Opinion ID: 1995913
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Discipline to be Imposed

Text: As we have often stated, the purpose of lawyer discipline is not to punish the errant lawyer, but to protect the public. Myers, supra ; Attorney Grievance Comm'n v Velasquez, 301 Md. 450, 483 A.2d 354 (1984); Nothstein, supra ; Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Truette, 299 Md. 435, 474 A.2d 211 (1984); Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Montgomery, 296 Md. 113, 460 A.2d 597 (1983). Brown has been found to have acted incompetently in certain matters relating essentially to estate administration and federal estate taxation. Yet he is a lawyer of long standing, with a previously unblemished record. He produced impressive evidence of his high integrity and principle, and of his acknowledged expertise in some areas, especially condemnation. Judge Messitte found that he was not guilty of intentional wrongdoing and that he was not actuated by inappropriate motives or purpose.... He recommended a reprimand. See Attorney Grievance Commission v. Truette, 299 Md. 435, 474 A.2d 211 (1984) (Court of Appeals considered sanction recommendations of hearing judge). So does Bar Counsel. Under the circumstances of this case, we agree. By this proceeding Brown has been warned to use care in undertaking representation in areas in which his competence is doubtful. In view of his experience and integrity, we have no doubt he will take this warning to heart, and will in future not err as he did in his representation of the Hahns. The severity of the sanction to be imposed is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Pollack, 279 Md. 225, 369 A.2d 61 (1977). A reprimand is appropriate. Rule BV11.b.4(iii); see also, Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Cockrell, 304 Md. 15, 497 A.2d 149 (1985); Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Sinclair, 299 Md. 644, 474 A.2d 1338 (1984); Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. O'Neill, 285 Md. 52, 400 A.2d 415 (1979) (reprimands imposed). IT IS SO ORDERED; R. EDWIN BROWN SHALL PAY COSTS AS TAXED BY THE CLERK OF THIS COURT, INCLUDING THE COSTS OF ALL TRANSCRIPTS, PURSUANT TO MARYLAND RULE BV15.c FOR WHICH SUM JUDGMENT IS ENTERED IN FAVOR OF THE ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE COMMISSION AGAINST R. EDWIN BROWN.