State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Michelle Ann Roller

Summary

The Supreme Court of Oklahoma approved Michelle Ann Roller's resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association while disciplinary proceedings were pending. The Court ordered that her name be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys, prohibited reinstatement applications for five years, required compliance with client-file and refund obligations, and assessed $1,107.10 in costs.

Holdings

1. A resignation pending disciplinary proceedings may be approved when the attorney's affidavit satisfies the requirements of Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, including that the resignation is voluntary, free of coercion or duress, and made with awareness of its consequences. Roller's resignation satisfied those requirements and was accepted.
2. The effective date of Roller's resignation was November 3, 2021, the date she executed her affidavit; her name was to be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys; and she could not apply for reinstatement for five years from that date.
3. The Oklahoma Bar Association's application to assess costs was sustained, and Roller was ordered to pay $1,107.10 within 90 days.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Roller's resignation pending disciplinary proceedings satisfied Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings and should be approved.
2. Whether the Oklahoma Bar Association was entitled to an assessment of $1,107.10 in costs.
3. What conditions should govern the effective date of the resignation, removal from the roll of attorneys, and any future application for reinstatement.

Disposition

approved