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88-1616 In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Robert J. Hyndman, Attorney at Law

By: dmc-admin//January 28, 2002//

88-1616 In the Matter of Disciplinary Proceedings Against Robert J. Hyndman, Attorney at Law

By: dmc-admin//January 28, 2002//

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“[W]e acknowledge that under former SCR 21.03(5), which was in effect at the time of Hyndman’s revocation, it was expressly stated that the imposition of discipline for misconduct is not intended as a punishment for wrongdoing; rather, discipline is imposed to protect the public, the courts, and the legal profession. Our review of the record in this matter now leads us to believe that the petitioner has met his burden and that he can now safely be reinstated to the practice of law in this state. We think that Hyndman’s reinstatement and resumption of the practice of law will not endanger the public, the courts, or the legal profession.

“The report submitted by the District 2 Professional Responsibility Committee contained the following conclusions supporting its recommendation that Hyndman’s license to practice law be reinstated:

This Petitioner has waited eleven years to petition for reinstatement of his law license. He has been sober for ten years and will be active in AA the rest of his life. He has maintained steady employment, done laudable volunteer work, established a strong, loving family, reconnected with his family of origin and, generally, paid his debt to society. Although he served time in prison and found it necessary to declare bankruptcy, he has made all restitution and has the promise of a job with his brother if his license is reinstated. The witnesses Petitioner presented at the reinstatement hearing were credible and convincing. …

It is the committee’s considered opinion that Robert Hyndman has made significant and lasting life-style changes coupled with an intense desire to resume the practice of law. …

“In sum, although we are greatly troubled by the seriousness of Hyndman’s criminal activities leading to his felony conviction and prison sentence, we conclude that he has met his burden of demonstrating by clear, satisfactory, and convincing evidence that he has the moral character to practice law in this state, that his resumption of the practice of law will not be detrimental to the administration of justice or subversive of the public interest, and that he has complied fully with all the terms of the order of revocation and with the requirements of SCR 22.26. We further conclude that Hyndman’s activities on behalf of his employer in the 11 years since the revocation of his license, did not constitute the unauthorized practice of law within the proscription of SCR 22.26(2).”

Petition for reinstatement is granted.

Board of Attorneys Professional Responsibility, Per Curiam

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