Opinion
Supreme Court Case No. 01S00-1604-DI-188
05-28-2019
In the MATTER OF: Joseph M. JOHNSON, III, Petitioner
Published Order Granting Reinstatement to the Practice of Law
On May 17, 2017, this Court suspended Petitioner for not less than one year without automatic reinstatement, effective June 28, 2017. Petitioner filed a petition for reinstatement on June 28, 2018, and we appointed a hearing officer. Following an evidentiary hearing, the hearing officer issued a report on April 2, 2019, recommending that Petitioner be reinstated to the practice of law in Indiana. Neither party has filed a petition for review.
A petition for reinstatement may be granted only if the petitioner proves by clear and convincing evidence that:
(1) The petitioner desires in good faith to obtain restoration of his or her privilege to practice law;
(2) The petitioner has not practiced law in this State or attempted to do so since he or she was disciplined;
(3) The petitioner has complied fully with the terms of the order for discipline;
(4) The petitioner's attitude towards the misconduct for which he or she was disciplined is one of genuine remorse;
(5) The petitioner's conduct since the discipline was imposed has been exemplary and above reproach;
(6) The petitioner has a proper understanding of and attitude towards the standards that are imposed upon members of the bar and will conduct himself or herself in conformity with such standards;
(7) The petitioner can safely be recommended to the legal profession, the courts, and the public as a person fit to be consulted by others and to represent them and otherwise act in matters of trust and confidence, and in general to aid in the administration of justice as a member of the bar and an officer of the Courts; and
(8) The disability has been removed, if the discipline was imposed by reason of physical or mental illness or
infirmity, or for use of or addiction to intoxicants or drugs.
Admis. Disc. R. 23(18)(b)(3).
This Court, being duly advised, finds that the recommendation of the hearing officer should be accepted. The Court therefore GRANTS the petition for reinstatement and REINSTATES Petitioner as a member of the Indiana bar as of the date of this order. Petitioner shall pay any costs owing under Admis. Disc. R. 23(21)(b).
All Justices concur.