Opinion ID: 2623540
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: ANALYSIS UNDER C.R.C.P. 251.29(b)

Text: An attorney seeking reinstatement following a suspension must prove by clear and convincing evidence that he has been rehabilitated, has complied with all applicable disciplinary orders and with all provisions of this chapter [Discipline and Disability], and is fit to practice law. C.R.C.P. 251.29(b). The People agree the Petitioner has met this test. The Supreme Court in People v. Klein, 756 P.2d 1013 (Colo.1988), set forth the criteria that a Hearing Board must consider in reinstatement proceedings to determine whether an attorney is rehabilitated. Klein provides: [A]ny determination of that issue [rehabilitation] must include consideration of numerous factors bearing on the Petitioner's state of mind and ability, such as character, conduct since the imposition of the original discipline, professional competence, candor and sincerity, recommendations of other witnesses, present business pursuits of the Petitioner, the personal and community service aspects of the Petitioner's life, and the Petitioner's recognition of the seriousness of his previous misconduct. Id. at 1016. The Parties stipulated that Petitioner complied with all applicable orders and all applicable provisions of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and is fit to practice law. Regulation counsel concedes that Petitioner has met the basic requirements for reinstatement but he requests the added condition of a practice monitor, as described below, if Petitioner returns to private practice as a solo practitioner in the next three years. The Hearing Board finds that such a condition is reasonable and desirable given the great difficulty Petition had when he tried to practice law without support from experienced lawyers like those at Trimble and Nulan. See C.R.C.P. 251.29(e) During the hearing, Petitioner was candid and demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that he has undergone a fundamental character change. He acknowledges the wrongfulness of his conduct and demonstrates genuine remorse for his misconduct. He accepts responsibility for his actions and does not blame others for his conduct or the consequences stemming from that conduct. For the reinstatement hearing, Petitioner offered three witnesses and eight letters from family and co-workers that attest to his character and rehabilitation. Significantly, Mr. Nulan, in whose firm Petitioner practiced for two years before he left in favor of practicing alone, testified that Petitioner was an excellent lawyer whose work was highly professional. Mr. Nulan stated he would hire Petitioner again without reservation. Petitioner has demonstrated rehabilitation by recognizing and taking responsibility for the problems that led to his suspension and taking action to correct them:  He developed and followed through on a plan to pay back arrearages and stay current on support for his three children. From all reports, he is a committed and loving father.  He has thought seriously about his future and how to balance his career with the need to provide for his children by finding work in the corporate environment. If he returns to legal practice, his goal is to work as a corporate attorney in the employment area.  His performance at his job at StorageTek indicates that he has addressed his problems with organization. In a letter in support of his petition for reinstatement, Randy Williams, a co-worker in StorageTek's Human Resources division, noted that during an internal audit of the department Petitioner was one of only four people recognized for management practices.  He has established proficiency in the law by taking numerous CLE courses listed in his petition. Though he is not currently practicing law, his position at StorageTek as an investigator for the human resources division in employment cases has offered him an opportunity to investigate employment discrimination claims, matters with legal implications.  He shall hire a practice monitor and report during this period to the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel in the event he returns to solo practice in the next three years. Having established by clear and convincing evidence his compliance with all past orders of court, his fitness to practice law, and his rehabilitation, the Hearing Board orders that Petitioner, Larry K. Lockley, attorney registration number 25840, shall be reinstated to the practice of law.