Opinion ID: 2330653
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Count XMartin

Text: ¶ 19 Martin hired Townsend to write a demand letter to a former employer in a matter involving the client's wrongful termination. The understanding was that if the demand was not met, the attorney would file suit. When his demands were ignored, Martin began trying, unsuccessfully, to contact the respondent. He had left some particularly important, original documents in Townsend's possession. Martin hired new counsel who also was unable to retrieve the materials. Townsend failed to file anything on Land's behalf, did not return files in his keeping, and abandoned his client's interests. ¶ 20 a. Clear and convincing evidence was presented of the attorney's: lack of a current mental disability; professional misconduct; and willingness to comply with the high standards required of the practitioners of the law in Oklahoma. [23] ¶ 21 There is no question that Townsend's transgressions violated multiple standards set out in the rules which govern the practice of law in Oklahoma. [24] It is also obvious that the respondent was under an incredible amount of stress. ¶ 22 Townsend has two sons. During the time of the misconduct, he was going through a difficult divorce resulting in time with the children being limited. He felt guilty for failing his sons. Originally, Townsend had three attorneys in his firm. One of the lawyers experienced an extended illness during which she was absent from the office, resulting in work loads being increased on the two remaining attorneys. Becoming frustrated with the situation, the second attorney left the practice, leaving Townsend responsible for his own clients and those of the remaining lawyer. To add insult to injury, the attorney for whom Townsend had been covering came in and took all the office furniture, files, computer, and other equipment, and drained the firm's operating accounts, leaving Townsend with bills but no assets. During this period, Townsend had already begun to withdraw and was spending most of his time locked in his apartment. One friend tried to call him every day over several weeks, but Townsend could not bring himself to pick up the phone. His guilt and withdrawal became worse when he was informed that the friend had committed suicide. Townsend began to have panic attacks whenever he attempted to go into his office or to answer phone calls. ¶ 23 The respondent presented proof from his licensed marriage and family therapist acting through Lawyers Helping Lawyers that when he came to him in November of 2008, he was suffering from acute depression and anxiety. At that time, the attorney was unable to deal with day-to-day activities of returning phone calls, going into the office, communicating with clients, or resolving work-related problems. He utilized alcohol as a crutch during this time period but did not present symptoms of dependence. On the day of the hearing, the therapist testified that he felt those issues had been resolved and that Townsend had acquired the skills, along with a system of support, to allow him to return to the practice of law without relapse. ¶ 24 The Bar Association investigator testified that she never felt that Townsend was simply ignoring inquiries regarding his misconduct. Rather, she always thought the misconduct was tied to a depressive mental illness caused by a situational event or events going on in his life during the critical time period. The investigator was pleased when Townsend willingly became involved with his therapist on her recommendation that he seek assistance dealing with his mental state through Lawyers Helping Lawyers. When she made inquiries of the complaining parties, many of them felt that Townsend should be allowed to return to the practice of law. [25] The same recommendation has been made by the Assistant General Counsel prosecuting the case and the trial panel. ¶ 25 Townsend has expressed true remorse for his actions. He has communicated apologies to all clients involved and has returned all fees related to the complaints, even where he may have been entitled to some form of recompense. He willingly participated in Lawyers Helping Lawyers and agreed to do the same in the future. An Assistant United States Attorney testified that Townsend was revered in the legal community. His mother, close friend, and therapist all opined that, with the experience of depression and anxiety, he has built up a system of support which should assist him in not returning to his formerly debilitating state of mind. The attorney has participated in continuing legal education seminars and stayed current on the law and legal developments. He is current on all Bar-related fees. ¶ 26 The factors this Court considers on reinstatement are: present moral fitness; consciousness of the wrongfulness of actions bringing disrepute on the profession; extent of rehabilitation; seriousness of the original misconduct; conduct subsequent to discipline; time elapsed since the original discipline; petitioner's character, maturity, and experience; and present competence in legal skills. [26] The factors weighing most heavily when a suspension arises out of incapacity are: 1) the extent of rehabilitation of the affliction attributable to the incapacity; 2) the conduct subsequent to the suspension and treatment received for the condition; and 3) the time which has elapsed since the suspension. [27] ¶ 27 It has been in excess of two years since the agreed interim suspension was entered. Upon de novo review, [28] we find that clear and convincing evidence [29] demonstrates that: 1) Townsend engaged in misconduct warranting discipline; 2) respondent is no longer under an incapacity which would preclude him from practicing law; and 3) respondent's conduct will conform to the high standards required of the Bar Association.