LAWYER DISCIPLINE
Discipline Summaries
A suspended , out-of-state lawyer was disciplined for violating Rule 5.5 ( a ) of the North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct regarding the unauthorized practice of law . Under the rule , a lawyer is not allowed to practice law in a jurisdiction where doing so violates the regulation of the legal professional in that jurisdiction . It was determined that the lawyer did not have the permission of his daughter , who was engaged in bankruptcy proceedings , to file items within the matter on her behalf . At the time of the conduct , the lawyer was not licensed in North Dakota , nor was he admitted to the federal court or bankruptcy court . Further , the lawyer was not licensed within his home state . He was issued an admonition by the Inquiry Committee .
A young lawyer was disciplined for violating Rule 1.1 , Competence ; Rule 1.2 , Scope of Representation ; Rule 1.3 , Diligence ; Rule 1.4 , Communication ; and Rule 1.14 , Limited Capacity , of the North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct . The lawyer did not handle matters relating to a minor within an asylum application appropriately . The lawyer was issued an admonition with requirements that the lawyer participate with the Lawyers Assistance Program for a period of one year and submit monthly reports to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel . The lawyer was also directed to complete 10 hours of Continuing Legal Education with a focus on immigration proceedings within 180 days .
A lawyer received reciprocal discipline from Arizona for violations of ER 1.15 ( a ) and Rules 43 ( b )( 1 )( A ), 43 ( b )( 1 )( C ), 43 ( b )( 2 )( A ), and 43 ( b )( 2 )( C ). The North Dakota Supreme Court ordered that reciprocal discipline was merited and was to be imposed by an Inquiry Committee . The lawyer was issued an admonition and placed on a two-year probation to run concurrently with the probation in Arizona . The lawyer was required to provide the Office of Disciplinary Counsel with a copy of proof of completion of the Trust Account Ethics Enhancement Program and the Law Office Management Assistance Program from Arizona , as required within Arizona ' s disciplinary order .
NOTICE OF ORDER REPRIMANDING ATTORNEY
In the Matter of the Application for Disciplinary Action Against Leslie Johnson Aldrich , a Member of the Bar of the State of North Dakota
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of the State of North Dakota , Petitioner v . Leslie Johnson Aldrich , Respondent No . 6599-SE-2101
Leslie Johnson Aldrich was retained to represent a client in divorce and restraining order matters . Aldrich admitted she failed to obey obligations under the rules of the tribunal through making both improper pre-trial and post-trial discovery requests and incorrectly handling motions within the parameters of the procedural rules . Aldrich , disciplinary counsel , and the hearing panel acknowledged prior disciplinary offenses , multiple instances in which the Rules of Civil Procedure were not properly followed , and substantial experience in the practice of law . They acknowledged mitigating factors of absence of dishonest or selfish motive , a good reputation an attorney , remorse , and the remoteness of prior discipline . Aldrich consented to a reprimand by the hearing panel . She consented to complete six hours of mentorship in the areas of proper discovery and pre-trial procedures in family law , and in creating separation between her and her clients to prevent over-identification and involvement with a client ’ s case . She also agreed to pay costs and expenses in the amount of $ 250 .
Call for CLE Speakers
SBAND and the North Dakota CLE Commission sponsor seminars and programs throughout the year in all sorts of formats , including live , webinars and IVNs .
We want to know about SBAND members who have ideas for topics or who are interested in being a presenter .
Contact Carrie Molander at carrie @ sband . org .
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