NO. 26392
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF HAWAI`I
OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL, Petitioner,
vs.
EDWIN
L. BAKER, Respondent.
(ODC 02-248-7446, 03-160-7760, 03-280-7880, 04-126-8106)
Upon consideration of the Disciplinary Board's Report and Recommendation for the Suspension of Edwin L. Baker from the Practice of Law for a Period of 18 Months, the exhibits thereto, and the record, it appears that Respondent Edwin L. Baker failed to provide competent representation; failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his clients, failed to promptly deliver to the client, as requested by the client, properties in his possession which the client was entitled to receive; failed to take steps to the extent reasonably practicable to protect a client's interests upon termination of representation; failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the legitimate interests of the client; knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal; failed to make reasonable efforts to ensure that a nonlawyer's conduct was compatible with the professional obligations of the lawyer; knowingly failed to respond to a lawful demand for information from a disciplinary authority; and failed to cooperate during the course of ethics investigations in violation of Rules 1.1, 1.3, 1.15(f)(4), 1.16, 3.2, 3.4(e), 5.3(b), 8.1(b), 8.4(a), and 8.4(d) of the Hawai'i Rules of Professional Conduct. It further appears, in aggravation, there were multiple acts of unethical behavior and Respondent Baker has substantial experience in the practice of law. In mitigation, there is an absence of a selfish motive, and the presence of personal and emotional problems and remorse. It finally appears that Respondent Baker has been suspended, pursuant to Rule 2.12A of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai'i ("RSCH"), since April 19, 2004. Therefore,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Respondent Baker is suspended from the practice of law in this jurisdiction for a period of eighteen (18) months, effective upon entry of this order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent Baker shall, as a condition of his reinstatement, take and complete the Practicing Attorneys Liability Management Society's practice management/law office audit program at his own expense, and reimburse the Disciplinary Board for the costs associated with this proceeding, as determined by this court after timely submission of a bill of costs.
IT IS FINALLY ORDERED that Respondent Baker 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).
DATED: Honolulu,
Hawai'i, July 24, 2006.