Violations of Other Duties as a Professional

Absent aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and upon application of the factors set out in Rule 15.02, the following sanctions are generally appropriate in cases involving false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer’s services; improper solicitation of professional employment from a prospective client; unconscionable, illegal, or improper fees; unauthorized practice of law; improper withdrawal from representation; failure to supervise; improper restrictions on the right to practice; appointments by a tribunal; failure to report professional misconduct; failure to respond to a disciplinary agency; improper conduct involving bar admission or reinstatement proceedings; statements regarding judicial and legal officials or a lawyer as a judicial candidate; or improper conduct in the role as advisor or evaluator.

1. Disbarment is generally appropriate when a Respondent knowingly engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed as a professional with the intent to obtain a benefit for the Respondent or another, and causes serious or potentially serious injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.

2. Suspension is generally appropriate when a Respondent knowingly engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed as a professional and causes injury or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.

3. Public reprimand is generally appropriate when a Respondent negligently engages in conduct that is a violation of a duty owed as a professional and causes injury or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.

4. Private reprimand is generally appropriate when a Respondent engages in an isolated instance of negligence that is a violation of a duty owed as a professional, and causes little or no actual or potential injury to a client, the public, or the legal system.