Opinion ID: 1388651
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: frivolous pleadings

Text: In Bar Disciplinary matters, the civil rules of appellate procedure apply when not in conflict with a special provision of the Bar Disciplinary Rules. Rule 53(e)(1), Ariz.Sup.Ct.Rules (In disciplinary appeals, [P]arties may file briefs and present oral argument pursuant to the rules governing civil appeals. ) (emphasis added). Because the rules governing civil appeals apply to the filing of briefs in disciplinary proceedings, sanctions governing the filing of frivolous pleadings in civil appellate cases also apply in bar disciplinary matters. The filing of frivolous appeals or motions, or appeals or motions taken for the purpose of delay, is punishable by fine. Rule 25, Ariz.R.Civ.App.P. This rule applies equally in disciplinary matters. We believe that the many frivolous and dilatory motions that respondent presented both below and before this court have unnecessarily burdened the disciplinary process. We therefore believe that a fine is justified. This fine is not for respondent's unethical conduct, but for his dilatory, unnecessary, frivolous, and outrageous pleadings and motions. We therefore fine respondent $2,000 pursuant to rule 25 of the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure. We also note that service as Bar counsel or on the Bar's Hearing Committee or this court's Disciplinary Commission is, at best, onerous. The Bar representatives in this matter had to suffer through a barrage of inartful, frivolous, and outrageous claims, motions, and procedures. We thank them for their service to the court and their steadfast support of the legal profession.