Opinion ID: 1997580
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: The attorney's present qualifications and competence.

Text: The Hearing Committee addressed in some detail Chisholm's present qualifications and competence. The Committee accurately noted that the record contains numerous indications, including admissions by respondent, that he has been experiencing a series of personal crises, including both medical and psychiatric problems. The Committee further found that Chisholm, not surprisingly, did not seem to be able to deal with his problems fully and consistently, as he voluntarily ceased practicing in Maryland (stating that he was retiring) but took no similar actions in the District of Columbia. While respondent at the end of the case submitted some meager evidence that purported to support his recovery, it was too conclusory to be given substantial weight. In the Committee's view, [t]he effect of the medical evidence submitted by both parties is to create a substantial issue as to the physical and mental condition of the respondent, which the [C]ommittee believes remains unresolved on the record before us. We consider these findings to be quite significant in relation to the question whether proof of rehabilitation should be required. It should be noted that the members of the Hearing Committee observed Chisholm in person, and we believe that their assessment of these rather sensitive issues merits considerable weight. [15]