Opinion ID: 901233
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: issues

Text: [¶ 18.] The appropriate discipline to be imposed upon Rokahr. [¶ 19.] This is not an instance where this Court is required to choose between the discipline imposed in Nebraska or the sanction of the South Dakota Disciplinary Board. The final determination of the appropriate discipline of a member of the State Bar of South Dakota rests firmly and exclusively with this Court. In re Discipline of Wehde, 517 N.W.2d 132, 133 (S.D.1994). [¶ 20.] The purpose of the disciplinary process is to protect the public and not to punish the lawyer. Petition of Pier, 1997 SD 23, ¶ 8, 561 N.W.2d 297, 299. An additional purpose is to deter similar conduct by other attorneys. Matter of Discipline of Tidball, 503 N.W.2d 850, 856 (S.D. 1993). The appropriate discipline in a particular case is determined by considering the seriousness of the misconduct and the likelihood that it or similar misconduct will be repeated. In re Discipline of Eicher, 2003 SD 40, ¶ 47, 661 N.W.2d 354, 369 (citing Light 2000 SD 100, ¶ 12, 615 N.W.2d at 168). [¶ 21.] We have repeatedly held that the `right to practice law' is not in any proper sense of the word a `right' at all, but rather a matter of license and high privilege. Application of Widdison, 539 N.W.2d 671, 675 (S.D.1995) (quoting In re Egan, 52 S.D. 394, 398, 218 N.W. 1, 2-3 (1928)). Nevertheless, the attorney who is the subject of a disciplinary complaint is entitled to fundamental due process protections throughout the proceedings. See Appeal of Schramm, 414 N.W.2d 31, 34 (S.D.1987). The formality and procedural requisites of a hearing to address the issue of professional negligence and misconduct depends on the nature of the subsequent proceedings and the importance of the interests involved. Id. (citing Cleveland Bd. of Ed. v. Loudermill, 470 U.S. 532, 105 S.Ct. 1487, 84 L.Ed.2d 494 (1985); Boddie v. Connecticut, 401 U.S. 371, 91 S.Ct. 780, 28 L.Ed.2d 113 (1971)). It has been repeatedly held in this state that the revocation of a license of a professional [person] carries with it dire consequences. It not only involves necessarily disgrace and humiliation, but it means the end of [her] professional career. In a proceeding so serious, due process of law requires a definite charge, adequate notice and a full, fair and impartial hearing. Schramm, 414 N.W.2d at 35 (citing Smith v. Dept. of Registration, 412 Ill. 332, 106 N.E.2d 722, 728 (1952)). These principles guide us in our careful consideration of the appropriate discipline for a member of the bar of this state. [¶ 22.] Herein, there is no indication Rokahr has had any previous complaints against her which were found to have been meritorious. This is a factor that weighs in her favor. In re Discipline of Dorothy, 2000 SD 23, ¶ 39, 605 N.W.2d 493, 505. As it relates to this specific complaint, we give the factual determinations of the South Dakota Disciplinary Board serious consideration and conclude those findings not to be clearly erroneous. These findings absolved Rokahr of the most serious charges concerning backdating the easement and then lying about it under oath. See Matter of Voorhees, 294 N.W.2d 646 (S.D.1980)(disbarment for conviction of making and using false documents). The findings by the Board relating to minor violations of rules by Rokahr concerned negligent acts rather than intentional ones. This is a mitigating factor in assessing the appropriate discipline. Dorothy, 2000 SD 23, ¶ 39, 605 N.W.2d at 505 (citing In re Claggett, 1996 SD 21, ¶ 15, 544 N.W.2d 878, 881). The Board also found there was little likelihood that Rokahr would repeat her past mistakes and we agree. We have repeatedly held that the failure to acknowledge and admit misconduct which has been established as fact points towards a more severe sanction. Dorothy, 2000 SD 23, ¶ 41, 605 N.W.2d at 505 (citing Matter of Discipline of Lacey, 283 N.W.2d 250, 253 (S.D.1979)). Rokahr acknowledged her failure to identify conflicts as they developed and the fact she too readily acceded to the directions of her client as found by the Disciplinary Board. She has informed this Court that I certainly stand ready to fully comply in all respects with the South Dakota rules. [¶ 23.] We have recently examined in detail the relationship of professional attorney competence to professional discipline. In re Discipline of Laprath, 2003 SD 114, 670 N.W.2d 41. Therein, we held: The level of professional competence that one must posses to be granted the privilege to practice law in this state has its basis in the recognition of the goal-to assume ... control of the important affairs of others and to guide and safeguard them when, without such assistance, they would be helpless ... we recognize that human frailty being what it is, mistakes may happen where the competent attorney simply commits an act of malpractice. While this individual act may subject the attorney to respond in monetary damages, it is not the basis for removal from the bar. Id. ¶ 78. As a result, we concluded that removal from the roll of attorneys was an appropriate action for protection of the public where an attorney fails to possess the fundamental level of competence which an attorney must possess. Id. ¶ 79. [¶ 24.] The South Dakota Disciplinary Board found that Rokahr possesses the requisite level of competence required of an attorney. While we do not condone an attorney's failure to promptly file documents such as the easement at issue here, this failure was determined to be an inadvertent and isolated incident which will probably not be repeated. Moreover, no member of the public was harmed by this conduct of procrastination. [5] [¶ 25.] We accept the findings and recommendations reached in the South Dakota proceeding and decline to impose reciprocal discipline in this instance. An order consistent with this opinion shall be entered accordingly. [¶ 26.] SABERS, KONENKAMP, ZINTER, and MEIERHENRY, Justices, concur.