IN RE DISCIPLINE OF NOHRDEN (Nev. 12-10-2002)

IN RE: DISCIPLINE OF PATRICK T. NOHRDEN, ESQ.

No. 40534.Supreme Court of Nevada.
December 10, 2002.

ORDER OF TEMPORARY SUSPENSION
This is a petition by the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board Chair for an order temporarily suspending attorney Patrick T. Nohrden from the practice of law, pending resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him. The petition and supporting documentation demonstrate that Nohrden has misappropriated substantial client funds, has failed to respond to the disciplinary complaint and has failed to cooperate with bar counsel concerning other client grievances alleging misappropriation. SCR 102(4)(a) provides, in pertinent part:

On the petition of a disciplinary board, signed by its chairman or vice chairman, supported by an affidavit alleging facts personally known to the affiant which shows that an attorney appears to be posing a substantial threat of serious harm to the public, the supreme court may issue an order, with notice as the court may prescribe, imposing an immediate temporary suspension of the attorney . . . .

In addition, SCR 102(4)(b) provides that this court may place restrictions on an attorney’s handling of funds.

We conclude that the documentation before us demonstrates that Nohrden poses a substantial threat of serious harm, and that his immediate temporary suspension is warranted. We further conclude that Nohrden’s handling of funds should be restricted.

Accordingly, Nohrden is temporarily suspended from the practice of law, pending the resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings against him.[1] In addition, Nohrden is prohibited from withdrawing funds in his client trust account, or from any other account containing funds belonging to third parties, except upon written approval of bar counsel or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction. The State Bar shall forthwith serve Nohrden’s attorney with a copy of this order. When served on either Nohrden or a depository in which he maintains an account, this order shall constitute an injunction against withdrawal of the proceeds except in accordance with the terms of this order.[2]

It is so ORDERED.[3]

YOUNG, C.J. ROSE, J. AGOSTI, J.

[1] Under SCR 102(4)(c), Nohrden is prohibited from accepting new clients immediately. He may continue to represent existing clients for fifteen days. Any fees or other funds received from or on behalf of clients during this fifteen-day period shall be deposited in a trust account, from which no withdrawals may be made except upon written approval of bar counsel or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

[2] See SCR 102(4)(b).

[3] Nohrden and the state bar shall comply with SCR 115.

This is our final disposition of this matter. Any new proceedings concerning Nohrden shall be docketed under a new docket number.