Opinion ID: 2547962
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: part i. standard of review and pertinent factors.

Text: ¶ 2 As we set forth more fully in PART II, BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS, infra, applicant resigned from OBA membership pending disciplinary proceedings and after federal felony convictions. The following has been stated concerning reinstatement after disbarment or resignation pending disciplinary proceedings: When this Court in the exercise of its exclusive jurisdiction considers a petition for reinstatement a de novo standard of review is applied. Matter of Reinstatement of Gassaway, 2002 OK 48, ¶ 3, 48 P.3d 805, 806. Recommendations of a PRT trial panel are merely advisory [ Matter of Reinstatement of Kamins, 1988 OK 32, 752 P.2d 1125, 1129] and, although Rule 11.5 (Findings Prerequisite to Reinstatement) requires the PRT to make certain findings as to a petitioner's moral character, competency in the law and whether he/she engaged in any unauthorized law practice during a period of suspension, disbarment or resignation, the ultimate responsibility and decision-making authority as to whether reinstatement is warranted rests with this Court. See Matter of Reinstatement of Smith, 1994 OK 19, 871 P.2d 426, 427. Moreover, an applicant for reinstatement in petitioner's situation bears the heavy burden of showing, by clear and convincing evidence, that reinstatement is warranted. Matter of Reinstatement of Smith, 871 P.2d at 427-428. In regard to a reinstatement application, a petitioner that has resigned his membership in the OBA pending a bar disciplinary proceeding has the same burden as an individual that has been disbarred by this Court. Matter of Reinstatement of Kamins, 752 P.2d at 1129. In such a proceeding the applicant is required to present stronger proof of qualifications than one seeking admission to the OBA for the first time. Rule 11.4 (Standard of Proof for Petitions for Reinstatement), RGDP. This Court has also delineated eight factors considered in determining fitness for reinstatement. Matter of Reinstatement of Gassaway, 2002 OK 48, at ¶ 3, 48 P.3d at 806. They are: (1) applicant's present moral fitness, (2) demonstrated consciousness of the conduct's wrongfulness and the disrepute it has brought upon the legal profession, (3) the extent of rehabilitation, (4) the original misconduct's seriousness, (5) conduct after resignation, (6) time elapsed since the resignation, (7) applicant's character, maturity and experience when he resigned, and (8) present legal competence. See id. Matter of Reinstatement of Blevins, 2002 OK 78, ¶¶ 3-4, 59 P.3d 510, 511. ¶ 3 Furthermore, our cases make clear that a felony conviction is not tantamount to a death sentence regarding the reinstatement of the license to practice law. Rather, each reinstatement decision is determined on a case-by-case basis, carefully weighing all factors. Matter of Reinstatement of Anderson, 2002 OK 64, ¶ 4, 51 P.3d 581, 583. However, [w]e have also recognized that the more severe the offense the heavier the burden an applicant must overcome to gain reinstatement.... Matter of Reinstatement of Wright, 1995 OK 128, 907 P.2d 1060, 1062, relying on Matter of Reinstatement of Cantrell, 1989 OK 165, 785 P.2d 312, 314. Feelings of sympathy towards the applicant must be disregarded. Matter of Reinstatement of Wright, 907 P.2d at 1062. The proof concerning the matter must be sufficient to overcome this Court's former judgment adverse to the applicant. Rule 11.4, RGDP. Further, [f]oremost consideration must be given to protecting the public welfare. Finally, there must be a determination that reinstatement would not adversely effect the Bar. Matter of Reinstatement of Cantrell, 785 P.2d at 313. Upon consideration of the above factors and after de novo review, we determine the petition for reinstatement to OBA membership should be denied.