Court Opinion

ID: 9526359
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 03:16:04.624647+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:19:30.724728
License: Public Domain

MILLER, Chief Justice
(concurring in part and dissenting in part).
I respectfully concur in part and dissent in part. I would suspend Schmidt from the practice of law for no less than sixty days.*
Irrespective of that disagreement, one concern, appropriately noted by Justice Henderson, needs to be emphasized. As Justice Henderson notes, SDCL 16-18-2 is MANDATORY. As part of their argument *757to this Court, Schmidt and his attorney furnished certain information which would indicate that the trial bench and bar are not complying with § 16-18-2. According to their presentation, some circuit courts are using what Schmidt calls “Common Law Admittances” whereunder nonresident attorneys are allowed to participate in South Dakota courts merely “on motion.” It is the unanimous belief of the Justices of this Court that such practice is contrary to our law and must cease! We strongly suggest that attorneys and judges closely review SDCL 16-18-2 and strictly comply therewith.

 I disqualified myself and did not participate in Schmidt's prior disciplinary proceedings.