Opinion ID: 2587576
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Adequacy of evidence supporting violations

Text: Although the recommendations of the disciplinary panel are persuasive, this court is not bound by the panel's findings and recommendation, and must examine the record anew and exercise independent judgment. [32] Ethical violations must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, which this court has described as evidence which `need not possess such a degree of force as to be irresistible, but there must be evidence of tangible facts from which a legitimate inference... may be drawn.' [33] In connection with the order Schaefer prepared in the injunction case, the panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 173(3) (fairness to opposing party and counsel: disobeying obligation to tribunal) and SCR 203(4) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice). The record demonstrates that Schaefer deliberately included an award of costs to Schaefer, Inc., in the order he prepared when the district court had not awarded any costs. He subsequently refused to stipulate to a modification of the order, thus forcing opposing counsel to file a motion to amend. We conclude that the violation of SCR 173(3) is supported by clear and convincing evidence. We disregard the violation of SCR 203(4), as no such violation was charged for this conduct in the complaint. [34] With respect to Schaefer's visit to the Foxes, the panel found that Schaefer had violated SCR 173(6) (fairness to opposing party and counsel: request that witness refrain from providing information), SCR 182 (communication with represented person), SCR 203(2) (criminal act adversely reflecting on fitness to practice), and SCR 203(4) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice). We conclude that clear and convincing evidence supports the panel's finding that by offering to dismiss Mr. Fox from the conspiracy case in exchange for favorable testimony in the criminal case, Schaefer violated SCR 173(6). The panel did not make any findings to support its determination that Schaefer violated SCR 203(2), and the basis for the finding is not clear from the record. Also, the complaint did not include a charge that Schaefer violated this rule, but rather SCR 203(3). In addition, the complaint did not charge violations of SCR 182 or SCR 203(4) for this conduct. Accordingly, we conclude that these violations may not be considered. [35] Concerning the global settlement, the panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 182 (communication with represented party). The record demonstrates that Schaefer repeatedly contacted the Association president directly concerning the settlement, despite a specific request that all contact be through counsel. The violation of SCR 182 is thus supported by clear and convincing evidence. As Schaefer was representing Schaefer, Inc., in this matter, the violation may be considered in determining an appropriate sanction. In the receivership case, the panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 170 (meritorious claims), SCR 182 (communication with represented party), SCR 203(1) (violation of the rules of professional conduct), SCR 203(3) (misconduct involving dishonesty, deceit, fraud or misrepresentation), and SCR 203(4) (conduct prejudicial to administration of justice). The record reflects that Schaefer included the Thaler Trust as a party-plaintiff when the trustee had not authorized him to do so, and at a time when he knew the trustee was out of the country for several months and would not discover his actions. The record also reflects that the complaint was frivolous, and that the district court imposed sanctions of $5,000, which Schaefer has persistently refused to pay. We conclude that the violations of SCR 170 and SCR 203(3) are supported by clear and convincing evidence. As the complaint did not charge violations of SCR 182, SCR 203(1) or SCR 203(4) based on this conduct, these violations will not be considered. [36] With respect to the Mirage cases, the panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 182 by directly contacting officers, directors and employees of the Mirage, even after specifically requested by Mirage Resorts' general counsel to refrain from such contact. The record contains clear and convincing evidence of these contacts. But since Schaefer was representing himself in these cases, we do not consider this violation in determining the appropriate discipline to be imposed. In the Texas case, the panel found that Schaefer violated SCR 172 (candor toward the tribunal), SCR 203(3) (misconduct involving dishonesty, deceit, fraud or misrepresentation), and SCR 203(4) (conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice) by submitting a false affidavit in support of his application for admission pro hac vice. SCR 99 provides that this court has disciplinary jurisdiction over attorneys admitted in this state. Moreover, SCR 203.5 specifically provides that this court has jurisdiction over a lawyer licensed in Nevada even if practicing elsewhere. Thus, Schaefer's conduct in Texas is subject to discipline in Nevada. We conclude that by claiming he had not been subject to discipline within the pertinent time period, when in fact he had, Schaefer violated SCR 172 and SCR 203(3). We disregard the panel's finding that Schaefer violated SCR 203(4), as no such violation was charged in the complaint. [37]