Opinion ID: 1201746
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: burden of proof/standard of review

Text: Bar counsel has the burden of proving the charges of misconduct in a petition for formal hearing by clear and convincing evidence. Alaska Bar Rule 22(e). This court reviews the evidence adduced before the hearing committee independently while giving deference to the findings of the board. Bar Rule 22(n); In re Simpson, 645 P.2d 1223, 1226-27 (Alaska 1982). On questions of sanctions, this court also exercises its independent judgment, guided by the American Bar Association Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions (1986) and the sanctions imposed in comparable disciplinary proceedings. Alaska Bar Rule 22(r); In re Schuler, 818 P.2d 138, 139 (Alaska 1991).