In re Petition for Disciplinary Action Against Eric Leighton Crandall

Summary

The Minnesota Supreme Court imposed an indefinite suspension on attorney Eric Leighton Crandall for neglecting three client matters, failing to communicate with clients, and failing to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation. Crandall was permitted to seek reinstatement after three months, subject to compliance with the applicable reinstatement rules, and was ordered to pay $900 in costs and disbursements.

Holdings

1. Serious, cumulative misconduct affecting three clients and including failure to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation warrants an indefinite suspension rather than a public reprimand and probation.
2. An attorney indefinitely suspended for serious misconduct may seek reinstatement after three months only by fully complying with the reinstatement requirements of Rule 18(a)-(e), RLPR.

Questions Presented

1. What level of professional discipline was warranted for Crandall's cumulative neglect of three client matters, failures to communicate and expedite litigation, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and noncooperation with the disciplinary investigation?
2. Whether Crandall should be subject to an indefinite suspension with a specified period before he could seek reinstatement.

Disposition

other