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STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. KNIGHT2015 OK 59Case Number: SCBD-6262Decided: 09/29/2015THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Cite as: 2015 OK 59, __ P.3d __

NOTICE: THIS OPINION HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION. 
UNTIL RELEASED, IT IS SUBJECT TO REVISION OR WITHDRAWAL. 




STATE OF OKLAHOMA ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION, 
Complainant,v.DAVID WILLIAM KNIGHT, Respondent.
PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING
¶0 Respondent, a lawyer licensed in Oklahoma, received a one-year suspension 
of his professional license by a previous order of this Court, and his license 
is currently suspended. He practiced law in Oklahoma after the order of 
suspension became effective and he did not inform his clients of his suspension. 
The Oklahoma Bar Association filed a formal Complaint in this Court against 
Respondent alleging his unauthorized practice of law and his failure to 
cooperate with the Bar Association's investigation. A hearing was held before a 
trial panel of the Oklahoma Professional Responsibility Tribunal and the trial 
panel recommended a professional discipline by a suspension of Respondent's 
license for a period not less than two years and one day. We hold that the 
appropriate professional discipline is a suspension of Respondent's license for 
a period of two years and one day (2 years and 1 day) and assess costs against 
him in the amount of one-thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four dollars and 
ninety-six cents ($1,854.96).
RESPONDENT IS SUSPENDED FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW FOR TWO 
YEARS AND ONE DAY EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE THIS OPINION IS FINAL;AND RESPONDENT 
SHALL PAY COSTS WITHIN NINETY DAYS 
Katherine Ogden, Assistant General Counsel, Oklahoma Bar Association, 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for Complainant.David W. Knight, Wichita Falls, 
Texas, pro se.
EDMONDSON, J.
¶1 This professional disciplinary proceeding arose after the respondent 
lawyer, David W. Knight, (1) practiced law in Oklahoma while his license was 
suspended by this Court, (2) failed to follow the rules for a lawyer with a 
suspended license, and (3) failed to timely and adequately respond to the 
Oklahoma Bar Association's requests for information in this proceeding. Knight's 
license to practice law is currently suspended. We suspend Knight's license to 
practice law for a period of two years and one day effective on the date this 
opinion is final and order him to pay costs in the amount of one-thousand, eight 
hundred and fifty-four dollars and ninety-six cents ($1,854.96), within ninety 
days of the date this opinion is final. 
¶2 Knight was admitted to the practice of law in Oklahoma on October 14, 
1982. Knight has also been licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. On 
July 16, 2014, this Court suspended Knight's license to practice law in Oklahoma 
for a period of one year. State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Knight, 
2014 OK 71, 330 P.3d 1216. This previous proceeding arose in 
Oklahoma as a reciprocal discipline case after the Grievance committee of the 
State Bar of Texas (District 14) ordered a one-year suspension of Knight's Texas 
license for his violation of Rules 1.01(b)(1), 1.03(a), and 1.15(d) of the Texas 
Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct (TDRPC).1 
¶3 Knight made no appearance in his previous Oklahoma 
disciplinary proceeding. His one-year suspension was imposed by the Court's 
opinion dated July 16, 2014, and that opinion did not explicitly find that an 
immediate implementation of discipline was necessary to protect the public. The 
Court's public docket on the internet shows that Knight's opinion imposing a 
one-year suspension was mailed to the parties on July 16, 2014. This internet 
docket was available for public viewing when the Court's opinion was filed, and 
Knight could have accessed this docket and verified the information when he 
received his copy in the mail. By application of Disciplinary Rule 6.15,2 Oklahoma Supreme Court 
Rule 1.193,3 and the opinions of this Court explaining the effective 
date for imposition of lawyer discipline,4 Knight could have timely sought a rehearing between 
July 17, 2014 and August 5, 2014, and without a timely filed petition for 
rehearing his one-year suspension was effective on August 6, 2014. 

I. Respondent's Representation of Brackett After Suspension 
Date
¶4 Brackett, a resident of Texas, paid Knight $1,500.00 to represent him in 
an Oklahoma criminal misdemeanor proceeding, State v. Brackett, 
CM-2014-88, Cotton County, Oklahoma. On August 13, 2014, Knight and Brackett 
traveled to the Cotton County Courthouse where Knight negotiated a plea for 
Brackett with Assistant District Attorney Mark Clark. On that date Knight signed 
and acknowledged before Judge Flanagan a waiver of a jury trial on behalf of 
Brackett. Also at that time an order was presented to Judge Flanagan for a 
change of Brackett's plea. Knight executed these documents as "Attorney for 
Defendant."
¶5 After these negotiations Knight informed Brackett that he would need to 
appear at the next hearing and enter his negotiated plea without Knight being 
present. On September 26, 2014 , Brackett appeared before Judge Flanagan without 
Knight or any other lawyer. Brackett was not told by Knight that he had been 
suspended from the practice of law. Knight did not file a motion to withdraw in 
Brackett's case. 
II. Respondent's Representation of Branham after Suspension 
Date
¶6 A Court Minute shows on August 18, 2014, in Case Nos. CF-2011-48 and 
CM-2011-244, Cotton County, Oklahoma, Knight appeared for and with the 
Defendant, Blake Keith Don Branham, at a hearing where the State wanted Branham 
incarcerated without bond, and Branham requested a hearing on his bond. The 
trial judge and assistant district attorney present at Branham's criminal 
proceeding testified before the trial panel and explained Knight's 
representation of Branham, including Knight's oral argument to the trial court 
on behalf of Branham and the bond he sought. 
¶7 The trial judge testified he subsequently read Knight's suspension on 
OSCN. In the presence of the assistant district attorney, the judge telephoned 
Knight concerning his continued representation in criminal cases before the 
judge. The judge requested Knight to file motions to "withdraw from your cases 
and do whatever the Bar is telling you to do so that we can handle our cases 
here properly." On August 27, 2014, Knight filed a motion to withdraw in 
Branham's case, and requested permission to withdraw "for reason that Defendant 
and this attorney are unable to agree on how this case is to proceed." The trial 
judge and the assistant district attorney informed the Bar of the events. 

III. Failure to Respond to Grievance and Failure to Obey a 
Subpoena 
¶8 The Bar requested Knight's response to a formal professional Grievance. 
During his testimony before the trial panel, Knight stated he was aware he 
failed to timely respond in an appropriate manner during his private reprimand 
proceeding before the Oklahoma Professional Responsibility Commission in 2011 
and in the Oklahoma Supreme Court proceeding in 2014. He stated his awareness of 
his duty to respond to a Grievance when requested by the Bar, but he did not 
know why he had failed to respond to the Grievance in the present proceeding. 

¶9 When Knight failed to respond as requested by the Bar he was subpoenaed 
for a deposition. He contacted the Bar and the date for the deposition was 
continued to accommodate his schedule. During this time the Bar informed Knight 
he was required to respond to the Grievance, and the deposition would occur on 
the re-scheduled date in the absence of his required "full and adequate 
response." In addition to information concerning his representation in the 
criminal proceedings, the Bar requested information on the steps he had taken to 
implement the Supreme Court's 2014 order of suspension.
¶10 The day before the re-scheduled deposition and after the Bar offices were 
closed for the day, the Bar received a one-page fax from Knight stating it was 
his response to the Grievance. Knight's one-page fax states he thought he had 
thirty days from the date he received the Supreme Court's order for him to 
conclude his representation in Oklahoma courts. The Bar telephoned and faxed his 
office immediately after receiving the fax as well as the next day with a 
statement that his letter was not a complete response to the Grievance and his 
attendance at a deposition was still necessary because his letter gave no 
additional information concerning his clients, notifying them of his suspension, 
under what circumstances he had appeared in the District Court, and what 
representations he had made to others and the District Court concerning his 
license or representing clients. The Bar offered to continue the deposition 
until later in the day to provide Knight time needed to travel to the Bar 
offices in Oklahoma City. Knight did not answer his telephone or respond to the 
Bar's faxes that evening or the day of the re-scheduled deposition. 
IV. Knight's Participation at the Trial Panel Hearing
¶11 A hearing was held before a trial panel of the Professional 
Responsibility Tribunal. Knight appeared pro se at the hearing and testified. 
Knight was asked why on August 13, 2014, he failed to inform the trial judge and 
the assistant district attorney that he had been suspended. He said, "I thought 
I had 30 days from the date that I received the - - the notice from the Oklahoma 
Supreme Court to either petition for rehearing or to wrap up my business. And I 
didn't realize it was 20 days from the date of the order." He said that on 
August 13, 2014, the day he appeared in District Court, he thought he had 15 or 
20 days left "to practice or to file a petition for rehearing."
¶12 He testified he thought his appearance in District Court with Branham on 
August 18, 2014, was proper because it was within thirty days after his receipt 
of the Oklahoma Supreme Court's opinion. He was asked the date he received the 
Supreme Court's opinion and how he calculated the thirty-day period. He 
responded he could not remember the exact date he received by mail the Supreme 
Court's opinion or whether he still possessed the envelope used for mailing the 
opinion to him, and he calculated the date the order became final for purpose of 
suspension as "the very, very end of August or - - or the first week of 
September." 
¶13 He testified he was not aware of Rule 9.1 of the Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings and its requirement for notification of clients when a 
lawyer has his or her license suspended by this Court. He testified he could not 
remember when he told Brackett to hire another lawyer or how much he refunded to 
him: "I'm not sure exactly. . . I know I refunded some of his money, if not all 
of it." 
¶14 Knight testified his law office is in Wichita Falls, Texas, and he was 
licensed to practice law in both Oklahoma and Texas. He stated during July and 
August 2014, he employed an office assistant to process his mail, and he had 
"trouble" receiving his certified mail during this period. He stated that at the 
time of his trial panel hearing this assistant was no longer employed by him. He 
also stated this same assistant was responsible for the timing for sending his 
letter responding to the Bar's Grievance by a fax transmission after 5:00 p.m. 
on the day before his rescheduled deposition. After the Bar rested its case, 
Knight repeated his earlier testimony "there was never any intent to violate the 
[Supreme] Court's order and to practice law without permission."
V. Knight's Rule 6.4 Admission and Supreme Court's 
Review
¶15 On April 6, 2015, the Bar filed a Rule 6 Complaint in this Court alleging 
Knight's violations of the Oklahoma Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings 
(RGDP) and the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC). The Bar alleges 
Knight violated Rules 1.16(a)(1),5 3.3(a)(1), 3.4(c),6 5.5, 8.1(b),7 and 8.4 of the ORPC and Rules 1.3,8 5.2,9 and 9.110 of the RGDP. The Complaint alleges Knight: (1) 
practiced law in the District Court of Cotton County Oklahoma while his license 
to practice was under an order of suspension by this Court, and engaged in the 
unauthorized practice of law in violation of Rule 5.5;11 (2) failed to notify his clients his Bar license was 
suspended in Oklahoma and he must cease representing them and violating Rule 9.1 
RGDP; (3) failed to notify the District Court of Cotton County he must withdraw 
from proceedings in that court, also violating 9.1 RGDP; (4) failed to file an 
Answer to the Bar's Complaint in the Supreme Court, violating Rule 5.2, RGDP; 
(5) failed to file his Rule 9.1 affidavit with the Professional Responsibility 
Commission and the Supreme Court, violating that rule; (6) misrepresented to the 
District Court his status as a licensed lawyer; and (7) failed to communicate 
properly with the Bar.
¶16 At his trial panel hearing, the Bar argued Rule 1.16(a)(1) states a 
lawyer may not engage in representation that violates the ORPC, and practicing 
law without a license in good standing violates Rule 5.5 of the ORPC and thus 
also Rule 1.16(a)(1). The Bar argued Rule 3.3(a)(1) of the ORPC was violated by 
false statements of fact to a tribunal, and a failure to correct those false 
statements, by appearing in open court and arguing for his clients when he did 
not have a Bar license in good standing. The Bar argued Rule 3.3 was violated by 
Knight's knowingly disobeying an order or obligation. The Bar stated Knight 
violated Rule 8.1(b) ORPC and 5.2 RGDP by his failure to respond to the Bar's 
requests for information. The Bar stated Knight violated 8.4(d), conduct 
prejudicial to the administration of justice, by his failure to formally 
withdraw from the criminal proceedings where he was representing criminal 
defendants. The Bar also argued 1.3 RGDP was violated by Knight's acts contrary 
to the prescribed standard of conduct.
¶17 Knight appeared at the trial panel hearing where he testified, 
cross-examined witnesses, and argued for a one-year suspension of his Bar 
license. The trial panel was acting as this Court's hearing examiner in this 
original jurisdiction proceeding.12 Knight's appearance before the trial panel is an 
appearance before this Court in this original jurisdiction proceeding.13 Knight did not file a post-hearing brief in this Court. 
We have explained a respondent's mere failure to file a brief in this Court does 
not prevent this Court from reviewing the entire record and the merits of 
disciplinary charges.14 However, our usual review of the entire disciplinary 
proceeding is altered by a respondent's admission pursuant to Rule 6.4. 
¶18 The Bar supplied evidence Knight was properly served with notice of the 
Complaint in this proceeding. Knight did not file an Answer to that Complaint, 
or seek additional time to file an Answer. The Bar filed a motion to deem the 
Complaint's allegations admitted, and at the conclusion of his hearing the trial 
panel granted the motion. 
¶19 Disciplinary Rule 6.4 provides that if the respondent fails to answer the 
complaint, the charges shall be deemed admitted except that evidence shall be 
submitted for the purpose of determining the discipline to be imposed.15 We have followed this rule in several proceedings.16
¶20 A proceeding adjudicating a lawyer's professional discipline has 
characteristics of an adversarial legal proceeding where the parties are 
required to put at issue both facts and legal arguments and this Court 
adjudicates the issues as framed by the parties.17 The private nature of this dispute incorporates a 
party's authority to waive his or her personal rights. However, a disciplinary 
proceeding is more than a merely private dispute, and a party's stipulation or 
admission may raise public interests relating to the merits and require 
the Court to consider those interests in addition to determining the discipline 
to be imposed.
¶21 Purposes of a lawyer disciplinary proceeding include, but are not limited 
to, protecting the public and the judiciary, preserving the integrity of the 
bar, and deterring similar misconduct by the attorney being disciplined and 
other members of the bar.18 In the context of a lawyer seeking to waive his or her 
personal rights by making admissions or stipulations as to unprofessional 
conduct and violations of the ORPC and RGDP, our opinions have recognized 
various public interests that require the Court to limit a lawyer's admission or 
stipulation in a particular proceeding. For example, a lawyer's attempt to waive 
certain personal procedural and substantive rights and admit to unprofessional 
conduct in the context of a resignation pending discipline is limited by public 
interest requirements for making a resignation effective.19 Another example has occurred in the context of a trial 
panel proceeding when the Court has rejected admissions or stipulations when 
they were factually incorrect20 or incorrect as a matter of law21 and raised a public interest issue. In summary, public 
interests may limit the lawyer's authority in making particular admissions or 
stipulations as to facts or law sought by the Bar.22 Thus, we have often explained that admissions and 
stipulations must be supported by the record, and we will review the record to 
determine if a lawyer has violated the rules governing professional conduct.23 
¶22 When a lawyer has failed to file an answer to a 
formal complaint and failed to participate in a disciplinary hearing, the Court 
has found allegations of misconduct in the complaint deemed admitted and imposed 
discipline by a published order. In such cases, the Court reviews the entire 
disciplinary record, including the Complaint and a Bar's motion to deem the 
allegations admitted, and in the absence of public interests appearing on the 
record that would limit the scope of a Rule 6.4 admission, we may state our 
summary of the allegations deemed admitted and impose the appropriate discipline 
by an order.24

¶23 We have stated "In Rule 8.4 cases we have examined the evidence for an 
improper motive for the misrepresentation. 'A misrepresentation must be shown by 
clear and convincing evidence that the declarant had an underlying motive (i.e., 
bad or evil intent) for making the statement.' We have looked at whether a 
lawyer was attempting to gain some advantage by a misrepresentation."25 We have applied this analysis examining intent and 
motive in both Rule 8.4 (c)26 Rule 8.4(d)27 matters. Intent is also involved in a Rule 8.4(b) 
matter, misconduct by committing a criminal act.28 We have rejected an admission to a Rule 8.4 violation 
when the record showed that the underlying required motive was not present.29 
¶24 The Bar refers to violations of both Rule 8.430 and Rule 8.4 (d). The Bar stated Knight violated 
8.4(d), conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, by his failure 
upon suspension to formally withdraw from the criminal proceedings where he was 
representing criminal defendants and the fact of his misrepresenting his Bar 
status to the court.31 The assistant district attorney and the trial judge 
agreed Knight's representation of his clients had been professional except for 
the failure to immediately file a motion to withdraw upon his suspension. They 
could not point to any advantage gained by Knight when he failed to withdraw 
upon suspension. They could not point to any detriment suffered by Knight's 
clients when he failed to withdraw upon suspension. The Bar did not present 
evidence of any monetary advantage Knight may have tried to gain by a delay in 
withdrawing from the cases. The Bar elicited testimony on the potential 
adverse circumstance created by a lawyer not withdrawing after a suspension of 
the lawyer's license; that is, a defendant using the lawyer's suspension as a 
basis for an appeal of a his or her criminal judgment and conviction.

¶25 Knight testified he was ignorant of the proper ethical standards. 
Ignorance may be intentional or willful. For example, it has been a truism in 
different areas of the law that ignorance of facts provides no defense where 
ignorance is intentional and deliberate in circumstances that would, or should, 
require an ascertainment of the facts.32 While Knight's testimony shows that his conduct appears 
to be an intentional ignorance of his ethical obligations, the evidence fails to 
show a bad or evil motive for his failure to timely withdraw from the 
proceedings. We decline to accept part of the Rule 6.4 admission as it relates 
to a violation of ORPC 8.4 and Knight's failure to withdraw in a timely manner 
when representing criminal defendants.33
¶26 The Bar argued that Rule 3.3 of the ORPC was violated by false statements 
of fact to a tribunal and Knight's failure to correct those false statements by 
(1) appearing in open court and arguing for his clients when he did not have a 
Bar license in good standing and (2) for failing to state the real reason for 
his motion to withdraw.34 Knight admitted in the trial panel proceeding he had 
not stated the fact of his suspension in the motion to withdraw because "I 
didn't want my client to know the reason why I had done this."
¶27 A lawyer has a duty to know both the Oklahoma Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings and the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct.35 Knight stated that in 2014 he was not sure of the 
effective date of his suspension order. Knight did not contact the Bar in 
an attempt to discover the effective date of the Court's order.
¶28 We have explained for the purpose of Rule 3.3, a lawyer's professed 
subjective belief when representing a fact to a tribunal will be rejected when 
we determine the lawyer could not have reasonably believed what he or she 
claimed.36 Knight represented to the trial court that he was a 
licensed lawyer. He believed this was correct because he had the subjective 
belief that he was licensed until "the very, very end of August or - - or the 
first week of September." We do not believe that Knight, or any licensed lawyer 
of this Court, could reasonably believe Knight's method for calculating an 
effective date for a suspension order and seek to apply it indeterminately 
across a week to two-week period of time. Knight's defense of subjective 
ignorance does not excuse him from a Rule 3.3 prohibition of knowingly making a 
false statement of fact or law to a tribunal. We find no issue to prevent 
Knight's admission to Rule 3.3 violations. 
¶29 ORPC 3.4(c) states that a lawyer shall not knowingly disobey an 
obligation under the rules of a tribunal except for an open refusal based on an 
assertion that no valid obligation exists. Knight's subjective belief concerning 
his Bar status is unreasonable after he received notification of his suspension. 

¶30 We have reviewed the entire record before us. There is no public interest 
present in the proceeding that would act to limit the scope of Knight's Rule 6.4 
admission beyond that discussed herein concerning Rule 8.4. We agree with the 
trial panel and deem the allegations of the Complaint admitted with the single 
exception of an admission that Rule 8.4 was violated by Knight's untimely motion 
to withdraw and his misrepresentation of his Bar status. 
VI. Discipline and Costs
¶31 Knight received a one-year suspension effective August 6, 2014. State 
ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Knight, 2014 OK 71, 330 P.3d 1216. On June 15, 2015 Knight's license to 
practice law was suspended for nonpayment of his Oklahoma Bar Association dues. 
In the Matter of Suspension of Members of the Oklahoma Bar Association for 
Nonpayment of Dues, 2015 OK 46 (S.C.B.D. No. 6272). Knight's license to 
practice is currently suspended. 
¶32 The Complaint alleges the prior discipline with a reference to this 
Court's opinion. The Court may consider prior discipline for the purpose of 
enhancement of discipline.37 When the Bar seeks enhancement of discipline based upon 
former discipline it must allege the former discipline for the purpose of 
enhancement to give notice to the respondent.38 Pleading the prior discipline in the Complaint gives 
notice to a respondent that the prior discipline may be used for enhancement 
purposes.39 Knight's previous conduct resulting in prior discipline 
was before the trial panel. 
¶33 In lawyer discipline proceedings the Court utilizes a complete record and 
seeks to impose equal or uniform discipline in order to avoid the vice of 
disparate treatment given to those being disciplined.40 We have examined the record. Knight had notice of his 
suspension prior to his court appearances.41 Discipline imposed for the practice of law while the 
lawyer was suspended by this Court has varied because of the additional 
violations of the ORPC that are found in all of these opinions, and discipline 
has ranged from public censure to disbarment.42 
¶34 We have recently stated "We have 'generally imposed 
severe discipline for the unauthorized practice of law by a lawyer whom we have 
suspended.'"43 In State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. 
Running,44 the respondent also did not cease practicing law upon 
suspension for non-payment of dues or inform his clients as required by Rule 
9.1.45 The lawyer in Running was suspended for two 
years and one day.

¶35 Knight practiced law after his license had been suspended for one year in 
a disciplinary proceeding. Knight failed to notify his clients and knowingly 
represented himself to the trial court as a licensed lawyer when he knew he had 
been suspended. Knight failed to fully cooperate with the Bar's investigation. 
Knight has received previous discipline. We have considered Knight's 
recommendation that his conduct warrants a license suspension of one year. 
¶36 A lawyer practicing law in criminal matters should not need the trial 
judge and assistant district attorney to monitor the lawyer's status as a lawyer 
and request the lawyer's withdrawal after being suspended by this Court. The 
Bar's allegations of Knight's misconduct are admitted except as limited herein. 
We hereby impose a suspension of Knight's license to practice law for a period 
of two years and one day commencing on the date this opinion is final. 
¶37 The Bar filed an application pursuant to Rule 6.16 to assess costs 
against Knight in the amount of one-thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four 
dollars and ninety-six cents ($1,854.96). Rule 6.16 provides the costs of the 
investigation, record and disciplinary proceedings shall be surcharged against 
the disciplined lawyer, unless remitted for good cause by this Court.46 The Bar's application is granted. Rule 6.16 requires 
the costs to be paid within ninety (90) days. Knight is ordered to pay costs in 
the amount of one-thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four dollars and ninety-six 
cents ($1,854.96) within ninety (90) from the date this opinion is final.
VII. Conclusion
¶38 Knight violated the Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings and the 
Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct. Knight's license to practice law is 
suspended for two years and one day commencing on the date this opinion is 
final. Knight shall pay costs in the amount of $1,854.96 within ninety from the 
date this opinion is final.
¶39 REIF, C. J., KAUGER, WINCHESTER, EDMONDSON, COLBERT, and GURICH, JJ, 
concur.
¶40 COMBS, V. C. J., WATT and TAYLOR, JJ, dissent. 
¶41 COMBS, V. C. J., joined by WATT and TAYLOR, JJ.: I would disbar the 
respondent. 
FOOTNOTES
1 Knight, 
2014 OK 71, at ¶ 2, 330 P.3d at 1218 
citing the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct: "Rule 1.01(b)(1) of 
the TDRPC states: 'In representing a client, a lawyer shall not ... neglect a 
legal matter entrusted to the lawyer....' Rule 1.03(a) of the TDRPC states: 'A 
lawyer shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and 
promptly comply with reasonable requests for information.' Rule 1.15(d) of the 
TDRPC states, in pertinent part: 'Upon termination of representation, a lawyer 
shall ... [surrender] papers and property to which the client is entitled....'" 

2 5 O.S. 2011, Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings, Rule 6.15 (c): "Petitions for rehearing on behalf of 
the respondent or the Association shall be filed with the Clerk of the Supreme 
Court within twenty (20) days from the date of mailing of the action or decision 
of the Supreme Court." 
3 12 O.S. 2011, Ch. 15, App. 1, Rule 1.193, (in part and 
with emphasis added): "In all original proceedings other than those to review a 
decision of the Workers' Compensation Court or to impose bar discipline, 
the decision of this Court, unless it is stayed with or without bond, shall 
become effective when its opinion or order is filed with the clerk." 
4 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Giger, 2003 OK 61, ¶ 17, 72 P.3d 27, 35 ("We hold today that a Bar 
disciplinary order, the effectiveness of which is not delayed by the filing of a 
petition for rehearing, becomes effective twenty (20) days after the decision is 
mailed to the parties, except where the court explicitly finds that immediate 
implementation of discipline is necessary to protect the public."); State ex 
rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mothershed, 2011 OK 84, ¶ 36, 264 P.3d 1197, 1212 (principle noted with citation to 
Giger); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Bourland, 
2001 OK 12, ¶ 13, 19 P.3d 289, ("Although in most cases where we 
exercise original jurisdiction the adjudication by the Court is effective the 
date Court's order or opinion is filed, a lawyer discipline case is an exception 
to this rule."). 
5 5 O.S. Ch. 1, App. 3-A, Rule 1.16(a)(1), ORPC: " (a) 
Except as stated in paragraph (c), a lawyer shall not represent a client or, 
where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a 
client if: (1) the representation will result in violation of the Rules of 
Professional Conduct or other law;" 
6 5 O.S. Ch. 1, App. 3-A, Rule 3.4(c), ORPC: "A lawyer 
shall not: . . . (c) knowingly disobey an obligation under the rules of a 
tribunal except for an open refusal based on an assertion that no valid 
obligation exists . . . ." 
`7 5 O.S. Ch. 1, App. 3-A, Rule 8.1(b), ORPC: "An 
applicant for admission to the bar, or a lawyer in connection with a bar 
admission application or in connection with a disciplinary matter, shall not: . 
. . (b) fail to disclose a fact necessary to correct a misapprehension known by 
the person to have arisen in the matter, or knowingly fail to respond to a 
lawful demand for information from an admissions or disciplinary authority, 
except that this rule does not require disclosure of information otherwise 
protected by Rule 1.6." 
8 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 1.3, RGDP:
Rule 1.3. Discipline for acts contrary to prescribed standards of conduct
The commission by any lawyer of any act contrary to prescribed standards of 
conduct, whether in the course of his professional capacity, or otherwise, which 
act would reasonably be found to bring discredit upon the legal profession, 
shall be grounds for disciplinary action, whether or not the act is a felony or 
misdemeanor, or a crime at all. Conviction in a criminal proceeding is not a 
condition precedent to the imposition of discipline. 
9 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 5.2, RGDP, emphasis 
added:
Rule 5.2. Investigations
After making such preliminary investigation as the General Counsel may deem 
appropriate, the General Counsel shall either (1) notify the person filing the 
grievance and the lawyer that the allegations of the grievance are inadequate, 
incomplete, or insufficient to warrant the further attention of the Commission, 
provided that such action shall be reported to the Commission at its next 
meeting, or (2) file and serve a copy of the grievance (or, in the case of an 
investigation instituted on the part of the General Counsel or the Commission 
without the filing of a signed grievance, a recital of the relevant facts or 
allegations) upon the lawyer, who shall thereafter make a written response 
which contains a full and fair disclosure of all the facts and circumstances 
pertaining to the respondent lawyer's alleged misconduct unless the respondent's 
refusal to do so is predicated upon expressed constitutional grounds. Deliberate 
misrepresentation in such response shall itself be grounds for discipline. The 
failure of a lawyer to answer within twenty (20) days after service of the 
grievance (or recital of facts or allegations), or such further time as may be 
granted by the General Counsel, shall be grounds for discipline. The General 
Counsel shall make such further investigation of the grievance and response as 
the General Counsel may deem appropriate before taking any action. 
10 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 9.1, RGDP,
Rul 9.1. Notice to clients; List of other bars to which admitted
When the action of the Supreme Court becomes final, a lawyer who is disbarred 
or suspended, or who has resigned membership pending disciplinary proceedings, 
must notify all of the lawyer's clients having legal business then pending 
within twenty (20) days, by certified mail, of the lawyer's inability to 
represent them and the necessity for promptly retaining new counsel. If such 
lawyer is a member of, or associated with, a law firm or professional 
corporation, such notice shall be given to all clients of the firm or 
professional corporation, which have legal business then pending with respect to 
which the disbarred, suspended or resigned lawyer had substantial 
responsibility. The lawyer shall also file a formal withdrawal as counsel in all 
cases pending in any tribunal. The lawyer must file, within twenty (20) days, an 
affidavit with the Commission and with the Clerk of the Supreme Court stating 
that the lawyer has complied with the provisions of this Rule, together with a 
list of the clients so notified and a list of all other State and Federal courts 
and administrative agencies before which the lawyer is admitted to practice. 
Proof of substantial compliance by the lawyer with this Rule 9.1 shall be a 
condition precedent to any petition for reinstatement. 
11 5 O.S. Ch. 1, App. 3-A, Rule 5.5, ORPC:
(a) A lawyer shall not practice law in a jurisdiction in violation of the 
regulation of the legal profession in that jurisdiction, or assist another in 
doing so.(b) A lawyer who is not admitted to practice in this jurisdiction 
shall not:(1) except as authorized by these Rules or other law, establish an 
office or other systematic and continuous presence in this jurisdiction for the 
practice of law; or (2) hold out to the public or otherwise represent that 
the lawyer is admitted to practice law in this jurisdiction. (c) Subject to 
the provisions of 5.5(a), a lawyer admitted in a United States jurisdiction, and 
not disbarred or suspended from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal 
services on a temporary basis in a jurisdiction where not admitted to practice 
that:(1) are undertaken in association with a lawyer who is admitted to 
practice in this jurisdiction and who actively participates in the matter; 
(2) are in or reasonably related to a pending or potential proceeding before 
a tribunal in this or another jurisdiction, if the lawyer, or a person the 
lawyer is assisting, is authorized by law or order to appear in such proceeding 
or reasonably expects to be so authorized; (3) are in or reasonably related 
to a pending or potential arbitration, mediation, or other alternative dispute 
resolution proceeding in this or another jurisdiction, if the services arise out 
of or are reasonably related to the lawyer's practice in a jurisdiction in which 
the lawyer is admitted to practice and are not services for which the forum 
requires pro hac vice admission; or (4) are not within paragraphs (c)(2) or 
(c)(3) and arise out of or are reasonably related to the lawyer's practice in a 
jurisdiction in which the lawyer is admitted to practice. (d) A lawyer 
admitted in another United States jurisdiction, and not disbarred or suspended 
from practice in any jurisdiction, may provide legal services in this 
jurisdiction that:(1) are provided to the lawyer's employer or its 
organizational affiliates in connection with the employer's matters, provided 
the employer does not render legal services to third persons and are not 
services for which the forum requires pro hac vice admission; or (2) are 
services that the lawyer is authorized to provide by federal law or other law of 
this jurisdiction. 
12 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mothershed, 
2011 OK 84, ¶ 51, 264 P.3d 1197, 1216 ("A trial panel functions as this 
Court's hearing examiner and a procedural "conduit" for the record and legal 
arguments making the case ready for this Court's original de novo review of the 
case."). 
13 Schweigert v. Schweigert, 2015 OK 20, ¶12, 348 P.3d 696, 700. 
14 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mothershed, 
2011 OK 84, ¶ 69, 264 P.3d 1197, 1223 (" ... this Court reviews the trial 
panel report, evidence submitted to the trial panel, stipulations, and pleadings 
filed in a disciplinary proceeding as well as a review of the merits of the 
disciplinary charges against a respondent even though he or she fails to file a 
brief in this Court."). 
15 5 O.S. 2011, Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings, Rule 6.4 provides: "The respondent shall within twenty 
(20) days after the mailing of the complaint file an answer with the Chief 
Justice. The respondent may not challenge the complaint by demurrer or motion. 
In the event the respondent fails to answer, the charges shall be deemed 
admitted, except that evidence shall be submitted for the purpose of determining 
the discipline to be imposed." 
16 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. McCormick, 2013 OK 110, ¶ 5, 315 P.3d 1015, 1017 (Rule 6.4 "provides for submitting 
evidence for the purpose of determining the proper discipline to be imposed."); 
State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Rowe, 2012 OK 88, ¶ 18, 288 P.3d 535, 539 ("Rule 6.4 provides that if the 
respondent fails to answer the complaint, the charges shall be deemed admitted 
except that evidence shall be submitted for the purpose of determining the 
discipline to be imposed."); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Edwards, 
2011 OK 3, ¶ 2, 248 P.3d 350, 351 (same). 
17 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mothershed, 
2011 OK 84, ¶ 70, 264 P.3d 1197, 1223 ("A Bar disciplinary proceeding is 
adversarial in nature, and a lawyer subject to discipline is provided with a 
fair and open hearing before a trial panel with notice and opportunity to 
present evidence and argument."). 
18 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Knight, 
2014 OK 71, at ¶ 11, 330 P.3d at 
1220. See also State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Godlove, 
2013 OK 38, ¶ 22, 318 P.3d 1086, 1094 (discipline is imposed to (1) 
preserve confidence in the Bar, (2) deter the respondent and other lawyers from 
similar conduct, and (3) to protect the public). 
19 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Gasaway, 
1993 OK 133, 863 P.2d 1189, 1193 (The Court has declined to accept a 
resignation pending discipline "because it failed to specify with particularity 
the nature of the pending grievances, investigations, and other pending 
proceedings as required by Rule 8.1" of the Rules Governing Disciplinary 
Proceedings); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Perkins, 
1988 OK 65, 757 P.2d 825, 828 ("We do not consider a proffered 
resignation which is stated to take effect at some future date to be a 
resignation within the meaning of Rule 8.1 requiring our acceptance of same. We 
accordingly decline to accept the resignations as tendered."). 
20 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Wilcox, 2009 OK 81, ¶ 4, 227 P.3d 642, 647 ("Because stipulations are not 
binding on this Court, the stipulations must be supported by testimonial or 
documentary evidence to allow a meaningful review. . . When the documentary 
and testimonial evidence shows conclusively and unequivocally that the 
stipulations are factually incorrect, this Court will reject the 
stipulations), (emphasis added). See also Besly, McGee, 
and Johnston cited in note 12, infra. 
21 See, e.g., State ex rel. Okla. Bar 
Ass'n v. Besly, 2006 OK 18, ¶¶ 9, 29, 34-35, 136 P.3d 590, 596, 600-601, 602-603 (factually 
incorrect stipulation on the date certain documents were created could not 
support a stipulation that a provision of the ORPC was violated by creating the 
documents when the ORPC was not in effect when the documents were actually 
created); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. McGee, 2002 OK 32, ¶ 20, 48 P.3d 787, 792 ("Although Respondent has stipulated 
to violating Rule 1.2, ORPC, we have a duty to review the evidence de novo to 
determine if the allegations of misconduct are established by clear and 
convincing evidence. Stipulations of the parties and findings of fact and 
recommendations of the Tribunal are advisory, being neither binding nor 
persuasive."); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Johnston, 
1993 OK 91, 863 P.2d 1136, 1139, 1141, 1143 (In a professional 
disciplinary proceeding, a lawyer's stipulation or admission in the form of an 
agreed conclusion of law that his professional conduct violated Rule 8.4(c) of 
the ORPC did not prevent the Court from determining that the record failed to 
show the lawyer's motive [bad or evil intent] that was necessary for holding 
that the lawyer violated Rule 8.4). 
22 We need not analyze specific public interests that may 
arise when the Bar seeks an admission from a lawyer in the context of a trial 
panel proceeding or a Rule 6.4 admission in the contexts of a lawyer appearing 
or not appearing at a trial panel hearing. But we note the following from 
McGee and Johnston cited in note 21 supra.
Public interests that may arise in a lawyer disciplinary proceeding include, 
but are not limited to, the public's interest in uniform non-retroactive 
enforcement of substantive rules impacting a Bar license. See, 
e.g., Dolese Bros. Co. v. State ex rel. Okla. Tax Commission, 
2003 OK 4, ¶ 9, 64 P.3d 1093, 1098 (substantive rules are applied to 
conduct in effect when conduct occurred and not retroactively); State ex rel. 
Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Flanery, 1993 OK 97, 863 P.2d 1146, 1148 (whether a lawyer was charged with 
violating Rules of Professional Conduct or the former Code of Professional 
Responsibility was based upon which one was in effect on the date of the 
misconduct).
When a party combines an admission that a rule was violated with contrary or 
ambivalent trial panel evidence on one of the elements necessary to show a 
violation of that rule (such as ill motive), the issue arises whether the 
admission is binding on the Court. The Court's adjudication of a public 
interest will not be bound by a party's admission or stipulation. State ex 
rel. State Ins. Fund v. JOA, Inc., 2003 OK 82, ¶¶ 6-7, 78 P.3d 534, 536-537 (law involving power or structure 
of government may not be adjudicated by waiver or stipulation of parties). 
Further, an admission or stipulation on an element used to define lawyer 
misconduct presents a question of law for this Court. McQueen, Rains & 
Tresch, LLP v. Citgo Petroleum Corp., 2008 OK 66, ¶ 29, 195 P.3d 35, 45 (in the context of determining that a 
specific contract was not made per se unenforceable by the Oklahoma Rules 
of Professional Conduct, the Court treated the application of the scope of the 
Rules as a question of law for the Court). This Court has a nondelegable duty to 
define the elements of lawyer misconduct. State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. 
Garrett, 2005 OK 
91, ¶ 3, 127 P.3d 
600, 602. Finally, lawyer misconduct must be shown by clear and convincing 
evidence. State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mansfield, 2015 OK 22, ¶ 14, 350 P.3d 108, 113.
The extent to which parties adjudicating non-jurisdictional and private 
rights may bind an appellate court on law used to adjudicate their 
controversy (such as parties defining the elements/defenses to an action; or 
admitting the existence of the action on the pleadings or evidence; or by 
omitting or raising their defenses to the action) when they use stipulations, 
admissions, or waivers presents a question not before us in this Bar 
disciplinary original proceeding. But see, Keota Mills & Elevator 
v. Gamble, 2010 OK 
12, n. 31, 243 P.3d 
1156, 1162 (in an action on a promissory note, parties presented stipulations 
that adjudication of action was determined by one of two statutes of limitation, 
but parties' litigation conduct could not prevent appellate court from applying 
third statute), and Reddell v. Johnson, 1997 OK 86, ¶¶ 7-8, 942 P.2d 200, 202-203 (when affirming trial court's 
grant of summary judgment in a negligence action, Court stated affirmative 
defenses must be raised by a party or they are waived, and intermediate 
appellate court erroneously applied a statute of limitations not pled by a 
party). 
23 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Ward, 2015 OK 48, ¶ 31, 353 P.3d 509, 520 ("Admissions or 
stipulations must be supported by testimony and/or exhibits, and we will 
evaluate the weight and credibility of the evidence presented to determine if a 
lawyer has violated rules governing their professional conduct."); State ex 
rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mansfield, 2015 OK 22, ¶ 14, 350 P.3d 108, 113 (same); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Conrady, 2012 OK 29, ¶ 6, 275 P.3d 133, 136 (same); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Cox, 2011 OK 73, ¶ 10, 257 P.3d 1005, 1009 (same); State ex rel. Oklahoma 
Bar Ass'n v. Smith, 2011 OK 8, ¶ 14, 246 P.3d 1090, 1094 (Where respondent admitted to 
violations of both ORPC and RGDP, we stated that clear and convincing evidence 
supported the PRT's findings, and it remained for us to determine the 
appropriate discipline by looking to similar cases.); State ex rel. Oklahoma 
Bar Ass'n v. Taylor, 2003 OK 56, ¶ 2, 71 P.3d 18, 21 ("Even when the parties' stipulate to 
misconduct, the stipulations do not bind us for our duty is to review the 
evidence de novo to decide if misconduct allegations are established by clear 
and convincing evidence."). 
24 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Kerr, 2015 OK 40, 351 P.3d 749 (allegations deemed admitted pursuant to 
Rule 6.4 and order of disbarment issued after stating that: "The disciplinary 
proceedings, and all five counts of misconduct concern the respondent's 
mishandling client's bankruptcy cases and funds and his failure to communicate 
with clients and to the Bar Association."); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n 
v. Raynolds, 2015 OK 
17, 348 P.3d 
208 (allegations deemed admitted pursuant to Rule 6.4 and order of 
disbarment issued after stating that: "The disciplinary proceedings, and all 
four counts of misconduct concern the respondent's embezzlement of his client's 
funds and his failure to communicate with clients and to the Bar Association."). 

25 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Scroggs, 
2003 OK 21, ¶ 11, 70 P.3d 821, 826. 
26 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Wilcox, 
2014 OK 1, ¶ 35, 318 P.3d 1114, 1125, citing Besly, 
2006 OK 18, 136 P.3d 590 and Taylor, 2003 OK 56, 71 P.3d 18. See also State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Young, 2007 OK 92, ¶ 29, 175 P.3d 371 (noting the intent element and stating 
respondent's deceit violated Rule 8.4(c)); State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n 
v. Loeliger, 2005 OK 
79 
¶ 19,127 P.3d 
591 (noting intent element of Rule 8.4(c)). 
27 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Mansfield, 
2015 OK 22, ¶ 37, 350 P.3d 108, 120 ("ORPC Rule 8.4(d) provides it is 
professional misconduct for a lawyer to 'engage in conduct that is prejudicial 
to the administration of justice.' To establish a violation of ORPC 8.4(d), 
'[t]he interference contemplated must be serious' and must include some element 
of 'deceit, dishonesty, misrepresentation, criminality, sexual misbehavior or 
other morally reprehensible conduct.'"). 
28 See, e.g., State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar 
Ass'n v. Dobbs, 2004 OK 46, ¶ 28, 94 P.3d 31, 47-48 ("That admission would be 
sufficient to prove the element of intent in a criminal prosecution for perjury 
and it is sufficient to warrant professional discipline under Rule 8.4(b)"). 

29 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Johnston, 
1993 OK 91, 863 P.2d 1136, 1139, 1141, 1143. 
30 For example, in the formal Compliant the Bar alleges a 
violation of "8.4, ORPC" and in its brief the Bar alleges both a violation of 
Rule 8.4 and Rule 8.4(d). 
31 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 3-A, Rule 8.4, ORPC:
Rule 8.4 Misconduct
It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to:(a) violate or attempt to 
violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, knowingly assist or induce another to 
do so, or do so through the acts of another;(b) commit a criminal act that 
reflects adversely on the lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a 
lawyer in other respects;(c) engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, 
deceit or misrepresentation;(d) engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the 
administration of justice;(e) state or imply an ability to influence 
improperly a government agency or official or to achieve results by means that 
violate the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law; or(f) knowingly 
assist a judge or judicial officer in conduct that is a violation of applicable 
rules of judicial conduct or other law. 
32 See, e.g., Amazon Fire Ins. Co. v. 
Bond, 1917 OK 
96, 165 P. 
414, 418, quoting Ballard v. Nye, 138 Cal. 596, 72 Pac. 159, (1903) 
(discussing the concept of facts putting a principal upon inquiry). 
33 We note that at one point in the proceeding Knight was 
expressly questioned by a member of the trial panel whether his claim of a 
lacking intention to violate an ethical rule was a defense by him to the Bar's 
claim he violated an ethical rule or if it was merely put forward by him for the 
purpose of mitigating discipline. The Bar, Knight, and the trial panel members 
did not address whether a respondent may admit to a violation of a particular 
rule when absent from the complaint's allegations and trial panel record are 
elements necessary to show a violation of that rule. 
34 5 O.S. 2011 Ch.1, App. 3-A, Rule 3.3, ORPC:
Rule 3.3 Candor toward the tribunal.
(a) A lawyer shall not knowingly:(1) make a false statement of fact or 
law to a tribunal or fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law 
previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer; (2) fail to disclose to the 
tribunal legal authority in the controlling jurisdiction known to the lawyer to 
be directly adverse to the position of the client and not disclosed by opposing 
counsel; or (3) offer evidence that the lawyer knows to be false. If a 
lawyer, the lawyer's client, or a witness called by the lawyer, has offered 
material evidence and the lawyer comes to know of its falsity, the lawyer shall 
take reasonable remedial measures, including, if necessary, disclosure to the 
tribunal. A lawyer may refuse to offer evidence that the lawyer reasonably 
believes is false. 
35 5 O.S. Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 1.5, Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings states that lawyers will be disciplined in accordance 
with the Rules of Professional conduct.
"Rule 1.5, Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct
This Court has adopted the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, adopted by 
American Bar Association, acting through its House of Delegates on August 2, 
1983, and adopted by the House of Delegates of the Oklahoma Bar Association on 
November 21, 1986, as subsequently modified by this Court, and as it may 
hereafter be modified by this Court, as the standard of professional conduct of 
all lawyers. Any lawyer violating these Rules of Professional Conduct shall 
be subject to discipline, as herein provided." (emphasis added). 
36 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Dobbs, 
2004 OK 46, ¶ 37, 94 P.3d 31, 51. 
37 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Wilburn, 
2010 OK 25, ¶ 10, 236 P.3d 79, 81. 
38 See also 5 O.S.2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 6.2, Rules 
Governing Disciplinary Proceedings:
Rule 6.2 Contents of formal complaint
The complaint shall set forth the specific facts constituting the alleged 
misconduct, and if prior conduct resulting in discipline, or evidence from prior 
investigations, is relied upon to enhance discipline, the prior acts or conduct 
relied upon shall be set forth. 
39 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Minter, 
1998 OK 59, ¶ 18, 961 P.2d 208, 212-213. 
40 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Clausing, 
2009 OK 74, ¶ 5, 224 P.3d 1268, 1273. See also State ex rel. 
Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Godlove, 2013 OK 38, ¶ 22, 318 P.3d 1086, 1094 ("Although this Court strives to 
administer discipline in a uniform manner, each proceeding is unique, and, thus, 
discipline must be determined on a case-by case basis."). 
41 We are not presented with the circumstance of a lawyer 
appearing in court without notice of a suspension. See, e.g., 
State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Whitworth, 2008 OK 22, ¶¶ 25-28 , 183 P.3d 984 (lawyer's court appearance two days after 
this Court's order suspending his license was not the unauthorized practice of 
law when no evidence showed that lawyer had notice of the suspension prior to 
the appearance). 
42 See, e.g., In re Reinstatement of 
Munson, 2010 OK 
27, n. 32, 236 P.3d 
96, 104-105 (lawyers who engaged in the unauthorized practice of law and 
violated other provisions of the ORPC/RGDP received suspensions of public 
censure, six months, nine months, two years and one day, and disbarred). 
43 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Malloy, 
2006 OK 38, ¶ 12, 142 P.3d 383, 387. 
44 State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. Running, 
2011 OK 75, 262 P.3d 736. 
45 5 O.S. 2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 9.1, Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings.
Rule 9.1 Notice to clients; List of other bars to which omitted
When the action of the Supreme Court becomes final, a lawyer who is disbarred 
or suspended, or who has resigned membership pending disciplinary proceedings, 
must notify all of the lawyer's clients having legal business then pending 
within twenty (20) days, by certified mail, of the lawyer's inability to 
represent them and the necessity for promptly retaining new counsel. If such 
lawyer is a member of, or associated with, a law firm or professional 
corporation, such notice shall be given to all clients of the firm or 
professional corporation, which have legal business then pending with respect to 
which the disbarred, suspended or resigned lawyer had substantial 
responsibility. The lawyer shall also file a formal withdrawal as counsel in all 
cases pending in any tribunal. The lawyer must file, within twenty (20) days, an 
affidavit with the Commission and with the Clerk of the Supreme Court stating 
that the lawyer has complied with the provisions of this Rule, together with a 
list of the clients so notified and a list of all other State and Federal courts 
and administrative agencies before which the lawyer is admitted to practice. 
Proof of substantial compliance by the lawyer with this Rule 9.1 shall be a 
condition precedent to any petition for reinstatement. 
46 5 O.S.2011 Ch. 1, App. 1-A, Rule 6.16, Rules Governing 
Disciplinary Proceedings: "The costs of investigation, the record, and 
disciplinary proceedings shall be advanced by the Oklahoma Bar Association (or 
the Professional Responsibility Commission, if provision therefor has been made 
in its budget). Where discipline results, the cost of the investigation, the 
record, and disciplinary proceedings shall be surcharged against the disciplined 
lawyer unless remitted in whole or in part by the Supreme Court for good cause 
shown. Failure of the disciplined lawyer to pay such costs within ninety (90) 
days after the Supreme Court's order becomes effective shall result in automatic 
suspension from the practice of law until further order of the Court." 


Citationizer© Summary of Documents Citing This Document


Cite
Name
Level


None Found.


Citationizer: Table of Authority


Cite
Name
Level


Oklahoma Supreme Court Cases
 CiteNameLevel
 1988 OK 65, 757 P.2d 825, State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. PerkinsDiscussed
 1993 OK 91, 863 P.2d 1136, 64 OBJ        2082, State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. JohnstonDiscussed at Length
 1993 OK 97, 863 P.2d 1146, State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. FlaneryDiscussed
 1993 OK 133, 863 P.2d 1189, State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Ass'n v. GasawayDiscussed
 2001 OK 12, 19 P.3d 289, 72 OBJ        553, STATE ex. rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSN. v. BOURLANDDiscussed
 1997 OK 86, 942 P.2d 200, 68 OBJ        2333, REDDELL v. JOHNSONDiscussed
 1917 OK 96, 165 P. 414, 65 Okla. 224, AMAZON FIRE INS. CO. v. BOND.Discussed
 2002 OK 32, 48 P.3d 787, STATE ex. rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. MCGEEDiscussed
 2003 OK 4, 64 P.3d 1093, DOLESE BROS. CO. v. STATE EX REL. OKLAHOMA TAX COMM.Discussed
 2003 OK 21, 70 P.3d 821, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. SCROGGSDiscussed
 2003 OK 56, 71 P.3d 18, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. TAYLORDiscussed at Length
 2003 OK 61, 72 P.3d 27, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. GIGERDiscussed
 2003 OK 82, 78 P.3d 534, STATE ex rel. STATE INSURANCE FUND v. JOA, INC.Discussed
 2004 OK 46, 94 P.3d 31, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. DOBBSDiscussed at Length
 2005 OK 79, 127 P.3d 591, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. LOELIGERDiscussed
 2005 OK 91, 127 P.3d 600, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. GARRETTDiscussed
 2006 OK 18, 136 P.3d 590, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. BESLYDiscussed at Length
 2006 OK 38, 142 P.3d 383, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. MALLOYDiscussed
 2007 OK 92, 175 P.3d 371, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. YOUNGDiscussed
 2008 OK 22, 183 P.3d 984, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. WHITWORTHDiscussed
 2008 OK 66, 195 P.3d 35, McQUEEN, RAINS & TRESCH, LLP v. CITGO PETROLEUM CORP.Discussed
 2009 OK 74, 224 P.3d 1268, STATE ex rel OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. CLAUSINGDiscussed
 2009 OK 81, 227 P.3d 642, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. WILCOXDiscussed
 2010 OK 12, 243 P.3d 1156, KEOTA MILLS & ELEVATOR v. GAMBLEDiscussed
 2010 OK 25, 236 P.3d 79, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. WILBURNDiscussed
 2010 OK 27, 236 P.3d 96, IN THE MATTER OF THE REINSTATEMENT OF MUNSONDiscussed
 2011 OK 3, 248 P.3d 350, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. EDWARDSDiscussed
 2011 OK 8, 246 P.3d 1090, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. SMITHDiscussed
 2011 OK 73, 257 P.3d 1005, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. COXDiscussed
 2011 OK 75, 262 P.3d 736, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. RUNNINGDiscussed
 2011 OK 84, 264 P.3d 1197, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. MOTHERSHEDDiscussed at Length
 2012 OK 29, 275 P.3d 133, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. CONRADYDiscussed
 2012 OK 88, 288 P.3d 535, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. ROWEDiscussed
 2013 OK 38, 318 P.3d 1086, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. GODLOVEDiscussed at Length
 2013 OK 110, 315 P.3d 1015, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. McCORMICKDiscussed
 2014 OK 1, 318 P.3d 1114, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. WILCOXDiscussed
 2014 OK 71, 330 P.3d 1216, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. KNIGHTDiscussed at Length
 2015 OK 17, 348 P.3d 208, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. RAYNOLDSDiscussed
 2015 OK 22, 350 P.3d 108, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. MANSFIELDDiscussed at Length
 2015 OK 20, 348 P.3d 696, SCHWEIGERT v. SCHWEIGERTDiscussed
 2015 OK 40, 351 P.3d 749, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. KERRDiscussed
 2015 OK 46, IN THE MATTER OF THE SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS OF THE OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATIONCited
 2015 OK 48, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. WARD and STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. STARRCited
 1998 OK 59, 961 P.2d 208, 69 OBJ        2097, STATE ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION v. MINTERDiscussed













