The Second Time Around

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals disbarred a lawyer "for his cumulative conduct over more than ten years evincing (in Bar Counsel's summation) 'non-negligent misappropriation and dishonesty...' " and other misconduct.

The court cites an earlier case involving the same lawyer where a six-month suspension was iimposed for similar misconduct. The court here appends to its opinion the report of the Board on Professional Responsibility that had recommended the sancton imposed by the court.

It is noteworthy that, in the earlier case (decided in 2001), the hearing committee had recommended disbarment but the board and court rejected that recommendation. If the recommendation had been followed (as I thought it should have been), a lot of time, trouble and additional victims would have been avoided. (Mike Frisch)