In re Matzkin

Summary

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals reviewed a petition for reinstatement filed by an attorney who had been disbarred following a federal bribery-related conviction. Adopting the Board on Professional Responsibility's recommendation, the court held that the petitioner failed to provide clear and convincing evidence of recognition, rehabilitation, and present fitness to practice law, and denied reinstatement.

Holdings

1. Matzkin failed to present clear and convincing evidence that he recognized the seriousness of his misconduct, learned from it, and was presently better equipped to meet the ethical responsibilities of practicing law; therefore, his petition for reinstatement was properly denied.
2. The court adopted the Board on Professional Responsibility's recommendation and denied Matzkin's petition for reinstatement.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Matzkin satisfied his burden under the In re Roundtree factors to obtain reinstatement to the District of Columbia Bar.
2. Whether the court should adopt the Board on Professional Responsibility's recommendation to deny reinstatement when no party filed an exception.

Disposition

denied