Opinion
Case Number: SCBD-5827
02-14-2012
State ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association, Complainant, v. Amy Lynn McTeer, Respondent.
FOR PUBLICATION IN OBJ ONLY. NOT RELEASED FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION.
ORDER OF IMMEDIATE INTERIM SUSPENSION
A Complaint and Application for Immediate Interim Suspension has been forwarded to this Court by Complainant, Oklahoma Bar Association, Office of General Counsel, alleging lawyer misconduct. Complainant asserts that Respondent's conduct poses an immediate threat of substantial and irreparable public harm requiring her immediate suspension from the practice of law. In response, this Court directed the parties to show cause as to whether Respondent, Amy Lynn McTeer, is personally incapable of practicing law as a result of habitual substance abuse.
In answer to this Court's show cause order Respondent asserts that she is "clean and sober and completely able to practice law at this time." However, recent and recurring instances of Respondent's arrest have resulted in multiple criminal felony and misdemeanor charges which require this Court's immediate action. Respondent's arrests have compromised her effective representation in several criminal and family law matters.
Respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law effective immediately. This interim suspension shall remain in place pending an opinion from this Court which determines the appropriate final discipline to be imposed or a determination by this Court that Respondent is unable to practice law as a result of habitual substance abuse.
Pursuant to Rule 9.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings, Okla. Stat. tit. 5, ch. 1, app. 1-A , Respondent shall notify all her clients having legal business pending with her within twenty days by certified mail, of her inability to represent them and of the need for promptly retaining new counsel. She is directed to comply with all other requirements of Rule 9.1. If Respondent's condition is such that it renders her unable to complete the notice requirements of Rule 9, the Professional Responsibility Commission is directed to proceed pursuant to Rule 9.3 to insure that notice is given.
DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT IN CONFERENCE this 14th day of February, 2012.
CHIEF JUSTICE
CONCUR: Taylor, C.J., Colbert, V.C.J., Kauger, Watt, Winchester, Edmondson, Reif, Combs, JJ.
NOT PARTICIPATING: Gurich, J.