Opinion
Supreme Court Case No. 20S-DI-374
08-27-2021
In the MATTER OF: Edward R. RUIZ, Respondent
Published Order Approving Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline
Pursuant to Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 23 (12.1)(b), the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission and Respondent have submitted for approval a "Statement of Circumstances and Conditional Agreement for Discipline" stipulating agreed facts and proposed discipline as summarized below.
Stipulated Facts: Respondent represented "Client" in a divorce case. During the representation, Respondent made several personal comments of a sexual nature that made Client uncomfortable. Client eventually brought her father to a meeting in which she fired Respondent and demanded a refund. Respondent provided Client with $200 of the $1,500 she had paid.
Violations: The parties agree that Respondent violated these Indiana Professional Conduct Rules prohibiting the following misconduct:
1.7(a): Representing a client when the representation involves a concurrent conflict of interest.
8.4(d): Engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The parties also agree Respondent violated Indiana Admission and Discipline Rule 22 (Oath of Attorneys) by acting in an offensive manner.
Discipline: The parties propose the appropriate discipline is a public reprimand. The Court, having considered the submissions of the parties, now approves the agreed discipline and imposes a public reprimand for Respondent's misconduct.
The costs of this proceeding are assessed against Respondent. With the acceptance of this agreement, the hearing officer appointed in this case is discharged with the Court's appreciation.
All Justices concur.