Opinion ID: 2515588
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Sufficiency of Discipline

Text: Under C.R.C.P. 251.27(b), we affirm the discipline imposed by the Hearing Board unless it 1) bears no relation to the conduct; 2) is manifestly excessive or insufficient in relation to the needs of the public; or 3) is otherwise unreasonable. Regulation Counsel argues the discipline imposed by the Hearing Board is unreasonable and insufficient in relation to the needs of the public. However, we disagree. The Hearing Board made detailed findings pursuant to the ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions. The ABA Standards instruct a disciplining authority to consider the duty violated by the attorney, the attorney's mental state, the actual or potential injury caused by the misconduct, and the existence of aggravating and mitigating factors. The Board found Fisher violated important duties he owed to Ms. Varner. The Board also found Fisher was aware of his conduct when he failed to pursue Ms. Varner's interest in the OPM benefits, and acted knowingly when he obtained the deed of trust. The Board considered the potential for injury to Ms. Varner to be serious; however, it stated it was mindful that Ms. Varner's physical and mental condition made it difficult for Fisher to complete Ms. Varner's objectives following permanent orders. The Board found three mitigating factors: the absence of prior discipline, cooperative attitude in the proceedings, and Fisher's patience in dealing with the delay caused by Regulation Counsel's decision to file a second complaint. The Board found four aggravating factors: selfish motive, refusal to acknowledge the wrongful nature of the conduct, the vulnerability of the victim, and Fisher's substantial experience in the practice of law. The Hearing Board properly considered the ABA standards and appropriately applied them to the facts in this case. The sanctions imposed by the Hearing Board-suspension from the practice of law in the State of Colorado for six months stayed upon completion of a two-year probationary period-adequately protect the public and were not unreasonable or insufficient. Accordingly, we affirm the Hearing Board's disciplinary order.