NO. 27633
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF HAWAI`I
OFFICE OF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL, Petitioner,
vs.
PATRICK
W. MURPHY, Respondent.
(ODC 98-169-5660)
Upon consideration of the Disciplinary Board's Report and Recommendation for the Suspension of Patrick W. Murphy from the Practice of Law for a Period of Six Months, the exhibits and briefs thereto, and the record, it appears that Respondent Murphy failed to provide competent representation, handled a legal matter without adequate preparation in the circumstances, neglected a legal matter entrusted to him, failed to act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing his client, failed to make reasonable efforts to expedite litigation consistent with the legitimate interests of the client, knowingly disregarded a standing rule of a tribunal or a ruling of the tribunal made in the course of a proceeding, knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal, failed to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter, 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, 1.4(a), 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 and Disciplinary, and Rules 6-101(A)(1), 6-101(A)(2), 6-101(A)(3), 7-106(A), and 1-102(A)(1) of the former Hawai'i Code of Professional Responsibility. It further appears, in aggravation, there was prior professional discipline, a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, refusal of Respondent to acknowledge the wrongful nature of his conduct, and Respondent Murphy has substantial experience in the practice of law. It finally appears that there are no mitigating factors. Therefore,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Respondent Murphy is suspended from the practice of law in this jurisdiction for a period of six (6) months, 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").
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent Murphy shall, as a condition of his reinstatement, take and complete the Mandatory Professional Responsibility Course that new admittees must take, pursuant to RSCH 1.14, 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 Murphy 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, September 29, 2006.