Disciplinary Reporter Case Digest
| Attorney ID | 2704 |
|---|---|
| Attorney Name | Casper, Howard J. |
| DBP Docket No. | 44 DB 1992 |
| Supreme Court Docket No. | 898 DD No. 2 |
| County | Philadelphia |
| Disciplinary Counsel | Harriet R. Brumberg |
| Counsel for Respondent | James C. Schwartzman |
| Decision Date | 2007-04-20 |
| Effective Date | 2007-04-20 |
| Case Digest | In 1992, Casper resigned following an investigation of his theft of client funds. In 2001, Casper withdrew his first Petition for Reinstatement. In 2003, Casper filed a second Petition for Reinstatement that failed to report eight lawsuits, contained mistakes concerning his income, and included a personal statement showing no remorse for his wrongdoing. At Casper’s reinstatement hearing, ODC presented evidence that since Casper’s disbarment, he had been accused of bribery, sexual harassment, bankruptcy fraud, tax evasion, and making false statements. Casper presented weak character evidence and incredible testimony. |
| Rule Violation(s) | Pa. R. D.E. 218 |
| Discipline Imposed | Reinstatement from disbarment denied. |
| Points of Law | As a disbarred attorney, Petitioner “bears a heavy burden to prove that he is qualified for readmission….” Disciplinary Board found that “the record was devoid of any compelling evidence to demonstrate that Petitioner has rehabilitated himself” and was “fit to practice law.” At his reinstatement proceeding: Petitioner demonstrated no accountability for his current or past misconduct; misled his character witnesses as to his own wrongdoing; submitted a flawed reinstatement petition that omitted critical information; and presented testimony that “highlighted [] his lack of candor.” The Board concluded that Petitioner’s reinstatement “would undermine the administration of justice and the public interest.” |
| Report/Opinion | Download |