In re Disciplinary Action against Middleton

David L. Lillehaug Associate Justice

ORDER

The Director of the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility has filed a petition for disciplinary action alleging that respondent Christine Michelle Middleton has committed professional misconduct warranting public discipline—namely, misappropriating client funds, failing to deposit client funds in trust, and failing to cooperate with the Director. See Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 1.15(a), 1.15(c)(5), 8.1(b), 8.4(c); Rule 25, Rules on Lawyers Professional Responsibility (RLPR).

The parties have filed an amended stipulation for discipline. In it, respondent waives her procedural rights under Rule 14, RLPR, and unconditionally admits the allegations in the petition. The parties recommend that, in light of mitigating factors, the appropriate discipline is an indefinite suspension with no right to petition for reinstatement for 18 months.

The court has independently reviewed the file and approves the recommended disposition.

Based upon all the files, records, and proceedings herein,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1. Respondent Christine Michelle Middleton is suspended from the practice of law with no right to petition for reinstatement for 18 months.

2. Respondent may petition for reinstatement under Rule 18(a)-(d), RLPR. Reinstatement is conditioned on successful completion of the written examination required for admission to the practice of law by the State Board of Law Examiners on the subject of professional responsibility, see Rule 18(e)(2), RLPR, and satisfaction of continuing legal education requirements, see Rule 18(e)(4), RLPR.

3. Respondent shall comply with Rule 26, RLPR (requiring notice of suspension to clients, opposing counsel, and tribunals), and shall pay $900 in costs under Rule 24, RLPR.

Dated: December 3, 2019

BY THE COURT:

/s/

David L. Lillehaug

Associate Justice