Opinion ID: 2509532
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Evidence presented in mitigation

Text: Respondent testified that he was licensed to practice law in Colorado in 1998. Thereafter, he worked as a litigation associate with Zaplier and Associates. In his words, he developed a reputation for successfully trying personal injury cases with the Zaplier law firm. After these early successes as an associate, Respondent took over Zaplier and Associates, creating his own firm, the Rhodes firm, in its stead on January 1, 2000. He was the managing partner of the Rhodes firm, and Mr. Zaplier and another lawyer named Mr. Ferris were silent partners who withdrew in July 2003. Mr. Japha and Mr. Holub both worked for the firm. Respondent felt that he had the background and experience to run a law firm because he had run a process-serving business while in law school. Initially, as the owner of the Rhodes firm, Respondent advanced in his personal injury practice. Although Mr. Japha and Mr. Holub drew salaries, they were also required to contribute to the firm for their share of the overhead. The firm, however, soon suffered a shortfall in revenues. Neither Respondent nor the firm had the money to cover the monthly overhead. Respondent received a $72,000 salary from the firm in 2000 and an $82,000 salary in both 2001 and 2002. In 2003, he did not earn a salary and in 2004 he paid himself $15,000. Respondent testified, without challenge, that the initial overhead for the law firm was approximately $45,000 per month. He attempted at first to use personal credit cards to make up the difference that resulted from the shortfall in revenues, but this only exacerbated his personal debt and did little to alleviate the financial problems of the firm. After the departure of Mr. Zaplier and Mr. Ferris, Respondent assumed both the legal and business responsibilities of the firm. Respondent felt that in order to make more money, he had to spend more money. Ultimately, the firm's overhead rose to over $45,000 per month. Since Mr. Japha's practice depended in good measure on criminal appointments in state and federal court, Mr. Japha at times failed to meet his commitment to the firm's overhead. Ultimately, Respondent found the pressures of his commitment to the firm, his clients, and wife and two infants overwhelming. Instead of seeking advice, hubris led Respondent to believe he could please everyone. He believed he would be able to run the firm as he always had, even when it was clear that there was no money to do so. As Respondent's debt rose, he had conflict at home and at work. Respondent also argued with Mr. Japha about Mr. Japha's failure to bill properly. He felt that this problem exacerbated the firm's financial problems. In an effort to retain the illusion that he could run the firm, he converted client funds. Fortunately, his associates fairly quickly found the discrepancies in the firm's trust account. In 2003, Respondent sought help from the Lawyer's Assistance Program; he had been contemplating suicide for eight months. He received a prescription for Wellbutrin and Lexapro, medications for depression that he continues to take to this date. In October 2003, Respondent spent three days in the hospital after suffering from a panic attack and chest pains while preparing for a trial. Following his immediate suspension on June 1, 2004, Respondent notified clients of his suspension, moved from the firm's office space, transferred his clients to Mr. Zaplier and Mr. Ferris, and moved to Kansas City where he and his wife and two infants now live in a two-bedroom apartment. Today, Respondent works at a truck stop owned by his father and earns $38,000 per year.