integrity bar (District of Columbia) · Go Syfert
← District of Columbia issues

integrity bar in District of Columbia

17 District of Columbia opinions name it 1 courts 1984–2022 4 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by District of Columbia courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (11)

CaseFollowedCited
Matter of Addamsgreen
dc · 1990 · cited in 8 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1992–2021
2 sentences

2021In adopting that view, the court in Addams emphasized the importance of avoiding the “erosion of public confidence in the integrity of the bar” and concluded that, “where client funds are involved, a more stringent rule is appropriate.” 579 A.2d at 198 .

2009Accordingly, as I understand it, the middle ground approach would mean, when applied in a misappropriation case under Rule 15(a) (whether Addams remains in force or not), that the Board and this court — while assigning Bar Counsel the burden of persuasion and permitting the respondent to offer rebuttal evidence in mitigation — would be entitled to weigh as benchmarks against that rebuttal the policies underlying the presumption of disbarment: reinforcement of client willingness to trust a lawyer to hold client property; protection of client property against overreaching by a lawyer as fiduciar

28
In Re Morrellgreen
dc · 1996 · cited in 3 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2002–2021
2 sentences

2021Cf. id. (“It would hardly serve the integrity of the bar . . . to allow [respondent] to avoid the imposition of discipline for his serious ethical violations merely because the Hearing Committee took a long time carefully evaluating the substantial, complex evidence in his case.”). 7 Turning to the merits, we focus first on the Board’s determination that respondent violated Rule 1.7(b)(1), (2), and (3).

2021Cf. id. (“It would hardly serve the integrity of the bar . . . to allow [respondent] to avoid the imposition of discipline for his serious ethical violations merely because the Hearing Committee took a long time carefully evaluating the substantial, complex evidence in his case.”). 7 Turning to the merits, we focus first on the Board’s determination that respondent violated Rule 1.7(b)(1), (2), and (3).

23
In Re Piersongreen
dc · 1997 · cited in 3 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2000–2010
2 sentences

2010Berryman, 764 A.2d at 774 (citing Pierson, 690 A.2d at 949 ).

2004As we have remarked in other cases, “‘where client funds are involved, a more stringent rule is appropriate’ to ensure that ‘there not be an erosion of public confidence in the integrity of the bar.’ ” In re Pierson, 690 A.2d 941, 949 (D.C.1997) (quoting In re Addams, 579 A.2d 190, 198 (D.C.1990) (en banc)).

13
In Re Rebackgreen
dc · 1986 · cited in 2 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1990–2007
2 sentences

2007As we explained in our en banc opinion in Addams : While we recognize that the sanction for intentional misappropriation of client funds will be harsh in comparison to sanctions for other disciplinary violations involving conduct some may view as roughly equivalent misconduct, see, e.g., Reback [ 513 A.2d 226 (D.C. 1986)] (imposing six months suspension for filing falsely signed court documents and lying to client); In re Hutchinson, 534 A.2d 919 (D.C.1987) (en banc) (one-year suspension for lying to a federal law enforcement agency), our concern is that there not be an erosion of public confi

1990While we recognize that the sanction for intentional misappropriation of client funds will be harsh in comparison to sanctions for other disciplinary violations involving conduct some may view as roughly equivalent misconduct, see, e.g., Reback, supra, 513 A.2d at 226 (imposing six months suspension for filing falsely signed court documents and lying to client); In re Hutchinson, 534 A.2d 919 (D.C.1987) (en banc) (one-year suspension for lying to a federal law enforcement agency), our concern is that there not be an erosion of public confidence in the integrity of the bar.

12
In re Pragergreen
mass · 1996 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004Not only must [an applicant] demonstrate the requisite moral qualifications and learning in the law, but he [or she] also must show that [his or her admission to] the practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity of the bar, the administration of justice, or the public interest.” In re Prager, 422 Mass. 86 , 661 N.E.2d 84, 90 (1996).

2004Not only must [an applicant] demonstrate the requisite moral qualifications and learning in the law, but he [or she] also must show that [his or her admission to] the practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity of the bar, the administration of justice, or the public interest.” In re Prager, 422 Mass. 86 , 661 N.E.2d 84, 90 (1996).

11
In Re Dunietzgreen
dc · 1996 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004Moreover, we have recognized that there is a “need for approaches to sanctions which are tailored to assure the protection of the public by addressing specifically the circumstances which brought about the misconduct through probationary conditions.” In re Dunietz, 687 A.2d 206, 212 (D.C.1996); see also, e.g., In re Hawpt, 422 A.2d at 771 (“each case must be decided on its particular facts”).

11
Matter of Hauptgreen
dc · 1980 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004Moreover, we have recognized that there is a “need for approaches to sanctions which are tailored to assure the protection of the public by addressing specifically the circumstances which brought about the misconduct through probationary conditions.” In re Dunietz, 687 A.2d 206, 212 (D.C.1996); see also, e.g., In re Hawpt, 422 A.2d at 771 (“each case must be decided on its particular facts”).

11
Matter of Phillipsgreen
dc · 1982 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See Florida Bar v. Davis, 257 So.2d 14, 15 (Fla. 1971) (denying petition to resign because “granting of this petition would adversely affect the purity of the courts and would hinder the administration of justice and the confidence of the public in the legal profession”); In re Harper, 84 So.2d 700, 707 (Fla. 1956) (en banc) (“Before accepting such a [disciplinary] resignation, it should be made to appear in a proper and competent manner not only that the public interest will not be adversely affected by such acceptance but also that the acceptance thereof will not adversely affect the purity

11
Application of Harpergreen
fla · 1956 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See Florida Bar v. Davis, 257 So.2d 14, 15 (Fla. 1971) (denying petition to resign because “granting of this petition would adversely affect the purity of the courts and would hinder the administration of justice and the confidence of the public in the legal profession”); In re Harper, 84 So.2d 700, 707 (Fla. 1956) (en banc) (“Before accepting such a [disciplinary] resignation, it should be made to appear in a proper and competent manner not only that the public interest will not be adversely affected by such acceptance but also that the acceptance thereof will not adversely affect the purity

11
Florida Bar v. Davisgreen
fla · 1971 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
1 sentence

1997See Florida Bar v. Davis, 257 So.2d 14, 15 (Fla. 1971) (denying petition to resign because “granting of this petition would adversely affect the purity of the courts and would hinder the administration of justice and the confidence of the public in the legal profession”); In re Harper, 84 So.2d 700, 707 (Fla. 1956) (en banc) (“Before accepting such a [disciplinary] resignation, it should be made to appear in a proper and competent manner not only that the public interest will not be adversely affected by such acceptance but also that the acceptance thereof will not adversely affect the purity

11
10 Fair empl.prac.cas. 469, 9 Empl. Prac. Dec. P 10,042 Joan Hull, on Behalf of Herself and Others Similarly Situated v. Celanese Corporationgreen
ca2 · 1975 · cited in 1 District of Columbia opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984
2 sentences

1984Hull v. Celanese Corp., 513 F.2d 568, 570 (2d Cir.1975); New York Co. Lawyer’s Association, Comm. on Prof.

1984Hull v. Celanese Corp., 513 F.2d 568, 570 (2d Cir.1975); New York Co. Lawyer's Association, Comm. on Prof.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in District of Columbia. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (5)

CaseCitedYears
In Re Hutchinson green
dc · 1987
2 sentences

2007As we explained in our en banc opinion in Addams : While we recognize that the sanction for intentional misappropriation of client funds will be harsh in comparison to sanctions for other disciplinary violations involving conduct some may view as roughly equivalent misconduct, see, e.g., Reback [ 513 A.2d 226 (D.C. 1986)] (imposing six months suspension for filing falsely signed court documents and lying to client); In re Hutchinson, 534 A.2d 919 (D.C.1987) (en banc) (one-year suspension for lying to a federal law enforcement agency), our concern is that there not be an erosion of public confi

1990While we recognize that the sanction for intentional misappropriation of client funds will be harsh in comparison to sanctions for other disciplinary violations involving conduct some may view as roughly equivalent misconduct, see, e.g., Reback, supra, 513 A.2d at 226 (imposing six months suspension for filing falsely signed court documents and lying to client); In re Hutchinson, 534 A.2d 919 (D.C.1987) (en banc) (one-year suspension for lying to a federal law enforcement agency), our concern is that there not be an erosion of public confidence in the integrity of the bar.

21990–2007
In re Gilbert Baber green
dc · 2015
1 sentence

2022The second case is In re Baber, 106 A.3d 1072 (D.C. 2015) (per curiam), where we held that a pattern of dishonest conduct over the course of multiple years warranted disbarment.

12022–2022
In Re Berryman green
dc · 2000
1 sentence

2010Berryman, 764 A.2d at 774 (citing Pierson, 690 A.2d at 949 ).

12010–2010
In Re Wilson green
nj · 1979
2 sentences

1990We find more persuasive the New Jersey court’s analysis of the insufficiency of mitigating factors, suggesting that restitution, whether before or after the disciplinary process begins, may be largely a matter of financial means and have little to do with an attorney’s continued fitness to practice; that the absence of prior discipline cannot excuse an “offense against common honesty [that] should be clear even to the youngest [practitioner]”; and that neither cooperation with the disciplinary body (which is already required by the ethical rules) nor contrition is sufficient to put at risk “th

1990We find more persuasive the New Jersey court's analysis of the insufficiency of mitigating factors, suggesting that restitution, whether before or after the disciplinary process begins, may be largely a matter of financial means and have little to do with an attorney's continued fitness to practice; that the absence of prior discipline cannot excuse an "offense against common honesty [that] should be clear even to the youngest [practitioner]"; and that neither cooperation with the disciplinary body (which is already required by the ethical rules) nor contrition is sufficient to put at risk "th

11990–1990
La. State Bar Ass'n v. Hinrichs green
la · 1986
2 sentences

1990Contra Hinrichs, supra, 486 So.2d at 120 .

1990Contra Hinrichs, supra, 486 So.2d at 120 .

11990–1990

Statutes the citing opinions construe

DC § D.C. Code § 11-2503 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 204 (1957–2026) PA 64 (1930–2025) MD 51 (1971–2025) IL 47 (1976–2026) NJ 29 (1979–2026) OK 21 (1984–2022) MA 21 (1987–2025) NY 20 (1900–2024) TX 19 (1983–2025) DC 17 (1984–2022) IN 13 (1905–2019) AZ 11 (1989–2022) MN 10 (1980–2015) UT 9 (1999–2024) NC 7 (1908–2023) WY 7 (2014–2023) NV 7 (2001–2017) MO 6 (1973–2004) WA 6 (2015–2019) FL 6 (1992–2015) LA 6 (1975–2005) VA 5 (1991–2007) VT 5 (1853–2023) MI 5 (1928–1981) TN 5 (2020–2026) AR 5 (1993–2015) CT 5 (1881–2014) KS 4 (1965–2022) MS 4 (2008–2014) HI 4 (2008–2020) AL 3 (1920–2007) OR 3 (1992–2022) RI 2 (2011–2015) KY 2 (1975–2012) CO 2 (1959–1959) NH 2 (1985–1999) IA 2 (2017–2023) OH 2 (2000–2002) MT 2 (1978–1989) AK 2 (1974–1980) ME 2 (2008–2010) WI 2 (2017–2018)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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