State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Kelsey Alison Baldwin

Summary

The Supreme Court of Oklahoma approved Kelsey Alison Baldwin’s resignation from the Oklahoma Bar Association while disciplinary investigations were pending. The order struck her name from the Roll of Attorneys, imposed a five-year waiting period before seeking reinstatement, required compliance with client-protection obligations, and assessed $405.08 in investigative costs.

Holdings

1. The court approved and accepted Baldwin's voluntary resignation during the pendency of disciplinary investigations because the resignation complied with Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings and was freely and voluntarily rendered with full awareness of its consequences.
2. Upon approving the resignation, the court ordered that Baldwin's name be stricken from the Roll of Attorneys, prohibited her from applying for reinstatement for five years, required compliance with Rule 9.1 including return of client files and refund of unearned fees, required reimbursement of qualifying Client Security Fund payments as a condition of reinstatement, and required payment of $405.08 in investigation costs within ninety days.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Baldwin's resignation from OBA membership pending disciplinary investigations complied with Rule 8.1 of the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings and should be approved.
2. What conditions should accompany approval of the resignation, including removal from the Roll of Attorneys, restrictions on reinstatement, client-protection obligations, and reimbursement of investigation costs.

Disposition

approved