Opinion ID: 1997580
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: report and recommendation of the hearing committee

Text: The Hearing Committee explicitly credited the testimony of Bar Counsel's witnesses, including Morris [9] and Mrs. Morgan. The Committee questioned Chisholm's general credibility and expressly disbelieved his testimony that he had not been engaged to prosecute the immigration appeal and that Morris had failed to contact him. [10] The Committee found: There is no evidence that from respondent's 1987 engagement by Morris until Morris was taken into custody [in 1993], respondent ever did anything to assist [Morris] with respect to his immigration problems. The [C]ommittee believes that... Respondent never filed an appearance before either the INS or the Board of Immigration Appeals, never sought to review Morris' file, never filed a brief in Morris' matter, and never made any effort to see that Morris was not deported. Such misconduct was so pervasive and enduring that this [C]ommittee concludes as a matter of fact that it was intentional. (Emphasis added; footnote omitted.) After finding that Bar Counsel had proved, by clear and convincing evidence, that Chisholm had committed each of the disciplinary violations charged, the Committee turned its attention to the appropriate sanction. The Committee concluded that a six-month suspension was appropriate, though a good argument could be made in these circumstances for an even longer suspension. The Committee continued: [T]he most important element of the sanction here should be the inclusion of a requirement that respondent demonstrate rehabilitation prior to being reinstated after the suspension. Respondent has shown neither remorse nor an understanding of the seriousness of his misconduct. The record, moreover, contains numerous indications, including admissions by respondent, that he has been experiencing a series of personal crises. These include references to both medical and psychiatric problems.       The attorney disciplinary system must focus not only on discipline of transgressors but also on their rehabilitation and the protection of the public. The requirement of proving fitness gives respondent an incentive for such rehabilitation. To be able to make the showing ultimately needed for reinstatement the respondent must focus on self-healing, rather than simply filling the time of the suspension and then automatically returning to the practicing bar. The [C]ommittee thus strongly recommends that the Board include in the sanction imposed herein a requirement of a showing of fitness before reinstatement. (Footnotes omitted). [11]