Opinion ID: 2508145
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: analysis

Text: This court exercises plenary authority in attorney discipline matters. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Brothers, 149 Wash.2d 575, 582, 70 P.3d 940 (2003) (citing In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Carmick, 146 Wash.2d 582, 593, 48 P.3d 311 (2002)). Even so, we give considerable weight to the hearing officer's findings of fact especially with regard to the credibility and veracity of witnesses, and we will uphold the findings of fact if they are supported by a clear preponderance of the evidence. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Kagele, 149 Wash.2d 793, 813, 72 P.3d 1067 (2003). We will uphold the hearing officer's conclusions of law if they are supported by the findings of fact. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Huddleston, 137 Wash.2d 560, 568-69, 974 P.2d 325 (1999). However, we review conclusions of law de novo. In re Disciplinary Proceeding Against Whitt, 149 Wash.2d 707, 717, 72 P.3d 173 (2003).