Court Opinion

ID: 7881883
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-09-08 21:32:37.20072+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:31:36.980143
License: Public Domain

MARING, Justice,
concurring in part and dissenting in part.
[¶ 20] I agree with the majority that there is clear and convincing evidence Howe engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation. I also agree a reprimand is not appropriate in this case and that a suspension is the appropriate sanction. I, however, do not agree a six-month suspension is appropriate.
[¶ 21] In Disciplinary Board. v. Schultz, 1997 ND 117, 564 N.W.2d 307, 308, Charles Schultz admitted he violated Rule 5.5, N.D.R. Prof. Conduct, by practicing without a license and Rule 1.2(A)(3), N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. (dishonest conduct) by holding himself out to his employer as a licensed attorney in the state of North Dakota. We suspended Schultz for 90 days. Id.
[¶ 22] In Disciplinary Board. v. Lamont, 1997 ND 63, ¶¶ 1, 16, 561 N.W.2d 650, Lamont was suspended for 60 days for violating Rule 3.3, N.D.R. Prof. Conduct (candor to the tribunal); Rule 1.2(A)(3), N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. (dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation); and N.D.C.C. § 27-13-01(1) (respect for the court). We considered as mitigating circumstances that Lamont’s testimony did not benefit him personally, that he had a good reputation, and that he had an unblemished disciplinary record. Id. at ¶ 20.
[¶ 23] In this case there are significant mitigating circumstances. Howe graduated from law school in 1958 and has had a clear disciplinary record for forty years. He is well respected in his community. In addition, Howe was not motivated by self gain, but rather attempted to carry out George Schreiber’s testamentary intent as he saw it. Finally, his conduct did not result in any adverse consequences to these third persons.
[¶ 24] I conclude these mitigating circumstances justify the imposition of a three-month suspension.
[¶ 25] GERALD W. VANDE WALLE, C.J., concurs.