Court Opinion

ID: 9593818
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 00:25:09.738078+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:01:22.285374
License: Public Domain

SIMMS, Justice,
dissenting:
I must respectfully dissent. I find the facts of this case disturbing, and in my opinion, the discipline imposed by this Court is inappropriately lenient.
Respondent knowingly and intentionally caused false documents to be filed in order to misrepresent the case to the court. Respondent even altered the waiver and general appearance to further misrepresent material facts and make it appear that his client’s former husband had properly received notice. By reason of his actions, the man the law presumes to be the father of the subject child had no notice that his wife was pregnant and divorcing him. He likewise received no notice later when this child was adopted without his knowledge or consent.
The majority does find, as it must, that this conduct constituted intentional misrepresentation warranting discipline. Having done so, however, the majority then determines that a thirty day suspension is sufficient discipline although the gravity of this offense is admittedly more similar to actions where a minimum of one year suspension was imposed. The attestations of good character received on behalf of Mr. Stubblefield have, the Court states, convinced the majority that a thirty day suspension is the appropriate discipline in light of the affadavits in mitigation. I disagree.
*985Additionally, I disagree with the majority as to Count I. I view respondent’s conduct as a clear and gross conflict of interest. I would have thought it beyond need for any discussion that a lawyer who had this relationship with his client and adopted her child without fully disclosing the facts to her and without her knowledge or consent, was unquestionably guilty of unprofessional conduct and flagrant self-dealing. I find no justification for the majority’s position as to the allegations of professional misconduct under Count I.
It is true that many affidavits attesting to Mr. Stubblefield’s good character and prior exemplary record have been offered in his support. It is also true that it is clearly appropriate for this Court to consider evidence of good character, and the reputation of the respondent within the professional community in determining his punishment. According undue significance to affidavits of good character, however, is apt to create the impression that the severity of sanctions imposed for professional misconduct may be determined by sheer weight of affidavits filed.
The purpose of a disciplinary proceeding is not to punish a practitioner but to inquire into his fitness to practice with a view to safeguarding the interests of the public, the courts, and the legal profession. The paramount goal is of course to preserve and maintain public confidence in the bar as a whole and in this Court. Mr. Stubblefield’s prior record and even his unblemished history of honesty pale in light of the misrepresentations and intentional fraud practiced upon the court and the misrepresentation, fraud, and self-dealing practiced upon his client. I find it unlikely that members of the public will feel confident about a system which finds that a thirty day suspension is appropriate punishment for a lawyer who has committed the acts of deception shown to have occurred in this case.
In my opinion, Mr. Stubblefield’s actions violate the very essence of the standards of the profession, best expressed by the oath taken by all lawyers, including Respondent, as set forth in 5 O.S.1981, § 2, which provides:
“.... [Y]ou do solemnly swear that you will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma; that you will do no falsehood or consent that any be done in court, and if you know of any you will give knowledge thereof to the judges of the court, or some of them, that it may be reformed; you mil not wittingly, willingly or knowingly promote, sue, or procure to be sued, any false or unlawful suit, or give aid or consent to the same; you will delay no man for lucre or malice, but will act in the office of attorney in this court according to your best learning and discretion, with all good fidelity as well to the court as to your client, so help you God.”
I would suspend Respondent in excess of one year.
I am authorized to state that Justice OPALA joins with the views expressed herein.