In Re Complaint as to the Conduct of Oh
252 P.3d 325
| Or. | 2011Background
- Bar charged Oh with numerous RPC violations arising from immigration matters involving 12 clients.
- Oh did not answer the formal complaint; Bar sought default under BR 5.8(a).
- Trial panel entered default, found 52 RPC violations, and ordered disbarment with restitution to specific clients.
- Oh sought review; Bar filed opening brief; Oh submitted Form B resignation which court declined to accept.
- Court reactivated appeal; Bar brief argued sanctions were proper; Oh failed to file opening brief.
- Court affirmed the trial panel, disbarment to commence 60 days from decision; restitution order affirmed.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether default supports disbarment and restitution. | Bar asserts multiple RPC violations warrant disbarment and restitution. | Oh did not file a brief; none stated. | Yes; default supported disciplinary sanctions including disbarment and restitution. |
| Whether the Form B resignation was properly rejected and review properly conducted. | Bar argues Bar Rule 9.2 Form B requires safekeeping of client files, which not provided. | Oh did not timely comply; court need not accept resignation. | Form B resignation rejected; review continued. |
| Whether the court should affirm despite lack of briefing by both parties. | Bar contends issues framed by its briefing support affirmance. | Oh did not challenge the order; arguments not raised warrant default affirmation. | Ordinarily affirm where no party challenges the trial panel order. |
| Whether disbarment and restitution were appropriate sanctions under the record. | Bar contends sanctions appropriate given 52 RPC violations across 12 clients. | Oh did not contest the sanctions in briefing. | Disbarment and restitution affirmed. |
Key Cases Cited
- In re Hartfield, 349 Or. 108 (2010) (de novo review constrained when no briefing)
- In re Murphy, 349 Or. 366 (2010) (illustrates briefing-based review boundaries)
- In re Paulson, 346 Or. 676 (2009) (ordinary scope of review when briefing is lacking)
