Opinion ID: 1947913
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: harry c. jackson

Text: The most serious ethical violation alleged against Jackson is a charge that he assisted a workmen's compensation claimant in the commission of perjury. Specifically, it is alleged that Jackson assisted Thomas Garb in fabricating evidence to present to the workmen's compensation referee in support of his Petition to Commutate his benefits. [2] Garb testified that he met with Jackson in May of 1986 because of displeasure with his attorney of record and his hope that Jackson could assist him in having his compensation benefits reinstated. Previously, in October of 1985, Jackson had acted as the referee in Garb's workmen's compensation case. At the time of this initial meeting, Jackson suggested that Garb retain P. Terrence King, Esquire, to represent him since Garb was displeased with his current attorney. Garb was well aware of the fact that Jackson was under suspension but did not care as he was interested only in results. The plan was to have Jackson do all the behind-the-scenes legal work and merely have King make all public appearances and execute all formal documents. After the Petition for Commutation was filed, Garb testified that Jackson recommended that Garb fire King and proceed pro se. Apparently, a problem developed in meeting King's busy schedule in setting a hearing on the petition. In any event, on July 9, 1986, the date of the final hearing on the Petition for Commutation, Garb represented himself with Jackson present in the room. Prior to that hearing, Jackson and Garb met to review Garb's testimony in support of commutation. Garb testified that Jackson advised him to advise the referee that he intended to start a business and that is why he wanted his benefits commutated. Furthermore, Garb testified that this statement was false. Garb subsequently received an award of approximately $24,000. It is in dispute as to how much Garb paid Jackson. Garb testified that he paid Jackson 20% of the award, or $4,800, while Jackson indicated that he received no monies from the award, but rather received a gift of $2,000 based upon years of personal friendship. Disciplinary Rule 1-102(A) [3] states that a lawyer shall not: (4) Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. (5) Engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. (6) Engage in any other conduct that adversely reflects on his fitness to practice law. After review of the testimony of both Garb and Jackson, we are convinced that Garb is a more credible witness and that therefore there is substantial evidence to support this alleged ethical violation. Jackson admits that he once served as a referee in Garb's workmen's compensation case and although he denies attending a hearing with respect to a related matter, we accept Garb's testimony that Jackson did attend. He also admits receiving $2,000, yet claims that the money was based upon years of personal friendship. Finally, he admits furnishing Garb with business packages of an undisclosed type but denies he ever assisted Garb in formulating his testimony for his commutation hearing. In these respects, Jackson confirms essential facts of Garb's testimony: namely, Jackson received funds at or about the same time Garb received his benefits, and Jackson provided Garb business information which arguably Garb used to base his testimony for the commutation hearing. We are thus satisfied that the ODC presented sufficient evidence to establish violations of Disciplinary Rule 1-102(A)(4), (5) and (6). Equally disturbing is Jackson's complete disregard of our prior order of suspension. Even if Jackson did not assist Garb in fabricating his testimony for the commutation hearing, it is quite clear that he did undertake a course of conduct which constituted the practice of law. If Garb's commutation hearing was as simplistic as Jackson argues in his brief, then why was it necessary for Jackson to attend the hearing? Having had at least eight years experience as a workmen's compensation referee, little if any knowledge could be gained by his attendance at such a simplistic hearing. Of course, the more logical conclusion is that Jackson had an interest, both professional and financial, in the proceeding and that is why he was in attendance. Also of interest is the fact that Jackson failed to disclose his work with Anonymous Attorney either on his application for reinstatement or at the hearing regarding reinstatement. If Jackson was not undertaking a course of questionable conduct, then why would he have not disclosed that conduct in support of his reinstatement? Such a flagrant violation of our order cannot and will not be tolerated. Disbarment is an extreme response to an ethical violation and only will be imposed in the most egregious situation. Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Kissel, supra. This case presents such a situation. Here, we have a lawyer who was ordered by this Court to cease practicing law for a five-year period. We also provided him with literature to advise him of what he was permitted to do while under suspension. Notwithstanding, Jackson undertook a deliberate course of conduct in violation of our order which involved deceit and dishonesty. For such conduct, there is no other sanction available which will impress upon him the seriousness of his action except disbarment. Accordingly, we accept the recommendation of the Disciplinary Board and order that Jackson be disbarred from the practice of law. He is also ordered to pay the costs of investigation and prosecution in this matter.