The findings and recommendations of a disciplinary hearing panel, though persuasive, are not binding on this court. In re Discipline of Stuhff, 108 Nev. 629, 633, 837 P.2d 853, 855 (1992). The automatic review of a panel decision recommending a suspension is conducted de novo, requiring the exercise of independent judgment by this court. Id.; see SCR 105(3)(b).

Based on our review of the record, the suspension recommendation is insufficient in relation to Sipan's admitted conduct.

Accordingly, we reject the conditional guilty plea agreement and remand this matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board for further proceedings.

It is so ORDERED.

, C.J.

Hardesty

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Gibbons

SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1947 A er. cc: Chair, Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board Richard C. Sipan Bar Counsel, State Bar of Nevada Kimberly K. Farmer, Executive Director, State Bar of Nevada Perry Thompson, Admissions Office, United States Supreme Court

SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1947A e