Opinion ID: 1948211
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: analysis

Text: This court is vested with the sole power to admit persons to the practice of law in this state and to fix qualifications for admission to the Nebraska bar. [6] Neb. Rev.Stat. § 7-102(1) (Reissue 2007) provides: No person shall be admitted ... unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Supreme Court that such person is of good moral character. This court has delegated administrative responsibility for bar admissions solely to the Commission. [7] Neb. Ct. R. § 3-103, which governs the admission of attorneys, describes the applicable standards for character and fitness of attorneys as follows: An attorney should be one whose record of conduct justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and others with respect to the professional duties owed to them. A record manifesting a significant deficiency by an applicant in one or more of the following essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law may constitute a basis for denial of admission.... [T]he essential eligibility requirements for admission to the practice of law in Nebraska are: (A) The ability to conduct oneself with a high degree of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness in all professional relationships and with respect to all legal obligations; (B) The ability to conduct oneself diligently and reliably in fulfilling all obligations to clients, attorneys, courts, and others; (C) The ability to conduct oneself with respect for and in accordance with the law and the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct; . . . . (F) The ability to exercise good judgment in conducting one's professional business; (G) The ability to avoid acts that exhibit disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of others; . . . . (J) The ability to conduct oneself professionally and in a manner that engenders respect for the law and the profession. The applicant for admission bears the burden of proving good character by producing documentation, reports, and witnesses in support of the application. [8] Where the record of an applicant for admission to the bar demonstrates a significant lack of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability, a basis may exist for denying his or her application. [9] When evidence exists to indicate that an applicant has engaged in conduct demonstrating a lack of character and fitness in the past, the Commission must determine whether present character and fitness qualify the applicant for admission. [10] Although the Commission has good reason to be reluctant to grant Hartmann's application, the record before us indicates that Hartmann complied with the conditions set forth in our prior opinion. As noted, we denied Hartmann's application for admission to the bar based on his history of alcohol abuse and inappropriate conduct with underage girls, including his niece. [11] There was also a lack of evidence of rehabilitation in the record at the time. [12] We cited the fact that Hartmann was still undergoing treatment and stated that the record did not afford a sufficient basis for predicting when, if, or how resolution of his psychological condition would occur. [13] Our previous opinion suggested that Hartmann would be eligible to sit for the bar examination if he could sufficiently demonstrate that he had resolved his psychological condition. The record shows that since our denial of Hartmann's previous application, he completed counseling and is taking antidepressant medication. Testimony from Dr. Larson indicated that Hartmann was unlikely to repeat his inappropriate behavior. Hartmann has expressed remorse for the behavior that led to the criminal charges, although he also expressed resentment against his niece and her immediate family for what he insists are false allegations of other conduct which have never resulted in criminal prosecution. Hartmann presented a substantial number of letters in support of his application from those who know him through his employment in the military, in his construction job, and through his volunteer work. Hartmann presented community involvement affidavits regarding cleanup efforts following a tornado which struck Hallam, Nebraska, Meals on Wheels, and the National Audubon Society. He reenlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard after he had reached the 20-year retirement mark, and he also served in Iraq in 2003. According to letters sent to the Commission by members of Hartmann's military unit, Hartmann is highly regarded by those with whom he has served. To the extent the previous denial of Hartmann's application was based on a lack of rehabilitation, we conclude that Hartmann has overcome that obstacle. As noted, according to Dr. Larson, Hartmann has successfully completed counseling and is continuing on antidepressant medication for his psychological condition. Although the Commission's reluctance to grant Hartmann's application to sit for the bar is understandable, the record appears to demonstrate that Hartmann has fulfilled the conditions set forth in our prior opinion. When asked if he perceived Hartmann to represent a risk of engaging in a pattern of ... inappropriate behavior in the future, Dr. Larson responded that he did not see that as likely. Hartmann's rehabilitation, combined with the cited evidence demonstrating character and fitness, is persuasive, and nothing in the record appears to contradict the evidence Hartmann presented. We accordingly grant Hartmann's application to sit for the Nebraska bar examination.