Opinion ID: 1861917
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: default was improvidently entered in this cause as appellant had manifested every intention to respond to the charges and allegations made herein against him at the time entry of default was made.

Text: The statement contained in the above issue is simply not borne out by the record. As stated, the respondent was lawfully served with process in the manner and for the time provided by law. Exhibits were attached to the complaint and the respondent acknowledged having been served. Service of process was completed on June 23, 1987, and his answer was due within twenty (20) days after such service. On August 5, 1987, respondent moved the tribunal for an enlargement of time, i.e., twenty (20) days from and after the date of his motion. The tribunal not only allowed the twenty days but an additional twenty (20) days which were not requested. He has admitted that he had notice of the October 5, 1987, hearing and was aware that the disciplinary matter would come up on that day. Yet, no appearance was made by him in person or by representative. State Security Life Ins. Co. v. State, 498 So.2d 825 (Miss. 1986), cited by respondent, is distinguished from the question being considered. In State Security, an answer was on file when the default was entered. Not so here. In Vining v. Mississippi State Bar Association, 508 So.2d 1047 (Miss. 1987), this Court held that default judgment may be granted in an attorney disciplinary proceeding, where formal complaint has been received, waiver of service of process and entry of appearance have been filed, no answer or any other responsive pleading has been filed, and motion for default judgment has been received. There is no merit in respondent's first contention.