Opinion ID: 1831592
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Harm to Public and Profession

Text: Finally, we must consider the harm to the public and legal profession. The purpose of attorney discipline is not to punish the attorney but rather to protect the courts, the public, and the legal profession. In re Stanbury, 614 N.W.2d 209, 213 (Minn.2000). The referee found that Nelson's misconduct caused a bank to attach funds in M.E.'s bank account, caused M.E. to pay higher interests rates when he purchased a home, and prevented M.L. from using the money Nelson owed M.L. at a time when his family home had just burned down. The referee also found that Nelson made false statements to both clients. We have said that [h]onesty and integrity are chief among the virtues the public has a right to expect of lawyers. Any breach of trust is misconduct of the highest order and warrants severe discipline. In re Ruffenach, 486 N.W.2d 387, 391 (Minn.1992). Finally, the referee found that Nelson is not amenable to probation because his disciplinary history reflects a pattern of misconduct that has not significantly changed. The referee also found a number of aggravating factors and no mitigating factors. We conclude that the record fully supports the referee's factual findings, legal conclusions, and recommendation for discipline. We therefore hold that Nelson's misconduct warrants the discipline recommended by the referee. Accordingly, we order that: 1. Respondent Dewey M. Nelson is suspended from the practice of law in the State of Minnesota commencing 20 days from the date of this decision, and is ineligible to apply for reinstatement for a minimum of six months after suspension; 2. Nelson must comply with the requirements of Rule 26, RLPR; 3. Nelson must pay the director $900 in costs, plus disbursements, pursuant to Rule 24, RLPR; and 4. If Nelson seeks reinstatement, he shall comply in all respects with Rule 18, RLPR. So ordered.