In re Benjamin ( 2018 )

The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility has filed a petition under Rule 28, Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility (RLPR), for transfer of respondent Mark W. Benjamin to disability inactive status. The petition alleges that respondent has medical diagnoses manifesting in physical and mental limitations that render him unable to competently represent clients within the meaning of Rule 28(a), RLPR. Respondent is not currently practicing law.

Respondent has entered into a stipulation with the Director in which they jointly recommend that respondent be transferred to disability inactive status under Rule 28(a) and (c), RLPR, without further proceedings, coupled with a stay of the pending disciplinary investigations of respondent. The parties have also agreed that if respondent seeks reinstatement, the stay of the disciplinary investigations will be automatically lifted, and that during the reinstatement process, the allegations of misconduct arising out of the investigations shall be considered and a recommendation as to the appropriate discipline, if any, shall be made to the court.

The court has reviewed the petition and stipulation and concludes that transfer to disability inactive status and a stay of the pending disciplinary investigations are appropriate.

Based upon all the files, records, and proceedings herein,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

*5611. Respondent Mark W. Benjamin is transferred to disability inactive status effective as of the date of this order. While on disability inactive status, respondent may not render legal advice, discuss legal matters with clients, or otherwise engage in the practice of law.

2. Respondent shall comply with Rule 26, RLPR (requiring notice of transfer to disability inactive status to clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals).

3. The pending disciplinary investigations of respondent are stayed until such time as respondent petitions for reinstatement to the active practice of law under Rules 18 and 28(d), RLPR. Upon the filing of a petition for reinstatement, the stay of the disciplinary proceedings will automatically be lifted. In addition to the requirements of Rules 18 and 28(d), RLPR, during the reinstatement proceeding, the allegations of misconduct arising out of the investigations shall be considered and a recommendation as to the appropriate discipline, if any, shall be made to the court.

4. Reinstatement shall further be conditioned upon respondent establishing through expert psychological, psychiatric, and medical evidence that he has undergone treatment and has made recovery such that he is physically and psychologically fit to resume the practice of law.

BY THE COURT:

/s/ Lorie S. Gildea

Lorie S. Gildea

Chief Justice