Opinion ID: 1257708
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Trial Panel Proceedings

Text: The petitioner's disbarment resulted from his conduct in agreeing to represent six clients and then neglecting their cases. He did not appear in the disbarment proceeding. We found that the petitioner: (1) failed to carry out contracts of employment; (2) withdrew from employment without taking steps to avoid prejudice to his clients; (3) neglected legal matters entrusted to him; (4) failed to seek the lawful objectives of clients; and (5) failed or neglected to refund unearned fees. Retainer fees were accepted and cases languished and died for want of prosecution. Some cases were not filed and some were filed but the petitioner failed to respond to motions and failed to timely appear. One case was dismissed for failure to appear for trial. One case was dismissed for failure to appear at the pre-trial conference and another was dismissed for failure to appear at a pre-trial conference for a second successive time. Claims were compromised as a result of the petitioner's conduct and his clients were denied justice. In the reinstatement proceeding the petitioner admitted that he engaged in the conduct which resulted in his disbarment. He apparently did not calendar his cases in order to insure timely filings and appearances. He agreed to take cases although he did not have time to represent those clients. When he suffered health problems and stress arising from his family situation he transferred many of his cases to other lawyers. However, the record also reflects that his clients' pleas for information on the status of their cases, and ultimately for the return of their files, fell on deaf ears. Floyd testified that his misconduct was the result of ill health, stress, a change in his finances, and poor record keeping. He stated that this explanation was not offered as an excuse for his conduct, but to show how his rehabilitation was successful in treating his problems. Floyd testified that his blood pressure and heart condition require several medications and that their use is compatible with the practice of law. The Bar and Floyd stipulated that he has not suffered from, or undergone any treatment for, any mental condition or emotional instability. Attorney P. testified that Floyd had three problems shortly before his disbarment: (1) that he suffered from high blood pressure and was taking prescribed medication which pretty much knocked him out; (2) that he was going through his divorce and; (3) he was experiencing problems with his children. Floyd testified that he now checks his pulse periodically, stays on his medication and a strict diet, and completed a rehab program at a VA hospital for hypertension patients. He also testified that his medication was different than that prior to being disbarred. He testified that his mother had periodically loaned him money in order that he could take Title Seven cases, and her death prior to his misconduct had a negative impact on his finances which added to his stress. Floyd also testified that he is presently divorced, has two adult children, resides with his aunt and two brothers, and lives a modest lifestyle on his VA disability income. Floyd testified that he had performed research and drafting projects for at least nine lawyers since his disbarment. He indicated that this experience had taught him the importance of maintaining accurate files. When asked what he would do now to avoid the problems he earlier experienced, he stated: I think the first thing would be to establish a calendar. He noted that taking on too many cases to help clients will ultimately hurt their interests. Four attorneys testified on Floyd's behalf and commented on his character and fitness to practice law. Three of the attorneys had employed Floyd for research and drafting projects and had ample opportunity to observe his legal competence. They testified as to particular projects and cases Floyd had worked on and the competence he exhibited. The Bar stipulated as to Floyd's competence, and counsel for the Bar stated that: we are satisfied from our investigation that he is in [sic] indeed competent to practice law. These same attorneys also had opportunity to observe Floyd's behavior. One attorney testified that he had questioned Floyd about his disbarment and Floyd had admitted that he was responsible for what had happened. In summary, Floyd presented evidence that his misconduct was caused by his inability to cope with certain problems, and that those problems, with the exception of his health, are no longer present. He explained that his heart condition is now controlled and he is capable of coping with his health and the demands of practicing law. The trial panel also incorporated into its findings stipulations of fact signed by the parties. One of these stipulations was that the petitioner make restitution to former clients. These clients had filed grievances against the petitioner but they were not included as part of the formal complaint resulting in his disbarment in 1981. Floyd filed an affidavit in this court stating that he had not found one of these former clients, or any surviving relatives of that client, but had made restitution to two former clients by payments to their relatives. The Bar's response to the affidavit states that Floyd is in compliance with the stipulation and requests that we so find. We conclude that the affidavit shows compliance with the stipulation. Floyd also stipulated that he would pay all costs associated with his petition for reinstatement. The Bar filed a motion to assess costs in the amount of $749.53. The motion is granted. 5 O.S. 1981, Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 11.1(c).