Opinion ID: 1976978
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: False Statements on Client Security and Disciplinary Commission Questionnaire.

Text: As was the case with the charges of failure to file tax returns, our review of the Grievance Commission's decision concerning the false statements contained in the questionnaire filed by appellee with the Client Security and Disciplinary Commission is hampered by the absence of findings of fact. At the outset, we note a marked aversion to the premise on which appellee's argument on this issue before the Commission was based. The contention made there and also urged in this court is that a secretary in appellee's office incorrectly checked the yes box on the questionnaire in response to the question concerning the filing of income tax returns and that appellee signed the questionnaire and caused it to be filed without reading it. It is the intent of Iowa Supreme Court Rules 121.4(b), (c) that the required responses be verified by the attorney as being accurate. Because of the importance which we place on the responses made to these questionnaires in the administration of our responsibilities for attorney discipline, we conclude that, if appellee in fact proceeded in the manner which is claimed, such conduct is itself a breach of professional responsibility of nearly equal magnitude with making a knowingly false answer. It would be exhalting form over substance to require the Committee, when faced with such a response, to amend its complaint so as to state a different charge. We find the facts surrounding this transaction compel a finding that appellee violated Iowa Supreme Court Rules 121.4(b), (c) and DR 1-102A(4) in the filing of the questionnaire.