Meredith Lynn Lawrence v. Kentucky Bar Association ( 2023 )

TO BE PUBLISHED
Supreme Court of Kentucky
2023-SC-0291-KB
MEREDITH LYNN LAWRENCE MOVANT
V. IN SUPREME COURT
KENTUCKY BAR ASSOCIATION RESPONDENT
OPINION & ORDER
This case is before the Court upon the Movant Meredith Lynn Lawrence’s
motion for reinstatement under SCR 3.502. His KBA Member Number is
40365. In 2017, Lawrence was suspended from the practice of law for five
years, retroactive to July 6, 2012, as a result of his conviction for tax fraud in
the United States District Court for Eastern Kentucky. Lawrence v. Kentucky
Bar Association, 533 S.W.3d 686, 687 (Ky. 2017). We noted in that opinion that
he had already paid full restitution totaling $128,000 at the time of
suspension. Id. at 686.
Since his release from prison, Lawrence has worked a cattle farm, as well
as being a small business owner in Northern Kentucky. He filed his motion for
reinstatement on April 23, 2018, and the Character and Fitness Committee
conducted a hearing on August 16, 2021. The length of time between the
motion and hearing is unexplained by the Board of Governors but the KBA did
not oppose Lawrence’s reinstatement at the hearing. In fact, both the KBA and
Lawrence submitted joint findings of fact and conclusions of law in support of
reinstatement with the Character and Fitness Committee. Those were adopted
by the Committee on October 28, 2021. On February 28, 2022, the Board of
Governors unanimously recommended Lawrence’s reinstatement by a 17-0
vote, with two members absent and two members recused.
The Committee’s findings of fact included that Lawrence had complied
with the terms of his suspension; demonstrated worthiness of trust and
confidence of the public; possessed sufficient professional capabilities to serve
as a lawyer; and his acknowledgment of wrongdoing, contrition, and
rehabilitation of character. The Board noted these findings were made “after a
full adversarial hearing and supported by a host of affidavits from both lawyers
and non-lawyers vouching for Lawrence’s good character and positive
reputation in the community.”
Given the findings of the Committee; the lack of opposition by the KBA;
and the unanimous recommendation of the Board, we conclude Lawrence has
met the conditions necessary for reinstatement. His recognition of wrong-doing
and restitution was noted back in 2017. Id. Since that time, he has complied
with the requirements of his suspension, has been a law-abiding citizen and
businessman, and has rehabilitated himself. His reinstatement is consistent
with similar cases such as Greene v. Kentucky Bar Association, 904 S.W.2d 233(Ky. 1995). In Greene, we reinstated an attorney to the practice of law after he
was suspended for his conviction for defrauding investors in excess of
$250,000 but had demonstrated remorse, made some restitution, and had
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contacted his victims and agreed to repayment plans with all of them for the
remaining restitution. Id. at 234-36.
Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that the application for
reinstatement to the practice of law by Meredith L. Lawrence is approved
subject to the following conditions:
1. Lawrence complies with the terms of SCR 3.503(6). The results of
Lawrence’s examination shall be certified by the Board of Bar
Examiners to this Court and the Executive Director of the KBA;
2. Lawrence shall pay the cost of the proceedings, totaling $593.12,
pursuant to SCR 3.503(5). Also, if the additional KBA costs exceed
the posted bond, Lawrence shall pay the excess. If there are any
funds remaining from the posted bond after the Office of Bar
Admissions and KBA have recovered their costs, said funds shall
be paid back to Lawrence.
All sitting. All concur.
ENTERED: August 24, 2023
______________________________________
CHIEF JUSTICE
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