Opinion ID: 1927280
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: RG 303 Panel Recommendations

Text: The RG 303 Panel unanimously recommended that certification of Triffin for admission to the bar be withheld. The Panel explained that the findings by the Pennsylvania courts in the Continental Bank and DiSalvo cases of civil fraud, unauthorized practice, and behavior violating the professional conduct expected of an attorney demonstrate a fundamental lack of the integrity and trustworthiness expected of a prospective attorney. The Panel rejected Triffin's contention that it should not credit the findings in those cases because he had been denied due process. Moreover, the Panel noted that regardless of the findings of the Continental Bank court, Triffin's refusal to participate in pre-trial discovery and failure to be represented at trial demonstrate a disturbing lack of character. The Panel was particularly troubled by the testimony of the four attorneys who felt that Triffin had acted dishonestly and unprofessionally in his dealings with them. Specifically, the Panel focused on the statement by Poeta that Triffin had reneged on a settlement after gaining access to Poeta's client, and the testimony by O'Hara that Triffin attempted to use threats or bribes in order to obtain business and favorable testimony. The Panel concluded that such conduct was a violation of professional ethics. Although recognizing that prior conduct that demonstrates a lack of fitness to be admitted may be overcome by a showing of rehabilitation, the Panel found that Triffin had failed to present even a scintilla of evidence of rehabilitation. Following the report of the RG 303 Panel, Triffin requested and received a RG 304 Review Hearing. The RG 304 Panel reviewed the Report and Recommendation of the RG 303 Panel, the transcripts of the hearings before the RG 303 Panel, exhibits that included Triffin's original Certified Statement with attachments and a later six volume submission, and his brief. After reviewing Triffin's assignments of errors to the RG 303 Report and Recommendation, as well as his argument that he had not been afforded due process, the RG 304 Panel unanimously determined that the evidence substantiated the findings of the RG 303 Panel. The RG 304 Panel noted that at its hearing Triffin had presented no additional evidence as to rehabilitation and remorse except for the presentation of his participation in Sons of Italy and his assertion that if he were admitted to practice he would participate in pro bono work.