In the Matter of Robert C. Szilagyi

Summary

The Indiana Supreme Court approved a conditional agreement disciplining Robert C. Szilagyi for signing his former wife's name and his secretary's name as notary on a quitclaim deed without authorization. The Court found violations of Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 8.4(c) and 8.4(d) and imposed a sixty-day suspension with automatic reinstatement, effective August 1, 2012.

Holdings

1. Szilagyi violated Rule 8.4(c) by signing his former wife's name and his secretary's name as notary and using the secretary's notary stamp without their knowledge or consent.
2. Szilagyi violated Rule 8.4(d) by engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
3. The court approved and imposed a sixty-day suspension from the practice of law, beginning August 1, 2012, with automatic reinstatement subject to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23(4)(c).

Questions Presented

1. Whether Szilagyi's conduct violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(c), which prohibits conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.
2. Whether Szilagyi's conduct violated Indiana Professional Conduct Rule 8.4(d), which prohibits conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
3. Whether the stipulated sixty-day suspension with automatic reinstatement was appropriate discipline for the violations.

Disposition

approved