Opinion ID: 2453320
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alaska administrative hearing

Text: Nash then applied to the Alaska Bar, which held a hearing to consider Nash's character and fitness. Mary K. Hughes was appointed as hearing master by the Alaska Bar. The taking of testimony consumed two full days; 14 witnesses testified. Following the hearing, Hughes issued her decision. She concluded that Nash met the standards for admission to the Alaska Bar. [11] The hearing master began by noting that the standard for character and fitness, set forth in Alaska Bar Rule 2(1)(d), is that each general applicant for examination shall [b]e one whose conduct justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts and others with respect to the professional duties owed to them. Conduct manifesting a significant deficiency in the honesty, trustworthiness, diligence or reliability of an applicant is a basis for denial of admission. She also noted that Nash has the burden of demonstrating character and fitness to practice. The hearing included extensive testimony from Nash and Bishop Warfel, as well as the testimony of witnesses who had known Nash through the span of his lifetime. For example, Mary Jane Cahail, 70 at the time of her testimony, had known Nash since Nash's infancy; recently the two volunteered at a legal clinic. She recommended him as credible, conscientious, and honest. Stephen Schneider, of Friday Harbor, Washington was a friend of Nash's starting in Nash's young adulthood and hosted Nash and youths when Nash's trips from Alaska came through Washington. Schneider found Nash's behavior with children completely appropriate, and entrusted Nash with Schneider's own children. Lee Urban, a law school friend of Nash, testified to Nash's recent character, recommending him to the bar without any reluctance or any pre condition. The Alaska hearing record also contained 47 of the letters submitted in the Iowa proceeding, and five specific Alaska recommendations, all uniformly recommending Nash. Nash's own testimony in Alaska was extensive, and concluded with the Alaska Bar Counsel thanking Nash for his candor. At the conclusion of the proceeding, Hearing Master Hughes said to the participants: I want to thank both counsel, and Mr. Nash. You have been very, very professional.... I can tell you that the professionalism seen here today, is not seen normally at these types of hearings. And, unfortunately, I have some experience in these, and thank you both counsel. Mr. Van Goor, Mr. McCormick, and Mr. Nash, thank you. Your respect for each other and your professionalism is so much appreciated. As noted above, following the end of the hearing, Hearing Master Hughes concluded that Nash met the character and fitness requirements of the Alaska Bar.