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In re Bennett

Citations: 270 Kan. 523; 15 P.3d 834; 2001 Kan. LEXIS 166Docket: No. 82,168

Court: Supreme Court of Kansas; January 11, 2001; Kansas; State Supreme Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Michael L. Bennett was indefinitely suspended from practicing law in Kansas on March 5, 1999, effective February 1, 1997. On April 14, 2000, he filed a petition for reinstatement, which was referred to the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys. A hearing took place on November 8, 2000, and the disciplinary panel issued its report on December 15, 2000. The panel unanimously recommended reinstatement, contingent on Mr. Bennett completing an outstanding ethics hour of continuing legal education due by June 30, 2000. The court accepted the panel's findings and recommendations, ordering Bennett's reinstatement effective January 12, 2001, upon confirmation of his completion of the required ethics hour. This order is to be published in the official Kansas Reports.

Legal Issues Addressed

Court Acceptance of Disciplinary Panel Recommendations

Application: The court accepted the panel's findings and recommendations, leading to the reinstatement of the attorney once conditions are fulfilled.

Reasoning: The court accepted the panel's findings and recommendations, ordering Bennett's reinstatement effective January 12, 2001, upon confirmation of his completion of the required ethics hour.

Publication of Reinstatement Order

Application: Reinstatement orders are published in the official Kansas Reports to ensure public record and transparency.

Reasoning: This order is to be published in the official Kansas Reports.

Reinstatement of Suspended Attorney

Application: The court may reinstate a suspended attorney upon recommendation from the disciplinary panel, contingent on the attorney meeting specific conditions.

Reasoning: The panel unanimously recommended reinstatement, contingent on Mr. Bennett completing an outstanding ethics hour of continuing legal education due by June 30, 2000.

Role of the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys

Application: The Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys conducts hearings and provides recommendations on petitions for reinstatement of attorneys.

Reasoning: On April 14, 2000, he filed a petition for reinstatement, which was referred to the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys. A hearing took place on November 8, 2000, and the disciplinary panel issued its report on December 15, 2000.