Opinion ID: 2302531
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 76

Heading: The extent of the actual or potential injury

Text: The ODC did not prove that the conduct of Respondent resulted in any actual harm to any client. Indeed, with the exception of meeting with Mr. Gillespie to provide legal services, and his performance of a real estate settlement while under the influence, his misconduct did not directly involve any clients. As to the former, he arranged for another attorney to actually handle the litigation proceeding at issue and the record reflects that the real estate settlement was completed without error. Therefore, the record reflects no actual injury to any clients. Nonetheless, there was potential for actual injury due to his conduct of a settlement while under the influence of alcohol. The harm to the public, the legal system and the profession is more serious. The misstatements to law enforcement and intentional conduct to frustrate a police investigation, and attempt to deceive the ODC, the Board and the Supreme Court in his Reinstatement Questionnaire reflect a failure to maintain standards of personal integrity upon which the community relies. As the Supreme Court has recognized, one of an attorney's fundamental duties is to abide by the law and to maintain the standards of personal integrity and honesty upon which the community relies. In re Howard, 765 A.2d 39, 44-45 (Del.2000).