Opinion ID: 2361926
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Proceedings before the Board on Professional Responsibility.

Text: In a Report and Recommendation issued on June 25, 1999, the Board adopted the findings of the Hearing Committee with respect to Lopes' violations of the various disciplinary rules. The Board also agreed with the Hearing Committee's recommendation that Lopes' sanction should be mitigated in conformity with Kersey and its progeny, but only with regard to Lopes' neglect of client matters and related violations. The Board was of the opinion that Lopes' conduct involving dishonesty was not related to any of his disabilities and that Kersey principles did not apply to these violations. The Board disagreed with the Hearing Committee's recommendation as to the appropriate sanction. Based on Lopes' misconduct in the original matters and in the reciprocal discipline case, the Board recommended that Lopes be suspended from practice for six months, and that, for purposes of eligibility for reinstatement, the six-month period should begin to run on July 29, 1998, the day on which he filed the affidavit required by § 14(g). The Board further recommended, without objection from Lopes, that the suspension be followed by a two-year period of probation, with the following conditions: (i) Lopes' supervising physician (or, if no physician was available, Lopes himself) would be required to report to the Board twice a year on Lopes' medical condition; (ii) if Lopes accepted any clients during the probationary period, he would be required to notify the Board, and a practice monitor would be appointed; and (iii) if Lopes failed to comply with the conditions of his probation, or if the Board determined that Lopes' physical or emotional condition had rendered him unable to practice law competently, Lopes' probation would be revoked, and he would be suspended from practice until he could demonstrate fitness. The Board further proposed that Lopes be required to make restitution to Ms. Freeman and to the Byers sisters. On July 26, 1999, Bar Counsel moved this court to remand the case to the Board for further consideration of the sanction. On September 13, 1999, this court granted Bar Counsel's motion and remanded the case. On April 7, 2000, following further briefing by the parties, the Board issued a supplemental Report and Recommendation in which it adhered in all respects to its original recommendation. The Board declined to propose any change in the sanction or in the conditions of probation that it had recommended in June 1999.