Opinion ID: 1584675
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to Cooperate with Disciplinary Process

Text: Rickabaugh did not file an answer to the Board's complaint as required by Iowa Court Rule 34.6(4). We expect and demand attorneys to cooperate with disciplinary investigations. Honken, 688 N.W.2d at 821 (citing Iowa Supreme Ct. Bd. of Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. Sullins, 556 N.W.2d 456, 457 (Iowa 1996)). A failure to do so is an independent act of misconduct. Comm. on Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. Pracht, 505 N.W.2d 196, 199 (Iowa 1993) (citing Comm. on Prof'l Ethics & Conduct v. Van Etten, 490 N.W.2d 545, 548 (Iowa 1992)). Rickabaugh's failure to respond to the Board's complaint violates DR 1-102(A)(5) (a lawyer shall not engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice) and DR 1-102(A)(6) (a lawyer shall not engage in conduct that adversely reflects on the fitness to practice law).