Opinion ID: 2166706
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: imposition of attorney discipline

Text: We have stated that the basic issues in a disciplinary proceeding against a lawyer are whether discipline should be imposed and, if so, the type of discipline appropriate under the circumstances. State ex rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Brinker, 264 Neb. 478, 648 N.W.2d 302 (2002); State ex rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Rickabaugh, 264 Neb. 398, 647 N.W.2d 641 (2002). With respect to the imposition of attorney discipline in an individual case, we have stated that [e]ach case justifying discipline of an attorney must be evaluated individually in light of the particular facts and circumstances of that case. State ex rel. NSBA v. Rothery, 260 Neb. 762, 766, 619 N.W.2d 590, 593 (2000). We have previously set out the factors which we consider in determining whether and to what extent discipline should be imposed: To determine whether and to what extent discipline should be imposed in a lawyer discipline proceeding, we consider the following factors: (1) the nature of the offense, (2) the need for deterring others, (3) the maintenance and reputation of the bar as a whole, (4) the protection of the public, (5) the attitude of the respondent generally, and (6) the respondent's present or future fitness to continue in the practice of law. State ex rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Thompson, 264 Neb. 831, 842, 652 N.W.2d 593, 601 (2002). The evidence in the present case establishes, inter alia, that respondent acted so as to preserve his own interests at the expense of those of Brian. Respondent was verbally abusive to Brian and behaved in a manner which Brian found to be threatening. Respondent contacted opposing counsel and the court in a manner that was likely to be deleterious to his former client's interests. Respondent also threatened criminal prosecution solely for the purpose of gaining an advantage in a civil matter. Respondent's behavior demonstrates a disregard for Brian's interests and for the rules of professional conduct and responsibility. In assessing the appropriate discipline to be imposed in this case, we note that respondent has been the subject of two prior attorney discipline proceedings. In 1999, respondent was privately reprimanded for sending out advertising brochures to potential clients which contained a false or misleading statement. In 2000, respondent was again privately reprimanded, this time for leaving verbally abusive messages on his clients' answering machines when the clients indicated some concern with regard to a settlement respondent had negotiated; conduct which we have noted is similar to certain of respondent's actions in the instant case. We have held that cumulative acts of attorney misconduct are distinguishable from isolated incidents, therefore justifying more serious sanctions. See State ex rel. NSBA v. Frederiksen, 262 Neb. 562, 635 N.W.2d 427 (2001). In the instant case, the referee recommended that respondent be suspended from the practice of law for a period of 1 year. Respondent claims on appeal that such a punishment is excessive. We disagree. To the contrary, we are of the opinion that the referee's recommendation of a 1-year suspension is too lenient and, if applied, would depreciate the seriousness of respondent's actions. See State ex rel. NSBA v. Gleason, 248 Neb. 1003, 540 N.W.2d 359 (1995). When we balance the need to protect the public, the nature of respondent's offenses, the need for deterring others, the reputation of the bar as a whole, and respondent's prior disciplinary proceedings against respondent's interest in preserving his privilege to practice law, we must conclude that the only appropriate judgment is to suspend respondent from the practice of law for a period of 2 years, effective immediately.