Opinion
S264260
10-22-2020
COLLINS ON DISCIPLINE
Recommended discipline imposed
The court orders that JOSEPH PATRICK COLLINS (Respondent), State Bar Number 163442, is suspended from the practice of law in California for two years, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and Respondent is placed on probation for two years subject to the following conditions:
1. Respondent is suspended from the practice of law for a minimum of the first six months of probation, and Respondent will remain suspended until the following requirements are satisfied:
i. Respondent pays the following sanctions ordered by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in case number SC122588 (or reimburses the Client Security Fund, to the extent of any payment from the Fund to such payee, in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6140.5) and furnishes satisfactory proof to the State Bar's Office of Probation in Los Angeles:
(1) $1,185 plus 10 percent interest per year from March 25, 2015;
(2) $1,185 plus 10 percent interest per year from May 6, 2015;
(3) $1,185 plus 10 percent interest per year from June 24, 2015;
(4) $1,185 plus 10 percent interest per year from July 1, 2015; and
(5) $1,560 plus 10 percent interest per year from July 15, 2015.
ii. If Respondent remains suspended for two years or longer as a result of not satisfying the preceding requirement, Respondent must also provide proof to the State Bar Court of rehabilitation, fitness to practice and present learning and ability in the general law before the suspension will be terminated. (Rules Proc. of State Bar, tit. IV, Stds. for Atty. Sanctions for Prof. Misconduct, std. 1.2(c)(1).)
2. Respondent must also comply with the other conditions of probation recommended by the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on July 17, 2020.
3. At the expiration of the period of probation, if Respondent has complied with all conditions of probation, the period of stayed suspension will be satisfied and that suspension will be terminated.
Respondent must provide to the State Bar's Office of Probation proof of taking and passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination as recommended by the Hearing Department in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on July 17, 2020. Failure to do so may result in suspension. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.10(b).)
Respondent must also comply with California Rules of Court, rule 9.20, and perform the acts specified in subdivisions (a) and (c) of that rule within 30 and 40 calendar days, respectively, after the effective date of this order. Failure to do so may result in disbarment or suspension. Respondent must also maintain the records of compliance as required by the conditions of probation.
Costs are awarded to the State Bar in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6086.10 and are enforceable both as provided in Business and Professions Code section 6140.7 and as a money judgment.