Opinion ID: 1161862
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: was restitution proper?

Text: The hearing committee recommended that the amount of $15,235 be paid to the Client Security Fund as restitution for excessive fees, including double billing. The reason for requiring the matter to be paid to the Client Security Fund was that the amount involved had been paid by Respondent's insurance carrier and therefore the client had suffered no actual loss. The Commission disagreed with the Committee as the Commission believed they did not have authority to require restitution to the Client Security Fund. In this, the Commission was correct. The client had been repaid by the malpractice insurance carrier of the Respondent and even though we have stated that it is not appropriate to order a member to repay his malpractice insurer, see, In re Scanlan, Jr., 144 Ariz. 334, 697 P.2d 1084 (1985), we can think of no other person or entity to whom the Respondent could be required to pay. Admittedly, this is a partial windfall in that it is an amount Respondent might not have to pay. He should not, however, be penalized for protecting his clients by maintaining his malpractice insurance. The purpose of attorney discipline is not to punish, but to protect the public. No matter how noble it is to expend money for the benefit of the Client Security Fund, it is not provided for by our rules. The Respondent is found guilty of misconduct. Costs in the amount of $11,629.91 are assessed. Respondent is disbarred. GORDON, C.J., and HOLOHAN and MOELLER, JJ., concur. FELDMAN, V.C.J., recused himself and did not participate in this decision.