In the Matter of Spurgeon Green, III

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court imposed reciprocal discipline on Spurgeon Green III after the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred him for client neglect, failure to communicate, mishandling funds, misrepresentation, and failure to respond to disciplinary notices. The court ordered that Green be suspended in Indiana and remain ineligible for reinstatement until reinstated in Georgia and until his existing Indiana suspensions were lifted or further order was entered.

Holdings

1. When a lawyer has been disciplined in another jurisdiction and no Rule 23(28)(c) exception is shown, Indiana must impose discipline identical to that ordered in the other jurisdiction.
2. Respondent is suspended from practicing law in Indiana and may not petition for reinstatement until reinstated in Georgia and his existing Indiana suspensions are lifted, unless the Indiana Supreme Court orders otherwise.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Indiana should impose reciprocal discipline after the Supreme Court of Georgia disbarred Respondent.
2. Whether the record demonstrated any of the grounds under Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(28)(c) that would preclude identical reciprocal discipline or warrant different discipline in Indiana.

Disposition

other