In re Severson
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In re Severson
Opinion of the Court
Petitioner Larry S. Severson has filed a petition for reinstatement to the practice of law. In 2015, we indefinitely suspended Severson, with no right to petition for reinstatement for at least 1 year. After considering Severson's petition, a panel of the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board recommended reinstatement, concluding that Severson had "prove[n] by clear and convincing evidence that he has undergone the requisite moral change to render him fit to resume the practice of law and has demonstrated sufficient remorse for his misconduct." The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility challenges a number of the panel's findings and disagrees with the panel's recommendation. Based on our independent review of the record, we hold that the panel's finding that Severson has undergone the necessary moral change was not clearly erroneous. Because Severson has shown by clear and convincing evidence that he has satisfied the requirements for reinstatement to the practice of law in Minnesota, we grant the petition and reinstate Severson, subject to a 2-year period of probation.
FACTS
Severson was admitted to practice law in Minnesota in 1975. On February 18, 2015, we indefinitely suspended Severson, with no right to petition for reinstatement for a minimum of 1 year, for improper business *27dealings with a client and misrepresentation. In re Severson ,
Severson offered to invest the $500,000 that D.S. had received from the conservatorship, and in June 1996, the two entered into an investment agreement.
In 2007, D.S. asked Severson to return the $500,000.
D.S. eventually hired an attorney to help her recover the $500,000 principal.
Severson made misrepresentations to D.S. during the course of their legal dispute and to the Director during the disciplinary investigation, in violation of Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 8.1(a)-(b), 8.4(c)-(d). Severson ,
For the misconduct described above, we indefinitely suspended Severson.
On June 7, 2017, Severson filed the current petition for reinstatement. A panel considered his petition at a hearing. Severson's evidence included a letter he wrote to D.S. and progress notes prepared by K.A., Severson's therapist since February 2017. Severson, K.A., and two character witnesses, S.P. and D.D., testified. The panel issued its findings of fact and recommended that we grant Severson's petition for reinstatement. The Director challenges several of the panel's findings of fact and recommendation.
ANALYSIS
We have the sole responsibility for determining whether an attorney should be reinstated to the practice of law. In re Kadrie ,
A suspended attorney "bears the burden of establishing that reinstatement should be granted." In re Stockman ,
I.
Proof of moral change "is the most important factor" in determining whether an attorney should be reinstated. Stockman ,
Remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the misconduct
To establish the requisite moral change, Severson must first " 'show remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the misconduct.' " Stockman ,
The panel found that Severson "expressed remorse." The panel noted Severson's testimony "that he felt remorse and was sorry he caused hurt to D.S." and that "he previously had not understood remorse and ... how to take responsibility." The panel observed that Severson "acknowledged he had previously blamed others when he should have blamed himself." In addition, the panel noted Severson's testimony that D.S. did not have a third party to advise her regarding the lack of security for the investment agreement, that he was now able to understand how D.S. felt, and that he referred to his own conduct as "just wrong" multiple times. In relation to these statements, however, the panel stated that it was "troubled by [their] lack of depth." Nevertheless, the panel noted that Severson testified that accepting responsibility was a gradual process because he had been reluctant to take responsibility for something "that bad," but that he "now accepted that the responsibility was all his." The panel found "[t]here is no yardstick for remorse and the panel believes that, to the extent to which he is capable, he is remorseful for his conduct."
The panel noted Severson's letter to D.S. and found that in it, Severson continued to deflect responsibility for how his conduct affected D.S. and blame his financial circumstances, as opposed to his own choices. The panel, however, found that it was Severson's idea to write the letter, that he worked with his therapist to understand how to convey his remorse, and that he worked hard with his therapist to understand his issues, as well as to change his perceptions and behaviors.
The Director argues that Severson did not meet his burden to prove remorse and acceptance of responsibility by clear and convincing evidence, citing the panel's findings concerning a lack of depth in Severson's remorse and deflection of responsibility in the apology letter to D.S. The Director also claims that the panel ignored contrary evidence on the issue of remorse. Severson argues that he has met his burden of proving his remorse and acceptance of responsibility by clear and convincing evidence. Severson contends that our court has reinstated attorneys even when there *30was some contrary evidence in the record regarding moral change.
We agree that we have not required an attorney to put forth unassailable evidence of moral change to be reinstated. In the past, "we have ... reinstated attorneys whose conduct since disbarment was not without blemish and/or who continued to struggle with undesirable character traits." In re Ramirez ,
The Director contends that Severson deflected responsibility for his misconduct by referring to the financial pressures he faced as a result of the economic recession and by minimizing his dishonesty. The Director also raises concerns that Severson "did not disclose [to his character witnesses, D.D. and S.P.] his intent to personally profit from the investments he was making on behalf of D.S." The Director, however, narrowly focuses on small portions of the record in making these arguments, such as certain sentences within Severson's testimony and apology letter, and overlooks the entirety of the evidence in the record. We will affirm the panel's factual findings that an attorney has shown remorse and accepted responsibility for the misconduct if, based on our independent review of the record, the panel's findings are not clearly erroneous and have evidentiary support in the record. In re Griffith ,
The Director also argues that Severson did not prove adequate remorse because the panel opined that "[t]here is no yardstick for remorse" and concluded that Severson is remorseful for his conduct "to the extent to which he is capable."
Based on our independent review of the entire record, we hold that the panel's finding that Severson "demonstrated sufficient remorse for his misconduct" is not clearly erroneous and is supported by the record.
Change in conduct and state of mind
Severson must also prove "a change in [his] conduct and state of mind that corrects the underlying misconduct that led to the suspension." Mose ,
With respect to this factor, the panel relied primarily on the testimony of Severson's therapist, K.A., and her notes from her therapy sessions with Severson. The panel found that while Severson "continued to be defensive and to deflect responsibility" in his initial sessions with K.A., "after working with her regularly for several months, he began to change." Although Severson's progress has been inconsistent, K.A. believed that he was "sincere in his efforts to understand what he did wrong and sincere in his desire to accept responsibility."
After independently reviewing the record, we hold that the panel's findings that Severson proved a change in his conduct and state of mind that corrects the underlying misconduct that led to the suspension are not clearly erroneous. K.A.'s testimony and her therapy notes support the panel's findings on this factor. K.A. described Severson's transition from a person who, at the beginning of the therapy process, just wanted the suspension "to be over" into a person who "was at peace with the work" he was doing in therapy and who was "going to do the best he could do."
In addition, Severson's testimony supports the conclusion that his own state of mind and values have changed. For example, in response to a question regarding what he had learned though the disciplinary proceedings and therapy, Severson said: "Be truthful. If you've got a problem, *32talk to someone else.... Take responsibility if there is a problem." He also testified that he was willing to continue with therapy so that he could "make sure that I stay where I say I'm going to stay."
Taking this evidence together with the evidence discussed above concerning Severson's remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his misconduct, the panel's conclusion that Severson has proven a change in his conduct and state of mind that corrects the underlying misconduct that led to his suspension is supported by the record and is not clearly erroneous.
Renewed commitment to the ethical practice of law
Finally, to prove moral change, an attorney must demonstrate "a renewed commitment to the ethical practice of law." Mose ,
With respect to this aspect of moral change, the Director argues that, to be reinstated, the attorney seeking reinstatement must have "a deliberate plan to return to the practice of law" and "systems in place to avoid future misconduct." The Director relies on two cases for that proposition: Mose ,
In Mose , we concluded that the panel's finding that an attorney had not demonstrated moral change was supported by the record.
But we have not rigidly imposed such requirements without regard to the nature of the underlying misconduct and the surrounding circumstances. For instance, in In re Anderley , we reinstated a disbarred attorney without considering whether he had an actual system in place for avoiding future misconduct. See
Rather than the rigid rule the Director advocates, our precedent reflects a more nuanced approach, accounting for each petitioning attorney's misconduct and circumstances when considering whether *33moral change has been proven. Severson's misconduct arose in the course of his business dealings with a single client, rather than the more systemic client-related misconduct at issue in Stockman and Mose . See Stockman ,
At the hearing, Severson testified that although he has "thought a lot about it," at 78 years old, he is unlikely to reenter the practice of law. And although Severson plans to continue working as an administrator for his present employer, he expressed a desire to help his church and to practice law on a pro bono basis. Under the circumstances here, that Severson does not have a specific plan to return to the practice of law is not a barrier to his reinstatement.
In terms of a plan to avoid future misconduct, Severson testified at length that he has reflected on how to assess when someone becomes a client, one of the issues that gave rise to his misconduct. He also testified that he would be careful about viewing family and friends as potential clients. And he testified about a specific instance when his daughter sought help investing the proceeds from the sale of her home, and Severson referred her to a financial adviser. His work with his therapist also reflects a renewed and ongoing commitment to the ethical practice of law.
Based on our review of the record, we conclude that Severson has demonstrated the renewed commitment to the ethical practice of law that our cases require.
II.
Beyond the three requirements for reinstatement discussed above, we weigh five additional factors "to guide our determination of whether an attorney should be reinstated: the attorney's recognition that the conduct was wrong, the length of time since the misconduct and suspension, the seriousness of the misconduct, any physical or mental pressures 'susceptible to correction,' and the attorney's 'intellectual competency to practice law.' " Stockman ,
Severson's recognition that his conduct was wrong
The Director argues that Severson "fails to recognize the wrongfulness of his dishonest conduct." In this case, our analysis of this factor essentially folds into our analysis of whether Severson has undergone the requisite moral change through remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his misconduct. Because Severson has recognized the wrongfulness of his misconduct, and for the reasons *34addressed above, we conclude that this factor weighs in favor of Severson's reinstatement.
Length of time since the original misconduct and suspension
The parties agree that the length of time since the original misconduct and suspension weighs in favor of Severson's reinstatement. In February 2015, we suspended Severson for a minimum of 1 year. Severson ,
Seriousness of the original misconduct
We agree with the Director and Severson that Severson committed serious misconduct. See Severson ,
The Director argues that this factor counsels against reinstatement "given [Severson's] ongoing efforts to continue to minimize the misconduct." But the Director's concerns about how Severson characterizes his misconduct are more appropriately considered in the context of whether Severson has undergone the requisite moral change. The seriousness of Severson's misconduct does not weigh in favor of his reinstatement, but it also does not preclude it. See Anderley ,
Existence of physical or mental illness or pressures that are susceptible to correction
Severson and the Director agree that Severson has no physical or mental illness. The Director argues, however, that Severson "is still presenting in a defensive manner and still suffering from thought distortions," and that this factor should therefore weigh against reinstatement. We disagree.
Generally, as part of the analysis of this factor, we consider a petitioner's known condition and his or her ability to cope with that condition. For instance, we have considered a petitioner's alcoholism and ability to maintain sobriety. See In re Lieber ,
*35Cf. Dedefo ,
Intellectual competency to practice law
Severson and the Director agree that Severson possesses the intellectual competency to practice law. Although there is no fixed test for intellectual competence, generally we have considered factors such as the petitioner's progress in earning CLE credits and the petitioner's work while suspended. See Mose ,
In sum, based on our independent review of the record, we hold that the panel's findings and conclusions that Severson has proven that he has undergone the requisite moral change are not clearly erroneous. Severson met his burden of showing by clear and convincing evidence that he satisfied each of the requirements for reinstatement to the practice of law. We reinstate Severson, order him to complete payment of his annual registration fee within 30 days of the filing of this decision, and place him on probation for a period of 2 years, subject to certain conditions:
(1) Severson shall abide by the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct.
(2) Severson shall cooperate fully with the Director's office in its efforts to ensure compliance with probation and shall promptly respond to the Director's correspondence by the due date provided. Severson shall provide to the Director a current mailing address and shall immediately notify the Director of any change of address. Severson shall cooperate with the Director's investigation of any allegations of unprofessional conduct that may come to the Director's attention. Upon the Director's request, Severson shall authorize the release of information and documentation to verify his compliance with the terms of this probation.
(3) Severson shall continue treatment with K.A. or a licensed consulting psychologist or other mental-health professional acceptable to the Director and shall complete all therapy programs recommended by the therapist. Severson shall provide the necessary authorizations to allow the Director and any probation supervisor to verify his compliance with treatment, including the disclosure of protected private personal counselling and mental-health information.
(4) If Severson decides to resume practicing law upon reinstatement, he will notify the Director 30 days before resuming the practice of law and will be subject to the following additional conditions for the remainder of his probation:
(a) Severson shall be supervised by a licensed Minnesota attorney, appointed by the Director, to monitor compliance with the terms of this probation. Thirty days before he resumes practicing law, Severson shall provide the Director with the names of three attorneys who have agreed to be nominated *36as Severson's supervisor. If, after diligent effort, Severson is unable to locate a supervisor acceptable to the Director, the Director shall seek to appoint a supervisor. Until a supervisor has signed a consent to supervise, Severson shall, on the first day of each month, provide the Director with an inventory of client files as described in paragraph (b) below. Severson shall make active client files available to the Director upon request.
(b) Severson shall cooperate fully with the supervisor's efforts to monitor compliance with this probation. Severson shall contact the supervisor and schedule a minimum of one in-person meeting per calendar quarter. Severson shall submit to the supervisor an inventory of all active client files by the first day of each month during the probation. With respect to each active file, the inventory shall disclose the client name, type of representation, date opened, most recent activity, next anticipated action, and anticipated closing date. Severson's supervisor shall file written reports with the Director at least quarterly, or at such more frequent intervals as the Director may reasonably request.
(c) Severson shall be prohibited from entering into business transactions with any current or former clients.
(d) Before agreeing to engage in the practice of law, rendering legal advice, or providing legal services to any potential client, including family members and potential pro bono clients, Severson shall perform comprehensive conflict of interest checks and discuss with his supervisor the existence of any potential conflicts of interest and whether he has a financial interest in any possible transactions. If a conflict exists or if Severson has a financial interest in any possible transactions as to a potential client, Severson shall not agree to represent that potential client, render legal advice, or provide any legal services.
(e) Severson shall not engage in any legal representation which would involve access to client funds until a system of supervision satisfactory to the Director has been established or has been determined by the Director, in her reasonable discretion, to be unnecessary.
The parties orally extended and modified the investment agreement twice. Severson ,
Unless otherwise noted, citations to the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct are to the rules currently in effect.
This comment is an apparent reference to Severson's stoic demeanor or "narrow emotional range," which multiple witnesses discussed during the hearing.
As part of its findings concerning Severson's remorse, the panel found that Severson "continue[d] to deflect responsibility for [D.S.'s] problems and blame financial circumstances, rather than his own decisions" in his apology letter to D.S. This finding lacks support in the record and is therefore clearly erroneous. Although it is true that Severson discussed his failing finances in the letter, he did so in a way that demonstrates "that he has reflected on his misconduct and understands how and why the misconduct occurred" and "now considers this conduct inappropriate." Stockman ,
Unfortunately, other panels considering petitions for reinstatement have failed to make findings on these specific factors. See Stockman ,
Reference
- Full Case Name
- IN RE Petition for REINSTATEMENT OF Larry SEVERSON, a Minnesota Attorney, Registration No. 0099363
- Cited By
- 3 cases
- Status
- Published