Opinion
25484
January 27, 2005.
(ODC 00-383-6729).
ORDER OF SUSPENSION
Upon consideration of the Disciplinary Board's Report and Recommendation for the Suspension of Melodie R. Williams Aduja, the exhibits thereto, the stipulation, and the record, it appears that Respondent Aduja mishandled her client trust account and that such mishandling resulted in multiple violations of Rules 1.15(a)(1), (a)(2), (b), (c), and (e), 8.4(a), and 8.4(c) of the Hawai`i Rules of Professional Conduct. Such misconduct warrants disbarment in the absence of strong mitigating circumstances,see Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Cashman, 63 Haw. 382, 629 P.2d 105 (1981); Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Smith, 62 Haw. 467, 617 P.2d 80 (1980); Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Kim, 59 Haw. 449, 583 P.2d 333 (1978). It further appears that there are strong mitigating circumstances in this case. Therefore,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Respondent Aduja is suspended from the practice of law in this jurisdiction for a period of three (3) years, effective thirty (30) days after entry of this order, as provided by Rule 2.16(c) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai`i ("RSCH"). Respondent Aduja is reminded that she may not resume the practice of law until she is reinstated by order of this court. See RSCH 2.17(a).
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, as a condition of her reinstatement, Respondent Aduja shall (1) take and complete the Practicing Attorneys Liability Management Society's practice management/law office audit program at her own expense, (2) provide restitution to the Hawaii Justice Foundation in the amount of $2.73, and (3) take and pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination at her own expense. See RSCH 2.3(d). Respondent Aduja shall also reimburse the Disciplinary Board for the costs associated with this proceeding, as determined by this court after timely submission of a bill of costs. See RSCH 2.3(c).
IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that Respondent Aduja shall, within ten (10) days after the effective date of the suspension order, file with this court an affidavit in full compliance with RSCH 2.16(d).