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In re Choi

Citation: Not availableDocket: 22-BG-461

Court: District of Columbia Court of Appeals; October 20, 2022; District Of Columbia; State Supreme Court

Original Court Document: View Document

Narrative Opinion Summary

Nathan W. Choi is disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia following his permanent resignation from the State of Washington while under disciplinary investigation. This disbarment is treated as the functional equivalent of his resignation, in accordance with precedents set in In re Frank and In re Stein. Choi's arguments against reciprocal discipline were dismissed, as he waived his right to contest the disciplinary charges by choosing to resign rather than participate in the proceedings. The court emphasized that reciprocal discipline proceedings are not a venue for rearguing foreign disciplinary actions and rejected Choi's claims of due process violations since he had notice of the disciplinary proceedings and voluntarily resigned. His disbarment will not begin to run for reinstatement purposes until he files a compliant affidavit under D.C. Bar R. XI. 14(g).

Legal Issues Addressed

Commencement of Disbarment Period for Reinstatement

Application: Choi's disbarment period for reinstatement purposes will not commence until he submits a compliant affidavit as per D.C. Bar R. XI. 14(g).

Reasoning: His disbarment will not begin to run for reinstatement purposes until he files a compliant affidavit under D.C. Bar R. XI. 14(g).

Reciprocal Disbarment

Application: The court disbarred Nathan W. Choi in the District of Columbia as a reciprocal action following his permanent resignation in the State of Washington while under investigation.

Reasoning: Nathan W. Choi is disbarred from the practice of law in the District of Columbia following his permanent resignation from the State of Washington while under disciplinary investigation.

Reciprocal Discipline and Due Process

Application: The court rejected claims of due process violations in reciprocal discipline, noting that Choi was aware of the disciplinary proceedings and chose to resign voluntarily.

Reasoning: The court emphasized that reciprocal discipline proceedings are not a venue for rearguing foreign disciplinary actions and rejected Choi's claims of due process violations since he had notice of the disciplinary proceedings and voluntarily resigned.

Waiver of Right to Contest Disciplinary Charges

Application: Choi waived his right to contest the disciplinary charges by resigning instead of participating in the proceedings, leading to the dismissal of his arguments against reciprocal discipline.

Reasoning: Choi's arguments against reciprocal discipline were dismissed, as he waived his right to contest the disciplinary charges by choosing to resign rather than participate in the proceedings.