Opinion
No. 21-BG-51
04-15-2021
IN RE James J. FOURNIER A Suspended Member of the Bar of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals Bar Registration No. 462429
ORDER
PER CURIAM
On consideration of the certified order of the Court of Appeals of Maryland indefinitely suspending respondent by consent from the practice of law in that jurisdiction; this court's February 1, 2021, order suspending respondent pending resolution of this matter and directing him to show cause why equivalent reciprocal discipline in the form of an indefinite suspension with a fitness requirement and the right to seek reinstatement after five years or reinstatement by the state of Maryland, whichever occurs first, should not be imposed; and the statement of Disciplinary Counsel; and it appearing that respondent failed to file either a response to this court's order to show cause or his D.C. Bar R. XI, § 14(g) affidavit, it is
ORDERED that James J. Fournier is hereby indefinitely suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia with reinstatement contingent upon a showing of fitness. Respondent can seek reinstatement after five years or after being reinstated by the state of Maryland, whichever occurs first. See, e.g. In re Jones , 171 A.3d 575, 576 (D.C. 2017) (the reciprocal discipline of an indefinite suspension imposed by the state of Maryland is an indefinite suspension with fitness and the right to seek reinstatement after five years or reinstatement by the state of Maryland, whichever occurs first); In re Sibley , 990 A.2d 483, 487 (D.C. 2010) (rebuttable presumption in favor of imposing identical discipline). It is
FURTHER ORDERED that for purposes of reinstatement respondent's suspension will not begin to run until such time as he files an affidavit that fully complies with the requirements of D.C. Bar R. XI, § 14(g).