Opinion
S235995
09-19-2016
NICHOLS ON DISCIPLINE
Recommended discipline imposed
The court orders that PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS, State Bar Number 214860, is suspended from the practice of law in California for one year, execution of that period of suspension is stayed, and he is placed on probation for one year subject to the following conditions:
1. PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS is suspended from the practice of law for the first 30 days of probation;
2. PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS must comply with the other conditions of probation recommended by the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court in its Order Approving Stipulation filed on May 26, 2016; and
3. At the expiration of the period of probation, if PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS has complied with all conditions of probation, the period of stayed suspension will be satisfied and that suspension will be terminated.
PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS must also take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination within one year after the effective date of this order 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).)
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 2017, 2018, and 2019. If PATRICK THOMAS NICHOLS 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.