Not Ready For Prime Time

The South Carolina Supreme Court rejected a disciplinary panel’s proposed 30 day suspension where the attorney had, in four instances, violated a rule that requires court approval and certification of an attorney’s trial experience prior to appearing as counsel. He also had trust account issues that the court found due to an erroneous levy by the IRS that was “unexplained and unpreventable.” Although the disciplinary counsel noted that the trust issues predated the levy, the court “kep[t] [the levy] in mind when determining a proper sanction.” The court also rejected disciplinary delay as mitigation as it was institutional rather than due to the conduct of the parties. Six month suspension. (Mike Frisch)