Narrative Opinion Summary
The case involves a Minnesota attorney who was suspended from practicing law for a minimum period of 30 days and sought reinstatement. The attorney had complied with all suspension terms, except for passing the written examination on professional responsibility, which was a prerequisite for reinstatement. The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility did not oppose the reinstatement. Consequently, the attorney was conditionally reinstated effective January 21, 2017, subject to passing the required examination. Additionally, the attorney was placed on a two-year disciplinary probation with specific conditions, including compliance with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct, maintaining detailed law office and trust account records, and cooperating fully with the Director's Office. The attorney was required to submit proof of successful examination completion by December 8, 2017, to avoid automatic re-suspension. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to professional standards and the conditions imposed for reinstatement following disciplinary action.
Legal Issues Addressed
Compliance with Professional Conduct Rulessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney must adhere to the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct as a condition of reinstatement.
Reasoning: Compliance with the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct is required.
Conditional Reinstatement of Attorney Licensesubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney was conditionally reinstated to practice law contingent on passing a professional responsibility examination.
Reasoning: Effective January 21, 2017, Brantingham is conditionally reinstated to practice law, contingent upon his successful completion of the aforementioned examination.
Disciplinary Probation Conditionssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney is placed on disciplinary probation for two years with specific conditions to ensure compliance with professional standards.
Reasoning: He is placed on disciplinary probation for two years with specific conditions: [...] He must cooperate fully with the Director's Office, responding promptly to correspondence, providing a current mailing address, and notifying the Director of any address changes.
Failure to Meet Reinstatement Conditionssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Failure to submit proof of successful examination completion will result in automatic re-suspension.
Reasoning: Failure to do so will result in automatic re-suspension pending successful completion of the exam, as per the Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility.
Maintenance of Law Office and Trust Account Recordssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The attorney is required to maintain detailed financial records and make them available to the Director as a condition of his probation.
Reasoning: He is mandated to maintain law office and trust account records in accordance with relevant professional conduct rules, including maintaining detailed financial records and making them available to the Director as needed.