Opinion ID: 2204353
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 40

Heading: conclusion

Text: As presented in these proceedings, Respondent has practiced for nearly twenty years without any evidence of prior misconduct. Nevertheless, her misconduct here demonstrates a pattern of stubborn litigiousness. While it is clear that Respondent believes that she is righteously pursuing truth and justice on behalf of her clients, she abandoned her duties to the courts, our system of justice, and the rule of law. A lawyer is more than a hired gun. By the time Judge Ossola entered a specific written order admonishing her not to further challenge Judge Lass' order in case number 99CV277, Respondent's cause had become an obsession. Respondent's deliberate and intractable attempts to re-litigate issues already resolved in 99CV277 adversely affected the just, speedy, and inexpensive administration over the course of nearly five years. The Hearing Board finds that Respondent initially acted in an imprudent and incompetent manner in filing a frivolous lawsuit in a complicated area of law without adequate preparation. Ultimately, her over-zealousness on behalf of her clients resulted in her deliberate violation of a direct court order. While this case involves a complex and lengthy record, we address only those issues framed by the People's Complaint and the evidence received on those matters. [56] We understand that admirers see Respondent as lawyer who has the highest ethics and takes on difficult cases, many times for little or no compensation. However, even crusaders for justice are not excused from abiding by the ethical standards that all lawyers must embrace. We have taken into consideration Respondent's subjective belief that she was fighting for clients who were being cheated out of valuable water and property rights; however, access to the courts has its limitations. [57] We trust Respondent will better balance her passionate advocacy and her duties to the court in the future. Applying the ABA Standards and Colorado Supreme Court case law, and considering the aggravating and mitigating factors presented, the Hearing Board concludes that a one-year suspension is a sufficient sanction to protect the public and the administration of justice from further harm. [58]