Opinion ID: 1208597
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Unfitness to practice law/legal profession in disrepute

Text: ODC contends that respondent acted with an utter lack of judgment and demonstrated an unfitness to practice law, which is a ground for sanctions under Rule 7(a)(5), Rule 413, RLDE. We agree. The record is replete with instances where respondent showed questionable judgment which demonstrates an unfitness to practice law. First, respondent's behavior during the confrontation with Client's husband on the night of October 15, 2003, causes us great concern. Respondent belittled Client's husband's actions in regards to the separation and divorce proceedings, using information he obtained through his representation of Client. Another incident that brings the legal profession into disrepute occurred when respondent and Client, in anticipation of the issue arising in Client's domestic litigation, drafted a synopsis of events involving their relationship up until November 2003. The timeline trivializes certain events and makes vulgar references to Client's private affairs. Respondent testified that the document was a result of two people being silly, but we believe the situation involving respondent and Client is far from humorous and shows questionable judgment. Another incident involves an encounter between Client, respondent, and an acquaintance of respondent named Gigi. In December 2003, respondent came home to find Client had intentionally cut her wrist with a knife, leaving a large gash. Gigi was also present at the home. Although there are conflicting details of the events of that night, a struggle ensued amongst all three, resulting in Gigi leaving respondent's home with a broken nose. After Gigi left the home, respondent expressed concerned over Client's wrist wound and acknowledged the need for medical attention. However, Client did not want this incident to be used against her in future custody disputes, so she and respondent avoided professional medical attention. Instead of going to a doctor, respondent sewed up Client's wound with seven to eight stitches while Client, a nurse, directed him. Later, Gigi contacted respondent and informed him that she was holding him responsible for her injuries. Respondent drafted a document, styled as a Complete and Full Release, which was typed by Client and provided a payment of $19,000 by respondent to Gigi. The document provided that Gigi would hold respondent harmless from any liability, but it did not provide that protection to Client, even though Client may have been responsible for the injuries. Respondent also failed to inform Client that she should seek independent legal advice in this regard. Finally, respondent's judgment is called into question for not only failing to inform the family court of Client's problems with substance abuse, eating disorders, and other self-destructive behavior, but also for affirmatively supporting Client in her custody dispute in August 2004 when he knew of her problems. By filing an affidavit in support of Client, respondent let his personal feelings for Client get in the way of his responsibilities as an attorney and officer of the court. His decision to get involved in a legal matter to support Client's bid for custody of two small children despite her numerous problems demonstrates that respondent's professional judgment was seriously hampered by his personal feelings for Client.