In re Disciplinary Action Against Lundeen

Summary

The Minnesota Supreme Court temporarily suspended Steven Paul Lundeen from the practice of law pending final determination of disciplinary proceedings. The court deemed admitted allegations that Lundeen misappropriated client funds, abandoned clients, made false statements, engaged in unauthorized practice, committed criminal misconduct, and failed to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation.

Holdings

1. When a respondent fails to answer a disciplinary petition or supplemental petition, the allegations are deemed admitted under Rule 13(b), RLPR.
2. Temporary suspension was warranted under Rule 16, RLPR, where the admitted allegations and the court's independent review showed that continued authority to practice law posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the allegations in the disciplinary and temporary-suspension petitions were deemed admitted when Lundeen failed to answer them.
2. Whether temporary suspension from the practice of law was warranted under Rule 16, RLPR, because continuation of Lundeen's authority to practice posed a substantial threat of serious harm to the public.

Disposition

other