In re the Petition for Reinstatement of Woolbright
| Docket Number: | 2003-BR-02700-SCT Linked Case(s): 2003-BR-02700-SCT ; 2003-BR-02700-SCT |
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| Supreme Court: | Opinion Link Opinion Date: 08-19-2004 Opinion Author: Randolph, J. Holding: REINSTATEMENT GRANTED |
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| Additional Case Information: |
Topic: Bar reinstatement - Rehabilitation Judge(s) Concurring: Smith, C.J., Waller and Cobb, P.JJ., Easley, Carlson and Dickinson, JJ. Non Participating Judge(s): Diaz and Graves, JJ. Nature of the Case: CIVIL - BAR MATTERS |
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| Trial Court: |
Date of Trial Judgment: 09-14-2000 Case Number: 2000-BD-00660 |
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| Note: | Tammy L. Woolbright's petition for reinstatement to the practice of law is granted contingent on her satisfying the conditions set out herein. | |
Synopsis provided by:  If you are interested in subscribing to the weekly synopses of all Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals hand downs please contact Tammy Upton in the MLI Press office. |
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| Topic: | Bar reinstatement - Rehabilitation |
| Summary of the Facts: | Attorney Tammy Woolbright pled guilty to D.U.I. (third offense) and was sentenced to five years with the sentence being suspended pending good behavior. After service of the Bar’s formal complaint seeking disbarment, Woolbright did not respond. The Supreme Court entered an order disbarring Woolbright from the practice of law. Woolbright has now filed a petition of reinstatement. |
| Summary of Opinion Analysis: | The Bar states that it conditionally supports Woolbright’s petition. The conditions include that she pass the bar examination as required under Rule 12.5 of the Mississippi Rules of Discipline; that she comply with the provisions of Rule 25 of the Mississippi Rules of Discipline; and that she be required to continue to participate in a program, such as the Mississippi Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program or Alcoholics Anonymous for such a period of time as the Court deems reasonable and necessary. The fundamental inquiry is whether the attorney has rehabilitated himself in conduct and character since the suspension was imposed. Each petitioner must include a list of names and addresses of persons, parties, firms, or legal entities who suffered pecuniary loss due to the attorney's misconduct; there must be a showing that the petitioner has made full amends and restitution or a statement to the effect that full amends and restitution is not appropriate or has been imposed; the petitioner must show that he has the requisite moral character to be reinstated; and the petitioner must show that he has the requisite legal learning to be reinstated to the privilege of practicing law. Other than Woolbright herself, no other person or entity suffered a pecuniary loss due to her improper conduct. Woolbright has paid costs and expense amounting to $106.19. Following her arrest, Woolbright fully disclosed to her clients that she planned to plead guilty to a felony and was proactive in ensuring that her clients were not adversely affected by her wrongful conduct. She has sought and received treatment for her addiction. She satisfied the terms of her probation almost two years early. Her community involvement includes many activities. She has not been gainfully employed since her disbarment but has spent most of the time caring for her mother. Woolbright has paid all taxes due to the state and federal governments for the time period since her disbarment and all prior years. Her petition is accompanied by numerous letters of recommendation supporting her reinstatement. Given these factors, her petition is granted provided she satisfies the examination requirements of Rule 12.5 and continues to participate in substance abuse programs. |
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