Opinion ID: 1831592
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Cumulative Weight

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. In re Oberhauser, 679 N.W.2d 153, 160 (Minn. 2004). In this context, Nelson argues that it is a violation of his due process rights to consider his discipline history as an aggravating factor without prior notice. But the director made clear, in Nelson's prior disciplinary matters, that Nelson's disciplinary history was a factor to consider. Further, we have said that attorney disciplinary history is a serious aggravating factor. See Mayrand, 723 N.W.2d at 269. We expect[] a renewed commitment to comprehensive ethical and professional behavior after a disciplinary proceeding, and [w]here leniency has been shown once, we are reluctant to do so again. In re Haugen, 543 N.W.2d 372, 375 (Minn.1996) (internal quotations omitted). Although Nelson has not been before this court on a disciplinary matter, his conduct after numerous disciplines imposed by the director has fallen short of renewing his commitment to the ethical practice of law. See id. at 374 (using attorney's disciplinary history as an aggravating factor where the attorney had been publicly reprimanded, admonished twice, placed twice on private probation, and had his license suspended). Nelson has been admonished six times, and placed on private probation three times, in part, for neglect of client matters and trust account violations. We have said that similarity of misconduct is evidence of a lack of renewed commitment. Id. at 375.