Opinion ID: 2357961
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Respondent's Character Witnesses

Text: The Committee has noted the testimony of the seven character witnesses called by respondent. The character witnesses, who included the Chief of Surgery at [D.C. General Hospital] (Dr. Lee), officials of the District of Columbia Superior Court (Messrs. Rucker and Duckenfield), a former client of respondent (Ms. Goodwine), a member of the District of Columbia Council (Mr. Moore), and members of the District of Columbia Bar (Messrs. Mitchell and O'Donnell), attested to respondent's high moral character, trustworthiness and integrity. They testified that respondent selflessly helped other lawyers establish themselves in the profession by sharing his knowledge and experience and by helping young lawyers financially. Some of the character witnesses also testified that respondent had handled money for them with no resulting improprieties or difficulties. We have given careful consideration to the testimony of the character witnesses. While we do not dispute the accuracy or veracity of the character witnesses' testimony, the testimony does not serve to contest or refute the essential facts at issue in respect of the charges involving commingling and unauthorized use of trust funds. With regard to the misrepresentation charge, the character witnesses' testimony relates to respondent's reputation for truthfulness, and respondent has testified that his misstatement was inadvertent and not intended to mislead. We have regretfully concluded, however, that the totality of the objective evidence is clear and convincing that respondent knowingly misrepresented his gross income at the hearing before the Auditor-Master in violation of DR 1-102(A)(4).