Opinion ID: 1779994
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Showing of the necessary moral character for the practice of law

Text: ¶11. To fulfill the fourth requirement, Coleman must demonstrate he has the necessary moral character for the practice of law. Coleman's petition addresses his civic and charitable involvement prior to his suspension, including service on the board of the Eudora Welty Library, service as a mentor for the Jackson Public Schools, and service to his local church. During his suspension, Coleman donated time and money to the Salvation Army and to Christmas Angels, a Christmas fund for children on the Mississippi Coast. Also during his suspension, Coleman served as president of the homeowners association in Seaside, Florida, where he volunteered with the recent hurricane relief efforts. Coleman is an active member in both his church in Florida and Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson. ¶12. Coleman's petition includes thirty-six letters of recommendation from members of the Mississippi Bar, out-of-state attorneys, and several non-attorneys. These letters praise Coleman's civic and charitable work. The letters consistently refer to Coleman's sincere remorse regarding his actions that led to his suspension. The recommendations also speak highly of Coleman's character, integrity, and moral fitness to practice law. It is evident from the content of the numerous letters of recommendation that Coleman is regarded as a skilled, competent, and respected lawyer, despite his recent disciplinary suspension. ¶13. Furthermore, Coleman states in his petition that during the last three years he has had the opportunity to evaluate why he wanted to become a lawyer. He says the time away from the pressures of managing a law practice enabled him to remember the sacred relationship of trust between attorney and client. He recognizes that he failed to follow the rules of professional responsibility and was appropriately punished for such failure. He accepts full responsibility and is deeply remorseful for his actions and the embarrassment he caused. Coleman prays to have the opportunity and privilege to be a member of the Bar again. ¶14. The Bar asserts Coleman has adequately demonstrated that he possesses the requisite moral character for the practice of law. We agree and find Coleman has satisfied the fourth requirement for reinstatement.