Opinion ID: 2167166
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sleep Apnea

Text: We have held that when a mental or physical disability is put forward as a mitigating factor the attorney must show by clear and convincing evidence that he or she has the disability, the disability caused the misconduct, the attorney is undergoing treatment for the disability and making progress in recovery, the recovery has halted the misconduct, and the misconduct is not likely to reoccur. In re Merlin, 572 N.W.2d 737, 741 (Minn.1998). Here, the referee relied on the testimony of Dr. Theodore M. Berman to conclude that Albrecht's sleep apnea mitigated his misconduct. Dr. Berman testified that Albrecht had severe sleep apnea, symptoms of which include daytime hypersomnia, impairment of memory and attention to detail, and lack of concentration. Dr. Berman further testified that the allegations of misconduct by Albrecht, such as failing to follow through and failing to return phone calls, are consistent with the effects of sleep apnea. There was also evidence presented at the hearing that, at the time of the hearing, Albrecht was being treated for sleep apnea. Thus, there was evidence before the referee that would permit the finding that Albrecht suffers from sleep apnea, that the symptoms of sleep apnea could result in Albrecht missing dates, failing to return calls, and sleepiness during the day, and that Albrecht was undergoing treatment for the sleep apnea at the time of the hearing. Other than Albrecht's own testimony, however, there is no evidence in the record to support a finding that Albrecht was making progress in his recovery from sleep apnea. Further, there is no evidence that the recovery has halted the misconduct or that the misconduct is unlikely to recur. Because there is no evidence that would support such findings, we conclude that the referee's findings and conclusions that Albrecht's sleep apnea is a mitigating circumstance are clearly erroneous.