IN RE DISCIPLINE OF MORRISON, 42845 (Nev. 9-9-2004)

No. 42845.Supreme Court of Nevada.
September 9, 2004.

Present SHEARING, C.J., AGOSTI, J., ROSE, J., BECKER, J., MAUPIN, J., GIBBONS, J., DOUGLAS, J.

ORDER OF SUSPENSION
This is an automatic appeal from a Northern Nevada Disciplinary Board hearing panel’s recommendation that attorney Jeffrey D. Morrison be suspended from the practice of law for six months and one day, retroactive to September 4, 2003, the effective date of his temporary suspension under SCR 102(4)(a).[1]

At the formal hearing, Morrison entered a conditional guilty plea and admitted violating SCR 151 (competence), SCR 153 (diligence), SCR 154 (communication), and SCR 200(2) (bar association and disciplinary matters). After the hearing, the panel issued its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order approving his conditional guilty plea, and recommended Morrison’s suspension from the practice of law for six months and one day, retroactive to September 4, 2003.

We agree with the panel that Morrison’s admissions constitute clear and convincing evidence of professional misconduct sufficient to warrant the imposition of discipline and conclude that the panel’s findings are supported by clear and convincing evidence.[2] We further note that Morrison engaged in a similar pattern of ignoring his clients, the bar and this court in previous discipline matters. Consequently, the recommended discipline is appropriate.

Accordingly, we approve the panel’s recommendation. Morrison shall be suspended from the practice of law for six months and one day, retroactive to September 4, 2003.[3] Additionally, Morrison shall pay the costs of the disciplinary proceeding within thirty days after the state bar issues the bill of costs.

It is so ORDERED.[4]