Opinion ID: 1191846
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Summary of Holdings and Level of Discipline

Text: Because we have set aside several of the hearing board's findings as a matter of law, we agree with Quiat's contention that the level of discipline recommended by the hearing panel, a six-month suspension with the requirement of reinstatement proceedings, is overly harsh. To summarize our review, we conclude that the board in the collection matter found misconduct that was not charged adequately in the complaint against Quiat. In regard to the bankruptcy matter, with respect to Count I, we conclude that Quiat did not violate DR 5-101(A) (accepting employment when the lawyer's professional judgment may be affected by his own interests). However, Quiat did violate DR 5-101(B) (accepting employment if the lawyer knows or it is obvious that the lawyer should be called as a witness). When he accepted employment, Quiat knew that he could be a witness by virtue of his interests in MMG and STAPO, these being assets of the bankruptcy estate, and Quiat's failure to transfer the partnerships' interests to Vann's children prior to the filing of the bankruptcy. We conclude, however, that Quiat did not violate DR 1-102(A)(6) (engaging in conduct that adversely reflects on the lawyer's fitness to practice) as charged in Count II. We sustain the board's findings that Quiat violated DR 5-105(A) and (B) as alleged in Counts III and IV. Finally, we hold that the board should not have found that Quiat violated DR 1-102(A)(4) (engaging in conduct involving dishonesty) and DR 1-102(A)(5) (engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice) because the hearing board absolved him of the charges the complaint called him to defend. Under the ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (1991 & Supp.1992) (ABA Standards ), in the absence of aggravating or mitigating factors, [s]uspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer knows of a conflict of interest and does not fully disclose to a client the possible effect of that conflict, and causes injury or potential injury to a client. ABA Standards 4.32. On the other hand, public censure is warranted if the lawyer is at most negligent in determining whether the representation of a client may be materially affected by the lawyer's own interests, or whether the representation will adversely affect another client, and causes injury or potential injury to a client. Id. at 4.33. Consistent with the hearing board's findings, Quiat knew of the conflicts involved when he undertook to represent John and Jill Vann and the Vann children. Thus, a period of suspension should be imposed. Quiat has been disciplined before; this is an aggravating factor for determining the proper level of discipline in this case. See id. at 9.22(a). He received a private censure in 1992 for charging a clearly excessive fee. Additional aggravating factors include Quiat's dishonest or selfish attitude, see id. at 9.22(b); a pattern of misconduct, see id. at 9.22(c); his refusal to acknowledge the wrongfulness of his conduct, see id. at 9.22(g); the vulnerability of Jill Vann and her children during Quiat's representation of them, see id. at 9.22(h); and Quiat's substantial experience in the practice of law, see id. at 9.22(i). In mitigation, the board found that, at the time of misconduct, Quiat was experiencing personal problems, see id. at 9.32(c); he cooperated during the disciplinary proceedings, see id. at 9.32(e); he has a good character and reputation in the community, see id. at 9.32(g); and there has been substantial delay in these disciplinary proceedings, see id. at 9.32(i). Taking these considerations into account, we determine that a short period of suspension is warranted, but not the requirement of reinstatement proceedings. This is consistent with the level of discipline accorded to Peggy Stevens, a public censure, see People v. Stevens, 883 P.2d 21, 24 (Colo. 1994), in comparison to Quiat's more serious involvement and responsibility in the bankruptcy case. Although we would normally select a thirty-day period of suspension, this is not the usual case. We believe that Quiat's failure to appreciate and understand the wrongfulness of his conduct mandate a longer suspension. Three months is appropriate. Accordingly, we dismiss the complaint in No. 97SA461, the collection matter, and order that Quiat be suspended from the practice of law for three months for his misconduct in No. 97SA121, the bankruptcy matter.