Opinion ID: 1130023
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: 180-Day Suspension

Text: Leigh argues that the PRT's observations may have been based on what it perceived as . . . [his] personality flaws when, in fact, he was simply being slow and deliberate in his answers, and giving very narrow legal construction to them. Respondent urges that his mannerisms did not and should not be considered as indicating a lack of concern or remorse. A lawyer's license is a certificate of professional fitness to serve the clients as a legal practitioner. Public confidence in the practitioner is essential to the proper functioning of the profession. A lawyer's misconduct adversely reflects on the entire Bar because it exhibits a lack of commitment to the client's cause, to the court's expectations, and to the ideals of the profession. [19] The respondent has breached his obligation to uphold, with strict fidelity, the high standards imposed upon the Bar. His false and misleading communications about his professional qualifications call for the imposition of discipline. The PRT panel recommended that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a 120-day interval. We deem the appropriate discipline to be a 180-day suspension.