Opinion ID: 1697798
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Lack of Candor on Bar Applications

Text: [5] In his applications to the Nebraska and Iowa bars, Roseberry showed a disturbing pattern of conduct  a lack of candor. False, misleading, or evasive answers to bar application questions may be grounds for a finding of lack of requisite character and fitness. In re Application of Silva, supra ; In re Application of Majorek, 244 Neb. 595, 508 N.W.2d 275 (1993). The concern becomes heightened when the omitted items involve character and fitness issues. Here, Roseberry initially omitted on his Nebraska application instances of litigation that (1) specifically included a judgment for conversion and breach of fiduciary duty and (2) involved a complaint about his veterinary license. In addition, on his Iowa application, he failed to inform the Iowa Board of Law Examiners that he had been notified that his Nebraska application would not be accepted because of issues concerning his character and fitness. Finally, he failed to disclose that when the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission revoked his probationary veterinary license, it found that he had engaged in unethical conduct. We find Roseberry's parade of excuses unpersuasive. His explanation that he forgot a $20,000 judgment because it was old and he was under stress lacks credibility. See In re Application of Majorek, supra . Likewise, his claim that he believed he had provided the required information to the Iowa Board of Law Examiners withers when exposed by the record. The record shows that Roseberry knew that the Commission in Nebraska denied his application on character and fitness grounds and that after he was denied, he was allowed to withdraw the application. Yet, he still answered no to the question asking whether he had ever been denied a position, certificate, or license that required proof of good character. Roseberry appears to have no explanation for his omission of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission's finding. We find that Roseberry either failed to accurately complete his applications or deliberately tried to conceal the issues. As we have noted, [n]either is comforting. See In re Application of Majorek, 244 Neb. at 604, 508 N.W.2d at 281.