An attorney who was admitted in 1965 has resigned in lieu of disciplinary proceedings in an order entered by the Oklahoma Supreme Court

Respondent is aware that, on February 20, 2024, the Oklahoma Bar Association opened an investigation based on allegations that he breached his fiduciary duties as trustee of a family trust and misappropriated and converted funds rightfully belonging to the beneficiaries of that family trust. Specifically, in Case No. CJ-2019-605 in the District Court of Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, the court found Respondent acted in reckless disregard of others and unlawfully misappropriated funds.

Respondent acknowledges that if the investigation results in Complainant filing a formal complaint and the allegations are proven, the allegations concerning his conduct would constitute violations of Rules 8.4(a) and 8.4(c) of the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct (ORPC), 5 O.S.2021, ch. 1, app. 3-A, Rule 1.3, RGDP, and the Oath of Attorney.

…an attorney’s resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is tantamount to disbarment–he may not apply for reinstatement of his license to practice law (and of his membership in the Bar) before the lapse of five (5) years from the date of this Order.

(Mike Frisch)