Reciprocal Discipline of Thoms

[Go to Documents]Filed July 14, 2009[Download as WordPerfect]IN THE SUPREME COURTSTATE OF NORTH DAKOTA

2009 ND 131

In the Matter of the Reciprocal Discipline William E. Thoms, a Person Admitted to the Bar of the State of North Dakota

No. 20090191

Recommendation for Reciprocal Discipline.
SUSPENSION ORDERED.

Per Curiam.

[¶1] On June 26, 2009, the Disciplinary Board notified the Supreme Court under N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 4.4(D) that it was recommending the reciprocal discipline of William E. Thoms, a person admitted to the bar of the State of North Dakota.

[¶2] The Record reflects that the Colorado Supreme Court filed its Order on March 17, 2006, approving a conditional admission of misconduct and suspending Thoms from the practice of law in Colorado for a period of six months with five months stayed upon the successful completion of a three-year period of probation. By Order dated June 15, 2006, Thoms was reinstated to the practice of law in Colorado. Subsequently, upon receipt of a Stipulation agreeing that Thoms was not in compliance with the practice monitoring conditions of his probation, the Colorado Supreme Court filed its Order on October 16, 2006, revoking Thoms' three-year period of probation, vacating the stay on the remaining five-month suspension, and suspending Thoms from the practice of law in Colorado for a period of five-months effective November, 17, 2006. See, People v. Thoms, Colo. O.P.D.J. No. 06PDJ14, October 17, 2006. Thereafter reciprocal discipline was requested in North Dakota, which resulted in a six month suspension for Thoms. Reciprocal Discipline of Thoms, 2009 ND 49, 763 N.W.2d 797.

[¶3] On December 10, 2007, the Colorado Supreme Court filed its Order which approved the Stipulation and Agreement entering a conditional admission of misconduct and suspended Thoms for one year and one day for disobeying a previous order of discipline and practicing law while under suspension. See, People v. Thoms, Colo. O.P.D.J. No. 07PDJ063, December 11, 2007. The Record further reflects on April 20, 2009, the Disciplinary Board Chair executed a Notice and Order under N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 4.4(B) that a certified copy of an order of discipline entered by the Supreme Court of Colorado was received. The notice informed Thoms he had 30 days to file any claim that imposition of the identical discipline in North Dakota would be unwarranted and the reasons for the claim.

[¶4] The Record reflects Thoms' admission of service of the Notice and Order at a Minnesota address on April 25, 2009. Thoms did not serve or file a response to the notice.

[¶5] On June 26, 2009, the Disciplinary Board forwarded its recommendation under N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 4.4(D) to the Supreme Court. The Disciplinary Board recommends that Thoms be suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day. The Court considered the matter, and

[¶6] ORDERED, William E. Thoms is suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day effective immediately.

[¶7] FURTHER ORDERED, William E. Thoms comply with N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 6.3 regarding notice.

[¶8] FURTHER ORDERED, William E. Thoms comply with N.D.R. Lawyer Discipl. 4.5 regarding reinstatement.

[¶9] Gerald W. VandeWalle, C.J.
Daniel J. Crothers
Mary Muehlen Maring
Carol Ronning Kapsner

[¶10] The Honorable Dale V. Sandstrom, deeming himself disqualified, did not participate in this decision.