Opinion ID: 1831592
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Nature of Misconduct

Text: The director cites three cases, among others, that demonstrate similar sanctions for similar misconduct: Wood, In re Selmer, 568 N.W.2d 702 (Minn.1997), and In re Jensen, 542 N.W.2d 627 (Minn. 1996). We agree that these cases support an indefinite suspension for a minimum of six months for Nelson's misconduct. We have said that a continuous pattern of neglect warrants indefinite suspension. See In re Brooks, 696 N.W.2d 84, 88 (Minn.2005). Further, we have said that trust account violations almost invariably result in lengthy suspension at the very least. In re Lochow, 469 N.W.2d 91, 98 (Minn.1991). Also, noncooperation with the disciplinary process, by itself, may warrant indefinite suspension and, when it exists in connection with other misconduct, noncooperation increases the severity of the disciplinary sanction. In re Samborski, 644 N.W.2d 402, 407 (Minn.2002). Nelson argues that an admonition would be the appropriate discipline. He argues that suspension of his license would essentially result in his removal from the practice of law. But Nelson does not cite any cases where an admonition was viewed as the appropriate discipline for similar misconduct. In mitigation Nelson argues that he has repaid, with interest, the remaining advance fee owed to M.L., and he has resolved M.E.'s legal matter to M.E.'s satisfaction. An attorney's discipline may be mitigated by evidence that he cooperated with the investigation, did not attempt to conceal the misconduct, has taken actions to ameliorate the problems, and shows that he appreciates the harm his actions caused. Wentzell, 656 N.W.2d at 409. But the referee rejected Nelson's claims of mitigation and found that Nelson was only remorseful after he was confronted with irrefutable evidence of his misconduct and that during the hearing Nelson did not offer any other claim or evidence of mitigation.