Opinion ID: 1201708
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of determination in bar disciplinary proceedings

Text: In State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Miskovsky, 824 P.2d 1090 (Okla. 1991), we set out the standard of review in attorney disciplinary proceedings. We said: In disciplinary matters we are a licensing court acting in the exercise of our exclusive jurisdiction. State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. McMillian, 770 P.2d 892, 894 (Okla. 1989). Our determinations are made de novo and neither findings of fact of the PRT nor its view of the weight of the evidence or credibility of witnesses are binding on us. Id. Further, no presumption of correctness attaches to the findings or conclusions of the PRT. Id; State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Braswell, 663 P.2d 1228, 1230 (Okla. 1983). Although a PRT's recommendations are accorded great weight they are merely advisory. The ultimate decision-making authority rests with us. McMillian, supra ; State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Samara, 683 P.2d 979, 984 (Okla. 1984). Finally, to warrant a finding against a lawyer in a contested case the charges must be established by clear and convincing evidence. Rule 6.12, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 1981, Ch. 1, App. 1-A. Miskovsky, 824 P.2d at 1093. With these principles in mind we turn to a discussion of the misconduct charged.