Opinion ID: 1415535
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Respondent's Mental Condition

Text: Dr. Emmett Lampkin testified before the subpanel that Respondent suffers from depressive dysthymic disorder, a condition that impairs Respondent's cognitive abilities and his ability to perform normal tasks and carry out sophisticated processes. Dr. Lampkin further testified that Respondent could adequately practice law given a combination of psychotherapy and medication. We take notice that Respondent has independently sought and continued treatment for the depressive disorder of which Dr. Lampkin testified altered Respondent's judgment during the course of his representation of Client. We continue to encourage members of the bar such as Respondent to seek rehabilitation for the well-being of themselves and the public they serve.
This grievance marks the fourth time Respondent has been disciplined for professional misconduct. In 1996, he received a private reprimand [4] for failing to cooperate with disciplinary authorities. In 1997, though Respondent was found to have not committed misconduct, he received a letter of caution, which directed him to be mindful of Rule 8.1, SCRPC (bar admission and disciplinary matters), Rule 407, SCACR. In 2001, Respondent received a confidential admonition concerning three different matters, including violations of Rules 1.1 (competence), 1.2 (scope of representation), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), 3.2 (expediting litigation), 8.1 (bar admission and disciplinary matters), and 8.4 (misconduct) (a), (d), and (e) concerning three different matters.