Opinion ID: 1152658
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the relevancy question

Text: We must first address Petitioner's argument with respect to the evidence presented at the reinstatement hearing. Throughout the hearing Petitioner repeatedly urged that only his conduct since his last reinstatement petition, which was filed in 1992, was relevant for consideration by this Court. He has presented no authority to support that, although he has been given ample opportunity to do so. Our responsibility with regard to a petition for reinstatement is not to review the recommendation of the trial panel; rather we exercise our original jurisdiction, as in all attorney disciplinary matters. Rule 11.4 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings states that the applicant seeking reinstatement has the heavy burden of showing that, if readmitted, his conduct will conform to the high standards required of members of the Bar. In assessing the likelihood of the applicant's future good conduct we are to consider the nature of his past transgressions and to consider applicant's attempts to rectify the harm caused by those transgressions. In the Matter of the Reinstatement of Elias, 759 P.2d 1021, 1022 (Okla. 1988). In making this assessment we must necessarily look to the gravity of the original offense and the petitioner's conduct since the offense which led to discipline. In the Matter of Reinstatement of Kamins, 752 P.2d 1125, 1130 (Okla. 1988). While the evidence of an applicant's character since the previous reinstatement petition is relevant and must be carefully considered, that evidence is not all that may be considered. It must be reviewed along with the evidence of the applicant's conduct which led to discipline, and his conduct since the time of discipline, in this case, disbarment. Kamins, 752 P.2d at 1130. This ruling is not a departure from our previous case law; it follows the mandate of Kamins that we consider the seriousness of the original transgression as well as the applicant's conduct since imposition of discipline.