Opinion ID: 2050973
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 16

Heading: The Attorney's Conduct Since Discipline Was Imposed, Including Steps To Remedy the Harm Caused by the Misconduct

Text: The Hearing Committee concluded that Petitioner also has taken financial responsibility for the debts and harms caused by his prior law practice, in that he has repaid, or has undertaken to repay, those clients who suffered financially because of the problems of Petitioner's previous law firm, Roxborough & Tillerson. Hearing Committee Report at 20. We must consider whether the fact that Petitioner has not completed restitution is a barrier to reinstatement. First, we note that the Court's original orders imposing discipline did not require restitution before reinstatement; the appropriateness of restitution was not finally addressed in connection with the unadjudicated acts of misconduct. While restitution is always an appropriate consideration in weighing the third Roundtree factor, the Court at the time of imposing the original discipline did not rule that completed restitution was an absolute prerequisite to reinstatement. Petitioner testified that he has not earned enough income since he left law practice to be able to pay all of the restitution owed. The Hearing Committee concluded that Mr. Roxborough credibly testified that he intends to repay the clients and to pay his other debts, as soon as he is able to do so. Hearing Committee Report at 21. The Hearing Committee concluded: He has taken all the steps that he is capable of taking in making restitution to those who may have been harmed by his misconduct or the misconduct of his former partner. Id. at 23. The Board tested this conclusion by requesting more specific information on Petitioner's plan for restitution of the remaining amounts. The Board took this step because it had concerns based on the record before the Hearing Committee that Petitioner was not well able to identify the amounts that he owes to clients and others. The Hearing Committee developed a list of those obligations, a commendable effort given the rambling character of the evidence on the financial issues. Since the hearing, however, Petitioner has made progress in accomplishing restitution and in figuring out how he will complete the rest, with definite payment schedules and time lines. Petitioner has provided specific timetables for paying the additional amounts owed to clients and medical providers. By borrowing the money to pay his tax obligations to Maryland and the District of Columbia, and stating the steps he has taken toward a similar arrangement with the IRS, Petitioner wisely has spread out those payments so the pressure of paying the tax authorities will not pre-empt any ability by Petitioner to make progress on restitution. The Board also puts very substantial weight on Bar Counsel's lack of objection to the restitution plan and to Petitioner's reinstatement while restitution proceeds. Under these circumstances, adherence to the schedule should be a condition of reinstatement, but it should not be absolutely required that restitution is complete before reinstatement. See In re Kerr, 675 A.2d 59 (D.C.1996)(per curiam).