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Lawyer Proves the Other Side's Case in a Disciplinary Proceeding
Over at my home blog, My Shingle, I've posted on an interesting disciplinary matter unfolding in Colorado. According to the Denver Post, back in 2007 attorney Mark Brennan won a substantial verdict for his client in an employment matter in federal court, only to have it snatched away by the judge as sanction for Brennan's inappropriate conduct during the trial. Brennan's client eventually settled the case for $850,000 with the defendant, but the bar brought ethics charges against Brennan.
Understandably, Brennan is frustrated -- he got a good result for his client and now he's being taken to task. Unfortunately, Brennan's frustration shows at the ethics proceedings in videos like this one, where Brennan shoved, cursed and glowered at ethics counsel. As a result of that action, the bar is now apparently thinking about referring the case to criminal prosecutors to consider charges.
I get that Brennan feels he's being targeted, but as I describe in more detail in my post, why Brennan chose to represent himself is beyond me. All Brennan is accomplishing is proving the other side's case -- and the old adage that the lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.
Posted by Carolyn Elefant on July 22, 2009 at 03:14 PM | Permalink
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