Opinion ID: 2220111
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Cumulative Weight of Disciplinary Violations

Text: [T]he cumulative weight and severity of multiple disciplinary rule violations may compel severe discipline even when a single act standing alone would not have warranted such discipline. Nelson, 733 N.W.2d at 464 (citing In re Oberhauser, 679 N.W.2d 153, 160 (Minn.2004)). In Nelson we noted that an attorney's prior disciplinary history can be considered as an aggravating factor while considering the cumulative weight of an attorney's misconduct. 733 N.W.2d at 464-65. But we have also considered an attorney's lack of a disciplinary history as a mitigating factor in determining the appropriate discipline. See, e.g., In re Hottinger, 731 N.W.2d 827, 828 (Minn.2007) (noting the lack of a prior disciplinary record in 34 years of attorney's practice). We emphasize here that prior to the events leading to this disciplinary action, and before Berg's diagnosis with a terminal heart condition, he had no disciplinary history. Because Berg engaged in multiple acts of misappropriation, dishonesty, and other forms of misconduct, however, the cumulative weight of his misconduct is great and warrants serious discipline. See In re Holker, 730 N.W.2d 768, 776 (Minn.2007) (imposing indefinite suspension where attorney mishandled trust account, failed to diligently represent clients, and failed to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation).