Opinion ID: 1921960
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: The Moral Fitness of the Lawyer.

Text: Respondent's two character witnesses were Peter M. Kirby, Esquire, and Mary Helen Sears, Esquire, both of whom worked with Respondent at Ginsburg, Feldman and Reid & Priest. Both witnesses served with Respondent in the management of the Ginsburg, Feldman firm, and found her ethical and professional behavior to be of the highest caliber. They characterized her as conservative and careful on conflict issues that came up in that setting. We note, however, that the character witnesses had limited familiarity with the facts of the matter at hand and the role Respondent played in it, even though they both practiced along side of Respondent at the law firms where the activities occurred. Their lack of information is understandable because Respondent testified that she did not open a client file or bill J.C. and she took steps to keep some of the details of J.C.'s case confidential, even with respect to other law firm personnel. Respondent further testified that she found no need to discuss the conflicts issues in this case with anyone, even though Mr. Kirby testified that conflict issues were generally handled by the firm's Executive Committee or by the firm's founding partner who served as the firm's ethics advisor. The Hearing Committee concluded from listening to Respondent's character witnesses that in the normal course of business, Respondent is a diligent, honest and competent lawyer who is respected by her colleagues. The Hearing Committee had the opportunity to observe Respondent and question her. They came to the conclusion that Respondent had the requisite moral character to practice law. The Board does not see any basis for disturbing the Hearing Committee's positive conclusions concerning Respondent's general character.