Opinion ID: 1631614
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: Although licensed to practice law in Minnesota, Carpenter is not licensed to practice law in Iowa. From 2005 to 2007, Carpenter maintained offices in Iowa and provided legal services to persons in Iowa on federal immigration matters under Iowa Rule of Professional Conduct 32:5.5(d)(2), which provides: A lawyer admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this jurisdiction that . . . are services that the lawyer is authorized to provide by federal law or other law of this jurisdiction. [1] Since October 18, 2007, Carpenter has been prohibited from all practice of law in Iowa due to his disability related to depression. [2] With regard to his disability suspension, we determined we had jurisdiction to prohibit Carpenter's practice under Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct 32:5.5(d)(2) and 32:8.5(a). Comment 19 to rule 32:5.5(d)(2) provides: A lawyer who practices law in this jurisdiction pursuant to paragraphs (c) or (d) or otherwise is subject to the disciplinary authority of this jurisdiction. See rule 32:8.5(a). Rule 32:8.5(a) provides: (a) Disciplinary Authority. A lawyer admitted to practice in Iowa is subject to the disciplinary authority of Iowa, regardless of where the lawyer's conduct occurs. A lawyer not admitted in Iowa is also subject to the disciplinary authority of Iowa if the lawyer provides or offers to provide any legal services in Iowa. A lawyer may be subject to the disciplinary authority of both Iowa and another jurisdiction for the same conduct. Comment 1 to rule 32:8.5(a) provides in pertinent part: It is longstanding law that the conduct of a lawyer admitted to practice in Iowa is subject to the disciplinary authority of Iowa. Extension of the disciplinary authority of Iowa to other lawyers who provide or offer to provide legal services in Iowa is for the protection of the citizens of Iowa. These same provisions give us authority to prohibit Carpenter's practice in Iowa on the basis of professional misconduct. Our jurisdiction to discipline attorneys practicing in Iowa under rule 32:5.5(d)(2) rests on our responsibility to protect the citizens of our state from unethical conduct of attorneys who provide services in Iowa.