In re Rogers
In re Rogers
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting.
11While the applicant is to be commended for his recent sobriety, based on character and fitness concerns and the report of the commissioner who recommended denial of admission, I would deny admission at this time.
Opinion of the Court
ON APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR
1 ^The Committee on Bar Admissions (“Committee”) opposed the application of petitioner, Mark W. Rogers, to sit for the Louisiana Bar Examination based on character and fitness concerns relating to his 1995 arrest for a felony drug violation and his failure to complete the sentence imposed by the court. In addition, the Committee noted a lack of documentation regarding petitioner’s prior treatment for a history of substance abuse, and expressed concern about petitioner’s traffic record, which included at least one DWI offense. We subsequently granted petitioner permission to sit for the bar exam, with the condition that upon his successful completion of the exam, he apply to the court for the appointment of a commissioner to take character and fitness evidence.
Petitioner thereafter successfully passed the essay portion of the bar exam, and upon his application, we appointed a commissioner to take evidence and report to this court whether petitioner possesses the appropriate character and fitness to be admitted to the bar and allowed to practice law in the State of Louisiana. We also authorized the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to conduct an investigation into petitioner’s qualifications to be admitted to the bar.
The commissioner conducted a character and fitness hearing in August 2005, pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XVII, § 9(B). The commissioner received | ^documentary evidence and heard testimony given by petitioner and his witnesses. At the conclusion of the hearing, the commissioner filed his report with this court, recommending that petitioner be denied admission to the practice of law in Louisiana at this time. Petitioner objected to that recommendation, and oral argument was conducted before this court pursuant to Supreme Court Rule XVII, § 9(B)(3).
After reviewing the evidence and considering the law, we conclude petitioner is eligible to be conditionally admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana, subject to a probationary period of five years. The probationary period may be extended upon recommendation of the Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program. During the probationary period, petitioner shall comply with all of the terms and conditions of the contract executed by him with the Lawyers Assistance Program, and such other conditions as may be imposed upon him by the Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program. Should pe
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION GRANTED.
. In re: Rogers, 04-1801 (La.7/20/04), 877 So.2d 993.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re Mark W. ROGERS
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published