State ex rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Owen

Summary

The Nebraska Supreme Court approved James A. Owen’s conditional admission to attorney-discipline charges arising from his representation of a client in family-law and appellate matters. The court found violations involving competence, diligence, communications, fees, misconduct, and the attorney’s oath of office, including failure to pursue an appeal and falsification of a purported court order. The court suspended Owen from practicing law for six months and imposed related compliance and cost obligations.

Holdings

1. The court approved the conditional admission because Owen knowingly did not challenge or contest the conditionally admitted matters and waived proceedings against him in connection with those matters.
2. The court determined that Owen's admitted conduct violated the professional conduct rules governing competence, diligence, communications, fees, and misconduct, as well as his oath of office as an attorney licensed in Nebraska.
3. A six-month suspension from the practice of law was appropriate, subject to compliance with Nebraska's disciplinary rules and payment of costs and expenses.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court should approve the respondent's conditional admission of violations of the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct and his attorney's oath.
2. Whether a six-month suspension from the practice of law was appropriate discipline for the admitted misconduct.

Disposition

other