Not OK In Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Supreme Court accepted an attorney’s resignation for the following admitted misconduct

Respondent is aware that a grievance was lodged against him, DC 15-117, and is pending with the Office of the General Counsel of the OBA. The grievance alleges that from approximately 2008 through 2014, Respondent improperly obtained Department of Public Safety media emails for the purpose of obtaining and forwarding accident report information to employee(s) of his law firm. The grievance alleges that from 2008 though 2012 the emails were obtained by Respondent establishing and controlling a fictitious media outlet solely for that purpose and that from 2012 through 2014, Respondent improperly obtained the emails from an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper. The grievance alleges that the employee(s) would use the Department of Public Safety media emails to identify and contact accident victims on Respondent’s behalf for the purpose of soliciting professional employment. The grievance further alleges that Respondent trained, controlled, supervised, and paid the employee(s) to solicit and recommend his services as an attorney.

 Respondent is aware that, if proven, the allegations concerning his conduct would constitute violations of Rules 7.2(b), 7.3(a), 8.4(b), and 8.4(c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC), 5 O.S.2011, ch. 1, app. 3-A, Rule 1.3, RGDP, and his oath as an attorney. Respondent waives any right to contest the allegations.

(Mike Frisch)