Opinion ID: 2539056
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: application for reinstatement.

Text: After his thirty-day suspension, Troutman applied under SCR 3.675 for reinstatement of his license to practice law. Because he was suspended for more than 180 days, [6] the Character and Fitness Committee of the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions conducted proceedings to determine whether Troutman should be approved to practice law. [7] The KBA Board of Governors found that the Character and Fitness Committee conducted a thorough investigation. The investigation indicated that Troutman had no further disciplinary problems while under suspension, apart from the instance of unauthorized law practice previously discussed. Numerous individuals attested to Troutman's character. And with limited exception, the people interviewed by the investigator provided extremely favorable opinions about Troutman. [8] Neither Troutman nor the KBA requested a formal hearing at the conclusion of the investigation. And the Character and Fitness Committee did not believe a hearing was necessary. The Character and Fitness Committee issued its Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendation in November 2011. Generally, the Character and Fitness Committee found: 1) Troutman served his suspension and accepted responsibility for his breach of ethical obligations', 2) His conduct was generally satisfactory, and he was worthy of the public's trust; 3) He complied with his Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements and possessed sufficient professional capabilities to serve the public as a lawyer; 4) He exhibited good moral character; and 5) He appreciated the wrongfulness of his conduct, expressed contrition, and took steps to ensure similar conduct would not occur. [9] The Character and Fitness Committee recommended approval of Troutman's application for reinstatement, subject to compliance with CLE requirements and payment of any outstanding costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings. [10] The KBA stated no objection to Troutman's application for reinstatement and requested that the Board of Governors recommend reinstatement on the condition that Troutman pay all costs, as required by SCR 3.510(1). The Board of Governors found that Troutman met the high burden of proof required to demonstrate he should be reinstated to the practice of law. By unanimous vote, the Board of Governors recommends to this Court that Troutman be reinstated to the KBA under SCR 3.510.