Opinion ID: 2149087
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Conduct Which Adversely Reflects on Fitness to Practice Law

Text: Finally we come to determine whether Oliver's conduct violated Rule 1-102(A)(6), conduct adversely reflecting on his fitness to practice law. In deciding that question, this Court exercises its duty to assure the public that those who hold licenses to provide service can be trusted to do so in a responsible and competent way. We consider whether an attorney can be trusted to keep his client's secrets, give effective legal advice, fulfill his obligation to the courts, and so on. The question is whether there is a nexus between Oliver's act of misconduct and his fitness to practice law. The hearing officer heard considerable testimony from members of the bar and bench from several counties to the effect that the isolated incident involving Oliver had not, as a matter of fact, adversely affected his capacity to practice law in the community. The testimony revealed that since this was a first offense, and because Oliver had no history of alcoholic problems, his reputation in the community was such that it was unlikely that the event would affect his ability to practice law. There was testimony that Oliver's courtroom decorum, demeanor, and behavior had always been professional and above reproach. Several respected trial judges testified that Oliver can be safely recommended to the legal profession, the courts, and the public as a person fit to be consulted by others and to represent them and otherwise act in matters of trust and confidence. This testimony was not admitted for the purpose of proving Oliver's good character; it was admissible on the ultimate question which was before the hearing officer and this Court. Code of Judicial Conduct, Cannon 2(B); McCullough v. Allen (1983), Ind. App., 449 N.E.2d 1168. Having heard this testimony, the hearing officer found that Oliver was and remains competent to practice law. Since the evidence demonstrated that Oliver's sole act did not affect his practice or lead to any reasonable question about his suitability as a practitioner, we conclude that the hearing officer was correct that it does not constitute a violation of Rule 1-102(A)(6).