Opinion ID: 1583178
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: 02-db-100 & 06-db-019 & 06-db-035 & 07-db-055

Text: After reviewing these consolidated matters, the disciplinary board determined that the hearing committees' factual findings are not manifestly erroneous and adopted same. Additionally, the board found that, in the Wilson matter, respondent initially failed to respond to Ms. Wilson's disciplinary complaint and failed to appear to give the ODC a sworn statement, despite being subpoenaed. The board also found that, in the Jordan matter, respondent admittedly failed to cooperate with the ODC in its investigation. Based on these facts, the board made the following determinations regarding respondent's violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct: in the Cooper matter, respondent violated Rules 1.15(a) and 1.15(b); in the Crutchfield matter, respondent violated Rules 1.15(a) and 1.15(b); in the Gibbs matter, respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.15(a), and 8.1(c), but not Rules 1.15(b) and 1.15(c); [7] in the Wilson matter, respondent violated Rule 8.1(c) but not Rules 1.3, 1.4, and 1.16(d); in the Whitaker matter, respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(d), 3.4(c), 8.1(c), and 8.4(d); in the Williams matter, respondent violated Rule 8.1(c); in the Jordan matter, respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 5.5(a), and 8.1(c); in the unauthorized practice of law matter, respondent violated Rule 5.5(a); in the Sawyer matter, respondent violated Rules 1.5(f)(5) and 8.1(c); and in the Sudds matter, respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.5, and 8.1(c). The board determined that respondent violated duties owed to his clients, the legal system, and the legal profession. His conduct was intentional in some instances and knowing and negligent in other instances. He caused actual and substantial harm. Based on the ABA's Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, the board determined that the baseline sanction ranges from suspension to disbarment. The board found the following aggravating factors: a dishonest or selfish motive, a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, bad faith obstruction of the disciplinary proceeding by intentionally failing to comply with the rules or orders of the disciplinary agency, substantial experience in the practice of law, and indifference to making restitution (in the Sawyer matter). In mitigation, the board found imposition of other penalties or sanctions and remorse. Turning to the issue of an appropriate sanction, the board determined that case law indicates disbarment is appropriate. Accordingly, the board recommended that respondent be disbarred. The board also recommended that respondent be ordered to provide an accounting and make restitution to Mr. Sawyer. Respondent filed an objection to the disciplinary board's report and recommendation. Accordingly, the case was docketed for oral argument pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XIX, § 11(G)(1)(b).