Opinion ID: 2621664
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: imposition of punishment

Text: ¶ 26 While we find that a public censure would not be sufficient punishment for the degree of neglect found in this case, neither do we find that Respondent's conduct warrants a punishment of two years' suspension. See Benefield, supra. Additionally, we find no grounds to warrant disbarment, although suspension of two years and one day was ordered for multiple violations of Rules 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 3.2, ORPC, and Rule 5.2, RGDP in State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Minter, 2001 OK 69, 37 P.3d 763. However, we found Minter lacked fitness to practice law and had repeatedly shown contempt for the Bar and the Court by his refusal to respond to disciplinary inquiries. In the instant case, however, there is evidence of Respondent's remorse and her wish to cooperate with the Bar, as well as to continue treating her depression condition. Moreover, her condition has been shown as a contributing factor to the neglect she showed in her clients' representation and in her reluctance to answer the Bar complaint. Therefore, we accept the PRT's recommendation that Respondent's license to practice law be suspended for one year. A one-year suspension was imposed in State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Rennie, 1997 OK 108, 945 P.2d 494, despite the fact he filed a false response to the bar complaint, misrepresented facts to a client about summary judgment and told his client that opposing counsel had bought off the judge. He corrected the problems and made restitution. This Court gave great consideration to the fact that several members of the Judiciary and the local Bar testified on his behalf as to his character and honor, although recognizing the seriousness of his conduct. He also showed remorse and took action to ensure the same mistakes would not happen again. We think this is the correct approach to take in the instant case.