Supreme Court of Missouri
en banc

January 31, 2012

Supreme Court Case No. SC92013

In re: Bernard F. Edwards, MBE No. 23020

Note: Probation was terminated by order dated February 5, 2013.

ORDER

PER CURIAM

Now at this day, the Court being sufficiently advised of and concerning the premises and having the record of the Disciplinary Hearing Panel filed herein and said cause having been briefed and argued;

The Court finds that Respondent, Bernard F. Edwards, Missouri Bar No. 23020 , violated Rules 4-1.1, 4-1.3, 4-1.4, 4-1.5, 4-1.15(f), 4-1.16(d), 4-3.2, 4-3.4, 4-8.1(c) and 4-8.4(d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct and should be disciplined;

Upon consideration of these findings, previous decisions of this Court, ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Discipline, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances, the Court suspends Respondent’s license indefinitely with no leave to file an application for reinstatement for a period of six months from the date of this order. The suspension is stayed and Respondent is placed on probation for a period of one year in accordance with Rule 5.225. Respondent shall reimburse Complainant Perry the sum of $2,500.00, and successfully complete the course entitled “Getting Your Law Practice on Track” during the term of probation and provide evidence of the reimbursement and completion of the course to the office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. Should probation be revoked and the suspension take effect, no petition for reinstatement shall be entertained for a period of six months from the date the suspension becomes effective.

Fee pursuant to Rule 5.19(h) in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Clerk of this Court to the credit of the Advisory Committee Fund taxed to Respondent.

Costs taxed to Respondent.

Newton, Sp.J., participating.
Teitelman, C.J., not participating.

Note: To view any specific rule provisions cited in this order, please visit the pages for Supreme Court of Missouri Rule 4 and Rule 5. Please be aware the versions of the rules available online are those currently in effect and may have changed since this order issued.