LAWYER DISCIPLINE
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme
Court of North Dakota, Petitioner v.
John D. Bruhn, Respondent
No. 20180242
In findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations, and
after considering the aggravating factors under the N.D. Stds.
Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, a hearing panel of the Disciplinary
Board recommended John D. Bruhn be suspended for 60 days
with a one-year probation following his suspension, he work with
the Lawyer Assistance Program on his law office management, he
complete six hours of continuing legal education classes focused
on diligence and client communication, and he pay the costs of the
disciplinary proceeding for violations of the North Dakota Rules of
Professional Conduct
Bruhn maintained a law practice in Dickinson with Marla L.
Bruhn. The Bruhns would frequently appear on behalf of each other
without informing the client or obtaining the client’s consent. The
Bruhns were often co-counsel representing clients. Related to these
disciplinary matters, Bruhn represented 14 clients in criminal matters
and one client in a civil matter.
Bruhn failed to adequately communicate with his clients and
provided some with inaccurate information. He failed to notify
clients of hearings, failed to appear for hearings, and failed to
adequately prepare. Due to his failure to adequately communicate
with his clients, some failed to appear in court. He made false
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THE GAVEL
statements to the district court. He or Marla L. Bruhn were late for
hearings. He also failed to respond to a motion in the civil matter.
The concluded Bruhn violated N.D.R. Prof. Conduct 1.1,
Competence; 1.2, Scope of Representation and Allocation of
Authority Between Client and Lawyer; 1.3, Diligence; 1.4,
Communication, and 3.3, Candor Towards the Tribunal.
The Supreme Court suspended Bruhn from the practice of law for
60 days with one-year probation following his suspension, effective
Aug. 15. The Supreme Court also ordered that he work with the
Lawyer Assistance Program on law office management, he complete
six hours of continuing legal education classes focused on the issues
of diligence and client communication, and he pay the costs and
expenses of these disciplinary proceedings in the amount of $250.
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme
Court of North Dakota, Petitioner
v. Marla Louise Bruhn, Respondent
No. 20180243
In findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations, and
after considering the aggravating factors under the N.D. Stds.
Imposing Lawyer Sanctions, a hearing panel of the Disciplinary
Board recommended Marla Louise Bruhn be suspended for 60 days
with a one-year probation following her suspension, she work with
the Lawyer Assistance Program on her law office management, she
complete six hours of continuing legal education classes focused on