In the Matter of Edward J. Collins (2024)

Citation: In the Matter of Edward J. Collins (2024)
Parent Document: In the Matter of Edward J. Collins (2024)
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts (state)
Effective Date: 2024-09-20
Original Source: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10281485/in-the-matter-of-edward-j-collins/ ↗

Full Text

1,484 chars

Such a suspension can be longer where, as here, the conduct was aggravated by additional factors.  See Matter of Belanger, 37 Mass. Att'y Discipline Rep. 25, 46-47 (2021) (imposing two-year suspension for serious misconduct including knowingly asserting frivolous claims and knowingly disobeying court orders).  In its analysis, the board found no mitigating factors and found multiple aggravating factors, all of which were supported by substantial evidence in the record.  It considered the respondent's experience as an attorney and the cumulative effect of multiple violations.  See Matter of Williams, 491 Mass. at 1026; Matter of Hrones, 457 Mass. 844, 855 (2010), citing Matter of Saab, 406 Mass. 315, 326-327 (1989).  In addition, it considered the harm that the respondent's conduct visited on the client, who was found in contempt, ordered to pay costs and fees, and deprived of her appellate rights -- whatever their ultimate merits -- by the respondent's lack of diligence.  See Matter of Gleason, 28 Mass. Att'y Discipline Rep. 352, 356 (2012).  It also considered the harm caused to the daughters, who were forced to litigate frivolous arguments and appeals.  The board correctly observed that the respondent's prior discipline was also an aggravating factor.  See Matter of Murray, 455 Mass. 872, 884 (2010); Matter of Saab, 406 Mass. at 327-328.  Another aggravating factor was the respondent's failure to recognize his own obligations.  See Matter of Williams, supra.

Other Sections in This Document (44)

Full Text