STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. DARLEY

Summary

The Supreme Court of Oklahoma approved Lon Jackson Darley III's resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association while disciplinary proceedings were pending. The order requires compliance with client-protection and file-transfer obligations, prohibits reinstatement applications for five years, and assesses $1,317.26 in costs.

Holdings

1. A respondent's resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association during pending disciplinary proceedings may be approved when the resignation complies with Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, including a voluntary affidavit acknowledging the allegations and their legal consequences. Darley's resignation complied with Rule 8.1 and was approved.
2. Upon approval of the resignation, respondent's name must be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys, he may not seek reinstatement for five years from the effective date, and future reinstatement is conditioned on compliance with the applicable disciplinary rules and payment of assessed costs.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Oklahoma should approve respondent's resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association during pending disciplinary proceedings under Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings.
2. Whether the Oklahoma Bar Association was entitled to reimbursement of its investigation and prosecution costs.

Disposition

approved