State Bar Court of California

Hearing Department

STIPULATION RE FACTS, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DISPOSITION AND ORDER APPROVING

PUBLIC REPROVAL

Case Number(s): 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849

In the Matter of: Edward Baxter Chatoian, Bar # 63957, A Member of the State Bar of California, (Respondent).

Counsel For The State Bar: Robin B. Brune, Bar # 149487,

Counsel for Respondent: Michael Wine, Bar # 58657,

Submitted to: Assigned Judge – State Bar Court Clerk’s Office San Francisco.

Filed: March 8, 2006.

  <<not>> checked. PREVIOUS STIPULATION REJECTED

Note:  All information required by this form and any additional information which cannot be provided in the space provided, must be set forth in an attachment to this stipulation under specific headings, e.g., "Facts," "Dismissals," "Conclusions of Law," "Supporting Authority," etc.

A. Parties' Acknowledgments:

1.    Respondent is a member of the State Bar of California, admitted June 27, 1975.

2.    The parties agree to be bound by the factual stipulations contained herein even if conclusions of law or disposition are rejected or changed by the Supreme Court.

3.    All investigations or proceedings listed by case number in the caption of this stipulation are entirely resolved by this stipulation and are deemed consolidated. Dismissed charge(s)/count(s) are listed under "Dismissals."  The stipulation consists of 15 pages, not including the order.

4.    A statement of acts or omissions acknowledged by Respondent as cause or causes for discipline is included under "Facts."

5.    Conclusions of law, drawn from and specifically referring to the facts are also included under "Conclusions of Law".

6.    The parties must include supporting authority for the recommended level of discipline under the heading "Supporting Authority."

7.    No more than 30 days prior to the filing of this stipulation, Respondent has been advised in writing of any pending investigation/proceeding not resolved by this stipulation, except for criminal investigations.

8.    Payment of Disciplinary Costs-Respondent acknowledges the provisions of Bus. & Prof. Code §§6086.10 & 6140.7. (Check one option only):

checked. Costs are added to membership fee for calendar year following effective date of discipline (public reproval).

<<not>> checked. Case ineligible for costs (private reproval).

<<not>> checked. Costs are to be paid in equal amounts prior to February 1 for the following membership years: .  (Hardship, special circumstances or other good cause per rule 5.132, Rules of Procedure.)  If Respondent fails to pay any installment as described above, or as may be modified by the State Bar Court, the remaining balance is due and payable immediately.

<<not>> checked. Costs are waived in part as set forth in a separate attachment entitled "Partial Waiver of Costs".

<<not>> checked. Costs are entirely waived.

9.    The parties understand that:

<<not>> checked.  (a) A private reproval imposed on a respondent as a result of a stipulation approved by the Court prior to initiation of a State Bar Court proceeding is part of the respondent’s official State Bar membership records, but is not disclosed in response to public inquiries and is not reported on the State Bar’s web page. The record of the proceeding in which such a private reproval was imposed is not available to the public except as part of the record of any subsequent proceeding in which it is introduced as evidence of a prior record of discipline under the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar.

<<not>> checked. (b) A private reproval imposed on a respondent after initiation of a State Bar Court proceeding is part of the respondent’s official State Bar Membership records, is disclosed in response to public inquiries and is reported as a record of public discipline on the State Bar’s web page.

checked. (c) A public reproval imposed on a respondent is publicly available as part of the respondent’s official State Bar membership records, is disclosed in response to public inquiries and is reported as a record of public discipline on the State Bar’s web page.

B.     Aggravating Circumstances [for definition, see Standards for Attorney Sanctions for Professional Misconduct, standard 1.2(b)]. Facts supporting aggravating circumstances are required.

<<not>> checked. (1) Prior record of discipline [see standard 1.2(f)].

<<not>> checked. (a)    State Bar Court case # of prior case .
<<not>> checked. (b)    Date prior discipline effective .
<<not>> checked. (c)    Rules of Professional Conduct/ State Bar Act violations:
<<not>> checked. (d)    Degree of prior discipline  
<<not>> checked. (e)    If Respondent has two or more incidents of prior discipline, use space provided below or a separate attachment entitled “Prior Discipline”. .

<<not>> checked. (2) Dishonesty:  Respondent's misconduct was surrounded by or followed by bad faith, dishonesty, concealment, overreaching or other violations of the State Bar Act or Rules of Professional Conduct. 

<<not>> checked. (3) Trust Violation:  Trust funds or property were involved and Respondent refused or was unable to account to the client or person who was the object of the misconduct for improper conduct toward said funds or property.

checked. (4)            Harm:  Respondent's misconduct harmed significantly a client, the public or the administration of justice.

<<not>> checked. (5) Indifference:  Respondent demonstrated indifference toward rectification of or atonement for the consequences of his or her misconduct.

<<not>> checked. (6) Lack of Cooperation:  Respondent displayed a lack of candor and cooperation to victims of his/her misconduct or to the State Bar during disciplinary investigation or proceedings. 

<<not>> checked. (7) Multiple/Pattern of Misconduct:  Respondent's current misconduct evidences multiple acts of wrongdoing or demonstrates a pattern of misconduct.

<<not>> checked. (8) No aggravating circumstances are involved.
Additional aggravating circumstances: .

C. Mitigating Circumstances [see standard 1.2(e)]. Facts supporting mitigating circumstances are required.

<<not>> checked. (1) No Prior Discipline:  Respondent has no prior record of discipline over many years of practice coupled with present misconduct which is not deemed serious.

<<not>> checked. (2) No Harm:  Respondent did not harm the client or person who was the object of the misconduct. 

checked. (3)            Candor/Cooperation:  Respondent displayed spontaneous candor and cooperation with the victims of his/her misconduct and to the State Bar during disciplinary investigation and proceedings. 

<<not>> checked. (4) Remorse:  Respondent promptly took objective steps spontaneously demonstrating remorse and recognition of the wrongdoing, which steps were designed to timely atone for any consequences of his/her misconduct. 

<<not>> checked. (5) Restitution:  Respondent paid $  on  in restitution to  without the threat or force of disciplinary, civil or criminal proceedings.

<<not>> checked. (6) Delay:  These disciplinary proceedings were excessively delayed.  The delay is not attributable to Respondent and the delay prejudiced him/her.

<<not>> checked. (7) Good Faith:  Respondent acted in good faith.

<<not>> checked. (8) Emotional/Physical Difficulties:  At the time of the stipulated act or acts of professional misconduct Respondent suffered extreme emotional difficulties or physical disabilities which expert testimony would establish was directly responsible for the misconduct.  The difficulties or disabilities were not the product of any illegal conduct by the member, such as illegal drug or substance abuse, and Respondent no longer suffers from such difficulties or disabilities.

<<not>> checked. (9) Severe Financial Stress:  At the time of the misconduct, Respondent suffered from severe financial stress which resulted from circumstances not reasonably foreseeable or which were beyond his/her control and which were directly responsible for the misconduct.

<<not>> checked. (10) Family Problems:  At the time of the misconduct, Respondent suffered extreme difficulties in his/her personal life which were other than emotional or physical in nature.

<<not>> checked. (11) Good Character:  Respondent's good character is attested to by a wide range of references in the legal and general communities who are aware of the full extent of his/her misconduct.

<<not>> checked. (12) Rehabilitation:  Considerable time has passed since the acts of professional misconduct occurred followed by convincing proof of subsequent rehabilitation.

<<not>> checked. (13) No mitigating circumstances are involved.
Additional mitigating circumstances: 

D. Discipline:

<<not>> checked. (1)  Private reproval (check applicable conditions, if any, below):

<<not>> checked. (a) Approved by the Court prior to initiation of the State Bar Court proceedings (no public disclosure).
<<not>> checked. (b)Approved by the Court after initiation of the State Bar Court proceedings (public disclosure).

or

checked. (2)                Public reproval (Check applicable conditions, if any below)

E. Additional Conditions of Reproval:

checked. (1)            Respondent must comply with the conditions attached to the reproval for a period of two (2) years.

checked. (2)            During the condition period attached to the reproval, Respondent must comply with the provisions of the State Bar Act and Rules of Professional Conduct.

checked. (3)            Within ten (10) days of any change, Respondent must report to the Membership Records Office of the State Bar and to the Office of Probation of the State Bar of California ("Office of Probation"), all changes of information, including current office address and telephone number, or other address for State Bar purposes, as prescribed by section 6002.1 of the Business and Professions Code.

checked. (4)            Within thirty (30) days from the effective date of discipline, Respondent must contact the Office of Probation and schedule a meeting with Respondent's assigned probation deputy to discuss these terms and conditions of probation. Upon the direction of the Office of Probation, Respondent must meet with the probation deputy either in-person or by telephone. During the period of probation, Respondent must promptly meet with the probation deputy as directed and upon request.

checked. (5)            Respondent must submit written quarterly reports to the Office of Probation on each January 10, April 10, July 10, and October 10 of the period of probation. Under penalty of perjury, Respondent must state whether Respondent has complied with the State Bar Act, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and all conditions of probation during the preceding calendar quarter. Respondent must also state whether there are any proceedings pending against him or her in the State Bar Court and if so, the case number and current status of that proceeding. If the first report would cover less than 30 days, that report must be submitted on the next quarter date, and cover the extended period.
In addition to all quarterly reports, a final report, containing the same information, is due no earlier than twenty (20) days before the last day of the period of probation and no later than the last day of the condition period.

<<not>> checked. (6) Respondent must be assigned a probation monitor. Respondent must promptly review the terms and conditions of probation with the probation monitor to establish a manner and schedule of compliance. During the period of probation, Respondent must furnish such reports as may be requested, in addition to the quarterly reports required to be submitted to the Office of Probation. Respondent must cooperate fully with the monitor.

<<not>> checked. (7) Subject to assertion of applicable privileges, Respondent must answer fully, promptly and truthfully any inquiries of the Office of Probation and any probation monitor assigned under these conditions which are directed to Respondent personally or in writing relating to whether Respondent is complying or has complied with the probation conditions.

checked. (8)            Within one (1) year of the effective date of the discipline herein, Respondent must provide to the Office of Probation satisfactory proof of attendance at a session of the State Bar Ethics School, and passage of the test given at the end of that session.

<<not>> checked. No Ethics School recommended.  Reason: .

<<not>> checked. (9) Respondent must comply with all conditions of probation imposed in the underlying criminal matter and must so declare under penalty of perjury in conjunction with any quarterly report to be filed with the Office of Probation.

checked. (10)          Respondent must provide proof of passage of the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination ("MPRE"), administered by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, to the Office of Probation no later than March 31, 2007

<<not>> checked. No MPRE recommended.  Reason: .

<<not>> checked. (11) The following conditions are attached hereto and incorporated:    

<<not>> checked. Substance Abuse Conditions.

checked. Law Office Management Conditions.

<<not>> checked. Medical Conditions.

<<not>> checked. Financial Conditions.

F. Other Conditions Negotiated by the Parties:

 

Attachment language (if any):


ATTACHMENT TO

STIPULATION RE FACTS, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DISPOSITION

 

IN THE MATTER OF: Edward B. Chatoian, State Bar No. 63957

STATE BAR COURT CASE NUMBER: 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849, et al.

 

FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW.

 

On or about October 30, 1997, Linda Grant ("Grant") hired respondent to represent her in a personal injury matter, eventually resulting in the filing of an action, Grant v. Henry, et al, Tulare County Superior Court case no. 97-180286 ("Grant v. Henry"). Prior to on or about April 12, 1999, Grant v. Henry settled.

 

On or about April 12, 1999, Clarendon National Insurance Company ("Clarendon") disbursed $15,000.00 ("the Clarendon settlement proceeds") to respondent on Grant’s behalf in partial settlement of Grant v. Henry. Shortly after on or about April 12, 1999, the Clarendon settlement proceeds were deposited into respondent’s Wells Fargo Bank client trust account no. 019-2080059.

 

On or about May 18, 1999, from the Clarendon settlement proceeds respondent disbursed $5,608.33 to himself as fees and reimbursement of costs, and retained the remaining $9,296.67 in the client trust account pending resolution of a lien claim by Combined Benefits, Grant’s insurance carrier.

 

By letter dated August 8, 2002, Grant asked respondent to inquire into the status of Combined Benefits’ lien so that she could receive any additional portion of the Clarendon settlement proceeds due her. Respondent received Grant’s August 8, 2002 letter.

 

By letter dated September 23, 2002, Grant asked respondent a second time to inquire into the status of Combined Benefits’ lien so that she could receive any additional portion of the Clarendon settlement proceeds due her. Respondent received Grant’s September 23, 2002 letter.

 

By letter dated June 3, 2003, Grant asked respondent a third time to inquire into the status of the Combined Benefit’s lien so that she could receive any portion of the Clarendon settlement proceeds due her. Respondent received Grant’s June 3, 2003 letter.

 

By letter dated September 23, 2003, Grant told respondent Combined Benefits was seeking no money in satisfaction of the lien. In the September 23, 2003 letter, Grant also requested respondent to pay the remaining $9,296.67 of the Clarendon settlement proceeds to her immediately. Respondent received Grant’s September 23, 2003 letter.

 

By at least on or about September 23, 2003, respondent knew or should have known that Grant was entitled to receive payment from his client trust account of the remaining $9,296.67 of the Clarendon settlement proceeds.

 

By letter dated October 4, 2004, Grant demanded that respondent pay the remaining $9,296.67 of the Clarendon settlement proceeds to her immediately. Respondent received Grant’s October 4, 2004 letter.

 

Respondent did not pay Grant the remaining $9,296.67 of the Clarendon settlement proceeds until on or about January 5, 2005.

 

In addition to providing Grant with legal services in relation to Grant v. Henry. prior to on or about July 16, 1998, Grant also hired respondent to represent her in an action under the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") against the City of Visalia ("Visalia"). On Grant’s behalf, on or about July 16, 1998, respondent filed a lawsuit alleging violations of the ADA, Grant v. Visalia, United States District Court - Eastern District of California, case no. CIV F-98-5803 ("Grant v. Visalia"). Respondent remained Grant’s attorney of record in Grant V. Visalia at all relevant times.

 

During the course of litigation in Grant v. Visalia, respondent, acting on Grant’s behalf, did not timely respond to the discovery requests of Visalia’s attorneys or otherwise appropriately advance Grant’s interests in the litigation. Specifically, respondent did not:

 

(a) timely respond to interrogatories properly served on or about April 20, 1999;

 

(b) notify and produce Grant for a deposition properly noticed for on or about June 25, 1999; or

 

(c) respond to a request for production of documents properly served on or about September 13, 1999.

 

On or about June 15, 1999, Visalia’s attorneys filed a motion to compel answers to interrogatories and for sanctions. At hearing on the motion, respondent did not object to the imposition of sanctions. By order filed on or about August 9, 1999, sanctions in the amount of $1,367.50 were ordered against Grant. Respondent received a copy of the sanctions ruling and order.

 

On or about January 24, 2003, Visalia’s attorneys filed a motion for summary judgment, to which respondent replied in opposition. On or about April 28, 2003, the court granted Visalia’s motion for summary judgment and directed entry of judgment against Grant. Respondent received notice of this ruling and entry of judgment. Following the April 28, 2003 ruling on the motion for summary judgment, respondent took no further action on Grant’s behalf in relation to Grant v. Visalia. The judgment against Grant in Grant v. Visalia is now final. Respondent did not inform Grant of the entry of judgment, nor discuss with her options for appeal or other relief.

 

On or about June 13, 2003, Grant sent a letter to respondent requesting an update on the status of the Grant v. Visalia matter. Respondent received the June 13, 2003 letter. Respondent did not contact Grant in response to the June 13, 2003 letter.

 

On or about September 23, 2003, Grant sent another letter to respondent requesting an update of the status of the Grant v. Visalia matter. Respondent received the September 23, 2003 letter. Respondent did not contact Grant in response to the September 23, 2003 letter.

 

At no time did respondent inform Grant of his failure to respond timely and appropriately to Visalia’s discovery requests. At no time did respondent inform Grant of the award of sanctions against her. At no time did respondent inform Grant of the entry of summary judgment against her or the finality of judgment in Grant v. Visalia.

 

Conclusions of Law

 

1. By delaying from at least on or about September 23, 2003, until on or about January 5, 2005, to pay Grant the remaining $9,296.67 of the Clarendon settlement proceeds, respondent failed to pay promptly, as requested by a client, funds in respondent’s possession which his client was entitled to receive, in wilful violation of role 4-100(B)(4) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

 

2. By failing from at least August 8, 2002 through September 23, 2003, to ascertain the status and amount of the potential Combined Benefits lien in the Grant v. Henry matter, as requested by Grant, respondent intentionally, recklessly, or repeatedly failed to perform legal services with competence, in wilful violation of Rule 3-110(A) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

 

3. By failing to represent Grant’s interests in the litigation of Grant v. Visalia, and specifically by failing to respond in a timely and otherwise appropriate fashion to Visalia’s discovery requests and discuss options for relief from summary judgment, respondent intentionally, recklessly, or repeatedly failed to perform legal services with competence, in wilful violation of Rule 3-110(A) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

 

4. By failing to respond to Grant’s letters of June 13, 2003 and September 23, 2003 regarding the status of Grant v. Visalia, respondent failed to promptly respond to reasonable status inquiries of a client, in a matter in which he agreed to provide legal services, in wilful violation of Business and Professions Code, section 6068(m).

 

5. By failing to inform Grant of his failure to respond to Visalia’s discovery requests, the award of sanctions against her, the entry of summary judgment, and the finality of judgment in Grant v. Visalia, respondent failed to keep a client reasonably informed of significant developments in a matter in which respondent had agreed to provide legal services, in wilful violation of Business and Professions Code, section 6068(m).

 

PENDING PROCEEDINGS.

 

The disclosure date referred to, on page one, paragraph A.(7), was January 12, 2006.

 

DISMISSALS.

 

The parties respectfully request the Court to dismiss the following alleged violations in the interest of justice:

 

Case No.: 04-O-15379, Count: One (A), Alleged Violation: RPC 3-110(a)

 

Case No.: 04-O-15379, Count: One (B), Alleged Violation: B&P Code § 6068(m)

 

COSTS OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS.

 

Respondent acknowledges that the Office of the Chief Trial Counsel has informed respondent that as of January 12, 2005, the estimated prosecution costs in this matter are approximately $2,764.57. Respondent acknowledges that this figure is an estimate only and that it does not include State Bar Court costs which will be included in any final cost assessment. Respondent further acknowledges that should this stipulation be rejected or should relief from the stipulation be granted, the costs in this matter may increase due to the cost of further proceedings.

 

AUTHORITIES SUPPORTING DISCIPLINE.

 

In the Matter of Hanson (Review Dept. 1994) 2 Cal. State Bar Ct. Rptr. 703

 

In the Matter of Respondent G (Review Dept. 1992) 2 Cal. State Bar Ct. Rptr. 181

 

Hulland v. State Bar (1972) 8 Cal.3d 440

 

AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Standard 1.2(b)(iv) - Significant Harm

 

PRIOR DISCIPLINE.

 

Respondent has no prior discipline and was admitted in 1975.

 

FACTS SUPPORTING AGGRAVATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Ms. Grant lost her cause of action due to respondent’s failure to perform on her case.

 

MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Standard 1.2(e)(v) - Cooperation

 

FACTS SUPPORTING MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES.

 

Respondent has been cooperative with the State Bar in the stipulation of this matter.

 

STATE BAR ETHICS SCHOOL.

 

Because respondent has agreed to attend State Bar Ethics School as part of this stipulation, respondent may receive Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit upon the satisfactory completion of State Bar Ethics School.

 

NOLO CONTENDERE.

 

Respondent pleads nolo contendere to the facts and understands that he will be found culpable of violations of the specified statutes and/or Rules of Professional Conduct.


LAW OFFICE MANAGEMENT CONDITIONS

Case Number(s): 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849

In the Matter of: Edward Baxter Chatoian

 

checked. a. Within 90 days/  months/  years of the effective date of the discipline herein, Respondent must develop a law office management/organization plan, which must be approved by the Office of Probation. This plan must include procedures to (1) send periodic reports to clients; (2) document telephone messages received and sent; (3) maintain files; (4) meet deadlines; (5) withdraw as attorney, whether of record or not, when clients cannot be contacted or located; (6) train and supervise support personnel; and (7) address any subject area or deficiency that caused or contributed to Respondent’s misconduct in the current proceeding.

<<not>> checked. b. Within days/  months/  years of the effective date of the discipline herein, Respondent must submit to the Office of Probation satisfactory evidence of completion of no less than  hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) approved courses in law office management, attorney client relations and/or general legal ethics. This requirement is separate from any MCLE requirement, and Respondent will not receive MCLE credit for attending these courses (Rule 3201, Rules of Procedure of the State Bar.)

<<not>> checked. c. Within 30 days of the effective date of the discipline, Respondent must join the Law Practice Management and Technology Section of the State Bar of California and pay the dues and costs of enrollment for  year(s). Respondent must furnish satisfactory evidence of membership in the section to the Office of Probation of the State Bar of California in the first report required.

Other: 


Nolo Contendere Plea

Case Number(s): 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849

In the Matter of: Edward Baxter Chatoian

 

Business and Professions Code § 6085.5 Disciplinary Charges; Pleas to Allegations

 

There are three kinds of pleas to the allegations of a notice of disciplinary charges or other pleading which initiates a disciplinary proceeding against a member:

 

(a)  Admission of culpability.

 

(b)  Denial of culpability.

 

(c)  Nolo contendere, subject to the approval of the State Bar Court. The court shall ascertain whether the member completely understands that a plea of nolo contendere shall be considered the same as an admission of culpability and that, upon a plea of nolo contendere, the court shall find the member culpable. The legal effect of such a plea shall be the same as that of an admission of culpability for all purposes, except that the plea and any admissions required by the count during any inquiry it makes as to the voluntariness of, or the factual basis for, the pleas, may not be used against the member as an admission in any civil suit based upon or growing out of the act upon which the disciplinary proceeding is based. (Added by Stats. 1996 ch. 1104.)(emphasis supplied)

 

RULE 133, Rules of Procedure of the State Bar of California STIPULATION AS TO FACTS, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DISPOSITION

 

 

(a) A proposed stipulation as to facts, conclusions of law, and disposition shall set forth each of the following:…

 

(5) a statement that respondent either

 

(i) admits the facts set forth in the stipulation are true and that he or she is culpable of violations of the specified statutes and/or Rules of Professional Conduct or

 

(ii) pleads halo contendere to those facts and violations. If the respondent pleads nolo contendere, the stipulation shall include each of the following:

 

(a) an acknowledgment that the respondent completely understands that the plea of nolo contendere shall be considered the same as an admission of the stipulated facts and of his or her culpability of the statutes and/or Rules of Professional Conduct specified in the stipulation; and

 

(b) if requested by the Court, a statement by the deputy trial counsel that the factual stipulations are supported by evidence obtained in the Slate Bar investigation of the matter. (emphasis supplied)

 

I, the Respondent in this matter, have read the applicable provisions of Business and Professions Code section 6085.5 and rule 133(a)(5)of the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar. I plead nolo contendere to the charges set forth in this stipulation and I completely understand that my plea will be considered the same as an admission of culpability except as stated in Business and Professions Code section 6085.5(c).

 

Signed by:

Respondent: Edward B. Chatoian

Date: January 27, 2006


SIGNATURE OF THE PARTIES

Case Number(s): 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849

In the Matter of: Edward Baxter Chatoian

 

By their signatures below, the parties and their counsel, as applicable, signify their agreement with each of the recitation and each of the terms and conditions of this Stipulation Re Facts, Conclusions of Law and Disposition.

 

Signed by:

 

Respondent: Edward Baxter Chatoian

Date: January 27, 2006

 

Respondent’s Counsel: Michael Wine

Date: January 30, 2006

 

Deputy Trial Counsel: Robin B. Brune

Date: February 2, 2006


REPROVAL ORDER

Case Number(s): 04-O-15379, 04-O-15849

In the Matter of: Edward Baxter Chatoian

Finding the stipulation to be fair to the parties and that it adequately protects the public, IT IS ORDERED that the requested dismissal of counts/charges, if any, is GRANTED without prejudice, and:

checked. The stipulated facts and disposition are APPROVED AND THE REPROVAL IMPOSED.

<<not>> checked. The stipulated facts and disposition are APPROVED AS MODIFIED as set forth below, and the REPROVAL IMPOSED.

checked. All court dates in the Hearing Department are vacated.

Pursuant to the terms of the stipulation between the parties, case no. 04-O-15379 is dismissed without prejudice.

The parties are bound by the stipulation as approved unless: 1) a motion to withdraw or modify the stipulation, filed within 15 days after service of this order, is granted; or 2) this court modifies or further modifies the approved stipulation. (See rule 135(b), Rules of Procedure.) Otherwise the stipulation shall be effective 15 days after service of this order.

Failure to comply with any conditions attached to this reproval man constitute cause for a separate proceeding for willful breach of rule 1-110, Rules of Professional Conduct.

Signed by:

Judge of the State Bar Court: Joann M. Remke

Date: March 8, 2006


CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

[Rule 62(b);Rules Proc. ; Code Civ. Proc., § 1013a(4)]

 

I am a Case Administrator of the State Bar Court of California. I am over the age of eighteen and not a party to the within proceeding. Pursuant to standard court practice, in the City and County of San Francisco, on March 8, 2006, I deposited a true copy of the following document(s):

 

STIPULATION RE FACTS, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DISPOSITION AND ORDER APPROVING

 

in a sealed envelope for collection and mailing on that date as follows:

 

checked. by first-class mail, with postage thereon fully prepaid, through the United States Postal Service at San Francisco, California, addressed as follows:

 

MICHAEL E. WINE

301 N. LAKE AVE. STE 800

PASADENA, CA 91101-5113

 

checked. by interoffice mail through a facility regularly maintained by the State Bar of California addressed as follows:

 

ROBIN BRUNE, Enforcement, San Francisco

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed in San Francisco, California, on March 8, 2006.

 

Signed by:

Bernadette C.O. Molina

Case Administrator

State Bar Court