STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. SPEER

STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. SPEER
2005 OK 24
114 P.3d 443
Case Number: SCBD-4995
Decided: 04/05/2005

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association, Complainant,
v.
LARRY DON SPEER, Respondent.

ORDER APPROVING RESIGNATION
FROM OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION
PENDING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

¶1 Upon consideration of the complainant's, Oklahoma Bar Association (Bar Association), application for an order approving the resignation of the respondent, Larry Don Speer (Speer/attorney), pending disciplinary proceedings, the application reveals:

1) On March 3, 2005, the respondent submitted his written affidavit of resignation from membership in the Bar Association pending investigation of a disciplinary proceeding.

2) The respondent's affidavit of resignation reflects that: a) it was freely and voluntarily rendered; b) he was not subject to coercion or duress; c) he was fully aware of the consequences of submitting the resignation; and d) he was aware the resignation was subject to this Court's approval.

3) The respondent states in his affidavit of resignation that he is aware of a grievance filed against him with the Office of the General Counsel of the Oklahoma Bar Association. The complaint contains seven counts including misuse of client funds and a felony drug arrest. Rules 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.15(a)(b), 8.4(a)(b)(c), Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, 5 O.S. 2001 Ch. 1, App. 3-A; Rules 1.3 and 1l4, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2001, Ch. 1, App. 1-A.

4) The respondent waives any and all right to contest the allegations outlined in the affidavit.

5) The respondent's resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is in compliance with all of the requirements set forth in Rule 8.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2001, Ch. 1, App. 1-A, and it should be approved.

6) The official roster address of the respondent as shown by the Bar Association records is: 104 E. Eufaula, Norman, OK 73069.

7) The Bar Association waives costs in the investigation of this matter.

8) The respondent acknowledges that his actions may result in claims against the Client Security Fund and agrees to reimburse the Fund for any disbursements made because of his actions.

¶2 IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the resignation of LARRY DON SPEER, pending disciplinary proceedings, be approved.

¶3 IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED THAT the name of LARRY DON SPEER be stricken from the roll of attorneys. Because resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is tantamount to disbarment, the respondent may not make application for reinstatement prior to the expiration of five (5) years from the date this order becomes final. Pursuant to Rule 9.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, 5 O.S. 2001, Ch. 1, App. 1-A, the respondent shall notify all of his clients having legal business pending with him within twenty (20) days, by certified mail, of his inability to represent them and of the necessity for promptly retaining new counsel. Repayment to the Client Security Fund for any monies expended because of the malfeasance or nonfeasance of the respondent shall be a condition of the reinstatement.

¶4 DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT IN CONFERENCE THIS 4TH DAY OF APRIL, 2005.

/S/CHIEF JUSTICE