Opinion
PR 22-0004
06-14-2022
IN RE PETITION OF MARCUS H. SMITH FOR REINSTATEMENT TO ACTIVE STATUS IN THE BAR OF MONTANA
ORDER
Marcus H. Smith has petitioned for reinstatement to active status in the State Bar of Montana. Smith voluntarily chose inactive status on April 12, 2010. It is the Court's practice in such cases, given the amount of time since Smith has been on active status, to require a character and fitness review and the completion of continuing education. Therefore, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Petitioner shall submit to an investigation conducted by the Commission on Character and Fitness, which, in its discretion, may be a limited investigation. Petitioner shall comply with the character and fitness process and timely produce information and documentation as requested by the Commission. The Commission will investigate Petitioner's character and fitness in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Commission on Character and Fitness. The Commission will advise the Court whether the Petitioner has been certified, conditionally certified, or denied certification. If the Commission denies certification, the Commission will issue written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a decision pursuant to Section 5(c)(6) of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission on Character and Fitness. If the Petitioner is certified or conditionally certified by the Commission on Character and Fitness, the Petitioner shall be admitted to the active practice of law in Montana upon payment of appropriate dues and fees and penalties to the State Bar of Montana.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, if admitted, within six months of admission to the active practice of law, Petitioner shall submit to the Board of Continuing Legal Education, P.O. Box 577, Helena, MT 59624, proof of attendance at thirty hours of approved Continuing Legal Education to be credited to the time Petitioner was on inactive status. This may include approved credits previously obtained by Petitioner during the last two years, if any.
The Clerk is directed to provide copies of this order to the Petitioner and the State Bar of Montana.