Opinion ID: 1608755
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Similar Discipline in Minnesota

Text: Under Rule 12(d), RLPR, reciprocal discipline is inappropriate when the imposition of the same discipline would be unjust or substantially different from discipline warranted in Minnesota. Pursuant to the same rule, the North Dakota court's holdings establish conclusively that Keller violated North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct regarding the unauthorized practice of law, competence, diligence, communication with clients, reasonable fees, safekeeping client property, declining or terminating representation, and engaging in conduct involving misrepresentation. See Rule 12(d), RLPR; Keller, 652 N.W.2d at 308-11. Keller's most serious violation was his misappropriation of more than $15,000 of his clients' money. Keller, 652 N.W.2d at 309-311. [1] Disbarment is the usual discipline for attorney misappropriation of client funds except in instances when the attorney presents clear and convincing evidence of substantial mitigating circumstances which show that the attorney did not intentionally convert the funds. In re LaChapelle, 491 N.W.2d 17, 21 (Minn.1992); see also In re Randall, 562 N.W.2d 679, 680-84 (Minn.1997); In re Stroble, 487 N.W.2d 869, 871 (Minn.1992). In light of the seriousness and breadth of Keller's ethical violations, we see no reason to depart from the usual discipline for his conduct. We conclude that disbarment is appropriate under Rules 12(d) and 15, RLPR.