In the Matter of Patrick V. Baker

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court approved a conditional agreement disciplining Patrick V. Baker for professional misconduct arising from his representation of a murder defendant. The Court found violations involving client communication, unreasonable expenses, unsupported trial statements, false statements to a third person, and improper solicitation. Baker was suspended from practicing law for at least six months without automatic reinstatement.

Holdings

1. The Court approved the parties' agreement that Respondent violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 1.4(b), 1.5(a), 3.4(e), 4.1(a), and 7.3(a).
2. Respondent was suspended from the practice of law for a period of not less than six months, without automatic reinstatement.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the stipulated facts established violations of Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 1.4(b), 1.5(a), 3.4(e), 4.1(a), and 7.3(a).
2. Whether the proposed six-month suspension without automatic reinstatement was appropriate discipline for Respondent's professional misconduct.

Disposition

approved