Opinion
S246174
03-01-2018
LEE ON DISCIPLINE
Recommended discipline imposed
The court orders that KEON JOONG LEE, State Bar Number 210361, is suspended from the practice of law in California for two years, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and he is placed on probation for two years' subject to the following conditions:
1. KEON JOONG LEE is suspended from the practice of law for a minimum of the first six months of probation, and he will remain suspended until the following conditions are satisfied:
i. He makes restitution to the following payees (or reimburses the Client Security Fund, to the extent of any payment from the fund to the payees, in accordance with Business and Professions Code section 6140.5) and furnishes proof to the State Bar's Office of Probation in Los Angeles:
(1) Peggy Kang in the amount of $1,953.33 plus 10 percent interest per year from February 11, 2014;
(2) Hyunjung Kim in the amount of $6,666.66 plus 10 percent interest per year from August 14, 2014;
ii. If he remains suspended for two years or more as a result of not satisfying the preceding condition, he must also provide proof to the State Bar Court of his 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. KEON JOONG LEE 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 October 25, 2017.
3. At the expiration of the period of probation, if KEON JOONG LEE has complied with all conditions of probation, the period of stayed suspension will be satisfied and that suspension will be terminated.
KEON JOONG LEE must also take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination within one year after the effective date of this order, or during the period of his suspension, whichever is longer and provide satisfactory proof of such passage to the State Bar's Office of Probation in Los Angeles within the same period. Failure to do so may result in suspension. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.10(b).)
KEON JOONG LEE 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.
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. One-third of the costs must be paid with his membership fees for each of the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. If KEON JOONG LEE fails to pay any installment as described above, or as may be modified by the State Bar Court, the remaining balance is due and payable immediately.