr. Burtch's failure to make separate assignments of error for each challenged finding of fact, and conclusory remarks such as, it is obvious that none of the testimony of witnesses supports the findings of fact, does not demonstrate insufficient evidence in this case. Reply Br. at 6. Furthermore, as we stated in Mr. Burtch's previous disciplinary proceeding, it has long been the rule of this court that while we review and evaluate the entire record, we ordinarily will not disturb the findings of fact made upon conflicting evidence. Burtch, 112 Wash.2d at 21-22, 770 P.2d 174. ¶ 41 Mr. Burtch asserts that to set out each finding of fact separately would have been unduly repetitive and confusing. Reply Br. at 4. Yet failing to pinpoint any argument, as to why specific findings of fact are not supported by substantial evidence does not comply with the Rules of Appellate Procedure and would require a reviewing court to unearth arguments from the record for the benefit of an appellant, if any exist at all. Because Mr. Burtch does not sufficiently brief his challenges to the findings of fact and the record does show substantial evidence in support of those findings, we affirm the findings of fact adopted by the Board. See Whitney, 155 Wash.2d at 467, 120 P.3d 550 (holding that where challenges to findings of fact are insufficiently briefed, we will decline to address them).