A Material Limitation

Sexting and sexual relations with a client has resulted in an agreed minimum 60-day suspension approved by the Minnesota Supreme Court

The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility has filed a petition for disciplinary action alleging that respondent Brian D. Chmielewski has committed professional misconduct warranting public discipline—namely, sexting with a client, creating a significant risk that the representation would be materially limited by respondent’s personal interest, and later having sexual relations with that client. See Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 1.7(a)(2), 1.8(j).

Respondent and the Director have entered into a stipulation for discipline. In it, respondent waives his procedural rights under Rule 14, Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility (RLPR), and unconditionally admits the allegations of the petition. The parties jointly recommend that the appropriate discipline is a minimum 60-day suspension.

This court has independently reviewed the file and approves the jointly recommended disposition.

(Mike Frisch)