Opinion ID: 2219465
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: facts

Text: In 1984, Ogborn moved from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Denver, Colorado, and became managing partner of a law firm. As managing partner, Ogborn had the responsibility of reviewing bills submitted for expenses. Ogborn and his firm represented a large utility company in a matter pending before the Interstate Commerce Commission. Between March 1990 and December 1991, Ogborn submitted bills to the utility company which were not related to his representation of the company. The bills submitted to and subsequently paid by the utility company included bills for personal expenses and bills which should have been paid by Ogborn's law firm. In addition, Ogborn was reimbursed twice for a number of expenses. As a result of the false billings, the utility company paid for air travel for Ogborn's children, vacations to Alaska and Hawaii, gifts, clothing, a sculpture, and other similar expenditures. Ogborn contends that the actual amount of improper billings was $117,000, but he agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $150,059. Ogborn entered into a stipulation of facts in the Colorado disciplinary proceeding, and he admitted to violating the following provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility: DR 1-102 Misconduct. (A) A lawyer shall not: (1) Violate a Disciplinary Rule. .... (4) Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. .... (6) Engage in any other conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law. The hearing board for the Colorado Grievance Committee concluded that Ogborn had also violated Colorado Rule of Civil Procedure 241.6(5), which states that any act or omission violating the criminal laws of a state or the United States constitutes grounds for lawyer discipline. The board also found that Ogborn had violated DR 2-106(A), which states that a lawyer shall not enter into an agreement for, charge, or collect an illegal or clearly excessive fee. Ogborn was disbarred by the Colorado Supreme Court on December 19, 1994. A motion for reciprocal discipline was filed with this court on February 25, 1993, and Ogborn was suspended from the practice of law in Nebraska on March 2. An order to show cause as to why the motion for reciprocal discipline should not be sustained was entered on January 3, 1995, and Ogborn filed his response to the order to show cause on January 13. Following a hearing, the referee recommended an additional 3-year suspension.