In the Matter of Douglas O. Beerbower

Summary

The Supreme Court of Indiana conditionally reinstated Douglas O. Beerbower to the practice of law after his disciplinary suspension. Reinstatement was conditioned on at least three years of probation, continued participation in the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, and compliance with the program agreement, the law, and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Holdings

1. A petition for reinstatement may be granted only when the petitioner proves by clear and convincing evidence the requirements set out in Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(4)(b), including good-faith desire for reinstatement, compliance with the disciplinary order, genuine remorse, exemplary post-discipline conduct, fitness to practice, removal of any disability related to the discipline, and passage of the MPRE with the required score.
2. Beerbower was conditionally reinstated subject to probation of at least three years, continued participation in JLAP, no violations of his JLAP agreement, the law, or the Rules of Professional Conduct, and possible revocation of probation and reimposition of suspension if probation was violated.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Beerbower satisfied the requirements for reinstatement to the practice of law under Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23.
2. Whether reinstatement should be conditioned on continued participation in the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and a period of probation.

Disposition

other