Opinion ID: 2590366
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: ABA Standard 3.0 Considerations Duty, Mental State, and Injury

Text: We begin with the proposition that members of the legal profession must adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards and respect the rule of law. The Hearing Board finds that Respondent violated his duty to the legal system, violated other duties owed as a professional, and violated his duty to comply with prior disciplinary orders. [16] Respondent specifically violated his duty to comply with his own agreement (and subsequent disciplinary order) to refrain from the unauthorized practice of law. Lawyers are officers of the court with the duty to abide by legal rules of substance and procedure affecting the administration of justice. Here, Respondent failed to comply with this duty. The Hearing Board next finds that Respondent knowingly engaged in the established misconduct. [17] He was aware of the nature or attendant circumstances of his conduct despite his claim that he acted in good faith. We find that this is purely Respondent's subjective belief. Objectively, the facts show Respondent practiced law while on suspension. After securing a suspension in consolidated case number 05PDJ035, in lieu of presumed disbarment for practicing law while on suspension in that case, Respondent agreed not to again practice law while under suspension. However, he did so again without referring to his agreement not to practice law while suspended. If officers of the court can ignore its orders, we cannot expect citizens to abide by them and respect for the judicial process is thereby severely jeopardized. Finally, the Hearing Board finds that Respondent caused actual and potential injury to his clients, the public, the legal system, and the profession. Respondent's misdirected efforts to find a way around his agreement demonstrates little respect or deference for the disciplinary process and is in dereliction of his duties as an officer of the court. Respondent could have easily complied with his agreement not to engage in the practice of law by having a lawyer supervise his actions as set forth in the agreement. Nevertheless, Respondent unilaterally chose to modify the agreement thus causing injury to the integrity of the legal system and in particular the disciplinary process.