Opinion ID: 2320381
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Reinstatement Hearing

Text: Pursuant to DLRPC Rule 22, a lawyer petitioning for reinstatement to active practice after a suspension in excess of six months must be able to demonstrate to the Board, by clear and convincing evidence, the lawyer's professional rehabilitation and current professional competence. [2] In support of his petition, Sullivan presented the testimony of several witnesses. Dr. Carol Tavani testified before the Panel that she first met Sullivan in 1997 when he was referred to her by Victor Battaglia, Esquire, in his role as a member of the Professional Guidance Committee. Dr. Tavani diagnosed Sullivan as suffering from profound major depression and anxiety disorder with severe phobia. Dr. Tavani stated that Sullivan has continued to treat with her and has made excellent progress. She testified that, although Sullivan will need to continue taking medication indefinitely to treat his disorders, he is fully able to return to the practice of law. She opined that Sullivan presents a very low risk for recidivism and that he does not represent a danger to the public. Dr. Neal Shore, who testified on behalf of the ODC, concurred with Dr. Tavani's diagnosis. Dr. Shore also stated that, as long as Sullivan continues to remain in active treatment, a recurrence of his professional misconduct was unlikely. In sum, Dr. Shore opined that Sullivan is currently able and fit to return to the practice of law. Sullivan testified on his own behalf. He testified about the misconduct that had led to his eighteen month suspension and his subsequent treatment for the depression and anxiety that had precipitated the misconduct. He acknowledged that three of the seven client matters that had resulted in his suspension had also resulted in malpractice claims against him. While two of those matters remain in litigation, one matter, involving a client named Robert Smith, had been settled and had resulted in a judgment against Sullivan for $76,000. One of the conditions of the settlement was that Smith's judgment would not be dischargeable in bankruptcy. Notwithstanding this agreement, Sullivan testified that, upon the advice of counsel, he listed Smith's obligation as a dischargeable debt in his bankruptcy petition. Ultimately, the $76,000 obligation was compromised to $25,000. Sullivan testified that he feels a moral obligation to Smith to repay the full $76,000, although he cannot afford to do it at this time. The final witness to testify was Joseph Wahl, Esquire. Wahl testified that his law practice is limited to domestic relations. Sullivan has been working in his office as a paralegal since 1999. Wahl testified that Sullivan's work product is outstanding, and he intends to expand Sullivan's duties incrementally if Sullivan is reinstated. Wahl stated that he would be willing to act in the capacity of Sullivan's practice monitor. Wahl testified that he does not maintain malpractice insurance but that his personal assets are significant enough to cover any successful malpractice claim against his firm.