Opinion ID: 2509532
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Timely Good Faith Effort to Make Restitution/Rectify Consequences of Misconduct

Text: Prior to any disciplinary or court action, the Respondent paid or committed to pay restitution to his clients. Within 30 days, he paid Ms. Lang and Ms. Talpalar in full. Mr. Coleman agreed to accept monthly payments until Respondent paid his restitution of approximately $20,000 in full. Respondent continues to pay Mr. Coleman, though he has missed payment to him on occasion. He still owes approximately $10,000.
Respondent has openly admitted his misconduct in converting client funds and has cooperated in these proceedings. His conduct since the conversion shows his willingness to resolve this case professionally. Although he considered not appearing for the hearing on sanctions, he did appear out of respect for the process. This attitude bodes well for his potential rehabilitation.
Respondent practiced law for approximately five years before he committed the misappropriation that is the subject of this case. However, he had practiced law for only roughly two years before taking on the role of managing partner. The Hearing Board finds that this exceedingly short timeframe left Respondent woefully unprepared to manage the business aspects of the firm while also performing his duties as trial attorney. More importantly, his inexperience and hubris led Respondent to believe he could handle all the financial responsibilities and that he needed no help in doing so. The Hearing Board notes, however, that [i]nexperience in the practice of law is of little or no importance as a mitigating factor when the lawyer's conduct is dishonest. In re Thompson, 991 P.2d 820, 823 (Colo.1999).
Although Respondent did not present evidence of his complete rehabilitation, he should be given some credit for seeking professional help to cope with his depression, an illness from which he apparently still suffers. Respondent sought and received professional help and continues to take medication for depression. Though he is not presently under a psychiatrist's care, he continues to take Wellbutrin and Lexapro, medications for depression that the Lawyer's Assistance Program prescribed for him following a consultation.
Respondent is remorseful for his acts of dishonesty and the harm he has caused his family and the profession. Respondent's demeanor in court and his prompt action in making restitution to his clients amply demonstrate his remorse. While he did not self-report his conversion of the firm's trust fund monies before others discovered it, he did promptly acknowledge guilt when Mr. Japha and Mr. Holub confronted him with their discovery of the missing funds.