Opinion ID: 1408147
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: McCarty committee proceedings

Text: In 1991 McCarty filed a grievance asserting that Triem had made false statements to him regarding the service of discovery materials and had failed to respond timely to deadlines. After requesting and receiving a number of extensions, Triem responded to McCarty's grievance in December 1991. On January 14, 1992, McCarty responded by letter to Triem's answer. In early March Triem informed Bar Counsel that he had not received any materials from the Bar or McCarty since he filed his December 1991 response, and he requested that Bar Counsel furnish him with any further comments made by McCarty. Bar Counsel did not respond to Triem's letter. Pursuant to Alaska Bar Rule 22(d), Bar Counsel requested and received approval for issuance of a private written admonition from Area Discipline Division Member Leslie Longenbaugh. In late March Triem was informed of the result of Bar Counsel's investigation and Longenbaugh's approval of the sanction of a private written admonition. Triem was instructed that under Alaska Bar Rule 22(d) he did not have a right to appeal the private admonition, but that he had thirty days to demand a formal proceeding. Triem was informed that demanding a formal proceeding would vacate the private admonition. Asserting that he had not violated the Code of Professional Responsibility in his dealings with McCarty and that he had been denied the opportunity to respond to all of McCarty's accusations, Triem demanded a formal proceeding. Triem argued that he had not received McCarty's January 14, 1992 letter to Bar Counsel. Bar Counsel explained that this was an oversight, sent Triem a copy of the letter, and gave him thirty more days to review the letter and decide whether to accept the private admonition. Triem did not accept the private admonition and Bar Counsel filed a petition for formal proceedings. After briefing was completed and without oral argument or testimony, the Area Hearing Committee assigned to McCarty's grievance issued its written report in December 1993 and recommended discipline. The committee found that, by intentionally rendering his statement to McCarty false and by failing to affirmatively correct this statement, Triem had acted dishonestly in violation of DR 1-102(A)(4). The committee recommended discipline by reprimand. It denied Triem's motion for reconsideration.