Opinion ID: 2320381
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Panel's Findings and Recommendation

Text: After considering all of the testimony, the Panel found that Sullivan had proven his rehabilitation and his current professional competence by clear and convincing evidence and concluded that Sullivan should be reinstated, subject to a three year period of probation upon reinstatement. The Panel then considered the conditions for Sullivan's probation, which were proposed by the ODC. Sullivan consented to all of the conditions but the following two: (i) that he be required to make a formal offer of payment to Mr. Smith for the $76,000 debt; and (ii) that he be required to carry malpractice insurance in limits to be approved by the ODC. After careful consideration, the Panel rejected the two disputed conditions, stating: The Panel did not agree with two conditions offered by the ODC. The first condition is that Petitioner be required to contact Mr. Smith and to make a formal offer for repayment of $76,000.00. The Panel was concerned that Petitioner was already discharged of this obligation by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Panel was also impressed with Petitioner's sworn statement during the proceeding that he treats this as a moral obligation and intends to make complete payment to Mr. Smith. Likewise, the Panel did not adopt the requirement that Petitioner be required to carry malpractice insurance. Petitioner, by the terms of his probation, is prohibited from engaging in the solo practice of law. His current employer, Mr. Wahl, has indicated under oath and as an officer of the Court and member of the Delaware Bar that he would intend to make good any client wronged with his personal assets. While the panel recognizes that the Court imposed such an obligation in the matter of In re Solomon, it appears that the Court required Respondent in that action to continue to carry malpractice insurance commensurate with her current coverage. In re Solomon, Del.Supr., 745 A.2d [874,] 892 (1999).