Opinion ID: 2106464
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the petition for reinstatement should be granted

Text: Petitioner was disbarred because of her conviction for aiding and abetting a scheme to defraud two victims. Her Petition for Reinstatement is governed by D.C.Bar Rule XI, Section 16(b), which requires that she show by clear and convincing evidence that she is fit to resume the practice of law. In particular, Petitioner must show that (1) she has the moral qualifications, competency and learning in law required for readmission, and (2) her readmission, will not be detrimental to the integrity and standing of the Bar, or to the administration of justice, or subversive to the public interest. Section 16(d)(1)-(2). In assessing whether these criteria have been met, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has identified five factors to be considered:

We briefly discuss each factor below.
The underlying offense occurred 27 years ago. It is clear from the grand jury testimony and the available records that her co-defendant was a con man and the principal perpetrator of the fraud. (Bar Exhibits 9, 10, 11, Tr. 141). Mr. Benn used Petitioner's legal services to legitimize his operation. Her comforting of the two victims, as their attorney and/or trustee, permitted the scheme to work. There is no evidence that Petitioner profited financially from the scheme or received fees from anyone. (Tr. 129). She has consistently denied having acted with the specific intent to defraud and entered an Alford plea to count one of the indictment.
Initially Petitioner pleaded guilty, but then sought (unsuccessfully) to withdraw her plea. Her current petition for reinstatement and her testimony demonstrate an enhanced understanding of her involvement and culpability. Years of reflection have provided insight. She admits her professional relationship with the two complaining witnesses and acknowledges that her failure to fully perform her responsibilities under those relationships resulted in financial harm to the two women. She further admits that she perhaps unwittingly, aided the scheme to defraud engineered by her co-defendant. She recognizes the seriousness of her misconduct in failing to meet her professional responsibility. Petitioner testified: I have come to, over time, seen my culpability and what I should have done. I have gained insights by going back and thinking of conversations I had with the various people involved into what they must have been thinking, certainly with regard to the trust issues, the trust that these two women placed in me. (Tr. 106). She testified further: I allowed myself to be involved in the perpetration of a fraud. (Tr. 134). She admitted to malpractice and a breach of ethical responsibility. (Tr. 134-135). While Petitioner does not admit that she intended to defraud the victims, this is consistent with the nature of her plea.
This factor supposes that the disbarred attorney has taken steps to remedy past wrongs and to prevent future ones. Petitioner has been a successful psychologist for over twenty years and has treated hundreds of patients without incident. She had held positions of trust at various mental health clinics. She has testified in hundreds of cases as a forensic psychologist. (Tr. 110-111). She has engaged in pro bono treatment of patients on a regular basis. (Bar Exhibit 3). She has served as a professional with integrity. She has also sought to develop insight into her own psychology, so as to assure that the past transgressions are not repeated. She has participated in psychoanalysis, as well as discussed her criminal conduct with her peers. [1] The only area of concern is the remedy of past wrongs. Petitioner initially undertook restitution, only to be rebuffed by the victims over the amount of money she then had available  $45,650. (Tr. 21, 117). She subsequently declared bankruptcy, after her attorneys were unable to reach a settlement for the civil judgments obtained by the victims. (Tr. 53). She turned over $26,000 to the bankruptcy court, but never found out how the funds were divided. (Tr. 118-119). She has been told that neither victim subsequently sought restitution from her, but this matter is unclear. (Bar Exhibit 3, Tr. 119). Because both victims had judgments against Petitioner, which were discharged in bankruptcy without protest by the victims, the matter appears to be at rest. There is no evidence as to whether either Ms. Meager or Ms. Borthwick are alive.
Petitioner has demonstrated fitness of present character, as set forth above and based upon the testimony of her character witnesses. (Bar Exhibit 3, Tr. 41-86).
Bar Counsel does not take issue with Petitioner's proof of this factor. While the length of time since she was disbarred is extraordinary, Petitioner has undertaken a massive effort to re-educate herself. Her occupation brings her in constant contact with the law, courts and lawyers. Her testimony revealed her to be intelligent and careful.