In Re: Donald R. Dobbins

Summary

The court found that Donald R. Dobbins committed multiple instances of professional misconduct involving incompetence, neglect, inadequate communication, mishandling of client funds, fraudulent filings, forged settlement endorsements, and inadequate supervision of nonlawyer staff. Although the misconduct and aggravating factors ordinarily warranted a two-year suspension, the court imposed a suspension of one year and one day because of the significant delay in the disciplinary proceedings, together with restitution to two clients. Separate writings contested only the leniency of the sanction: Justice Weimer would defer part of a two-year suspension, while Justice Crichton, joined by Justice Crain in dissent, would impose at least a three-year actual suspension or disbarment.