Opinion ID: 1632522
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Rehabilitation and Requisite Moral Character.

Text: ¶ 11. The ultimate inquiry for this Court is whether Stewart has demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation in character and conduct for consideration of readmission: This Court's fundamental inquiry is whether the attorney has rehabilitated himself in conduct and character since the suspension was imposed. In re Mathes, 653 So.2d 928, 929 (Miss.1995). A firm resolve to live a correct life evidenced by outward manifestation sufficient to convince a reasonable mind clearly that the person has reformed is only required. In re Underwood, 649 So.2d 825, 828-29 (Miss.1995). In re Flautt, 890 So.2d 928, 930 (Miss.2004). ¶ 12. Stewart submitted his own affidavit in support of his petition for reinstatement. The Bar also deposed Stewart as part of its investigation of Stewart's Petition for Reinstatement. We subdivide the relevant information provided in his petition and testimony as follows:
¶ 13. Stewart testified that before he began serving his three-year probation period, he and his family moved from Oxford to Gulfport, Mississippi. As evidence of his rehabilitation, Stewart cites community service, church involvement, and accommodations provided by the hotel he manages. Stewart performed fifty hours of community service as part of his court-ordered probation at a Gulfport Catholic church of which he is not a member. He stated that he is actively involved with his own church and that he is especially involved with his Sunday school class. Stewart submitted letters of appreciation from: (1) a speaker at a continuing legal education seminar for consideration and assistance in hosting the seminar at the hotel; (2) the president of Mississippi Power Company for holding rooms open at the hotel for its employees after Hurricane Katrina; (3) a church's hurricane cleanup crew for the use of the hotel's pool; (4) the Bayou View Elementary PTA for a $500 donation; (5) the executive director of Beauvoir for a donation of rooms at the hotel for out-of-town visitors and restoration crews to Beauvoir; and (6) the executive director of the Harrison County Habitat for Humanity for hosting weekly pool parties at the hotel for its staff. He also submits a certificate of appreciation dated August 10, 2006, from the Sons of the American Revolution for outstanding support when the hotel hosted pool parties for them. Stewart provided little or no information regarding the nature or extent of his personal involvement in the listed events.
¶ 14. Since his disbarment, Stewart has not engaged in the practice of law. He has worked at the Holiday Inn owned by his wife both during and after his probationary period. Stewart did not have any open cases at the time of disbarment and had successfully transferred all existing clients to his former law partner.
¶ 15. Stewart submitted letters of recommendation from the chancellor of the University of Mississippi, one faculty member of the University of Mississippi, one faculty member of the Mississippi College School of Law, a retired chancellor, and six members of the Bar in support of his petition for reinstatement. [2] These letters speak highly of Stewart's family and personal character, and recommend without reservation Stewart's reinstatement. These letters relate additional activities Stewart undertook that demonstrate his good character, including hosting weekly cookouts for cleanup volunteers and hosting foreign students. After publishing Stewart's intention to seek reinstatement for public comment, the Bar received one letter supporting Stewart's petition from another lawyer and no letters in opposition.
¶ 16. The Bar states Stewart appeared mentally and emotionally stable at his deposition. He testified that he was not using, nor had he used, illegal or prescription drugs before or after his disbarment. He further stated that while stressed by the proceedings he had not been diagnosed with depression.
¶ 17. Stewart testified that he has not been arrested since the disbarment nor cited with any misdemeanor except for a single speeding ticket which he promptly paid. He stated that he is current with all debts and taxes, although he did file for bankruptcy prior to the disbarment. He has been sued by a former employee of the hotel who was implicated for embezzlement. Stewart has representation for this matter, and was unaware of the current status of the case. He was also privately reprimanded by the Mississippi Bar concerning unauthorized interactions of his former assistant and a client. The client was reimbursed all payments made to Stewart's firm. Stewart stated he has been rehabilitated because he self-reported his crime and cooperated with the FBI. He distanced himself from that same situation and moved to the coast before his probationary sentence began.