Charles R. Quinn III (2009)

October 30,1995. He was also admitted to the Massachusetts Bar on June 28, Respondent,Charles R. Quinn,III, wasadmittedto the New Hampshire Bar on

Rule 37(l)(2)(h)and Rule 37A(I)(c). The matter was referred to the AttorneyDisciplineOffice (ADO) pursuant to

follows:

asfoundby clearandconvincingevidence,consistentwithRule37AIII(b)(3)(A).The factsare as

Upon consideration,theCommitteevotedtoacceptthe HearingPanel'sFindingsofFact,

Hearing Panel and Hearing Panel Report.

DisciplinaryCounsel'sMemorandum on Sanction,exhibits,transcriptofhearingbeforethe

Hamel and JamesR.Martinwereabsent.The Recordconsistedof theNoticeofCharges,

RichardH. Darlingand Jennifer L.Parent.DavidN. Cole,Thomas P. Connair, GretchenRule

ViceChair,ToniM. Gray,ViceChair,SusanR. Chollet,AlanJ.Cronheim,GeraldA. Daley,

captionedmatter.Members presentincludedMargaretH. Nelson,Chair,BenettePizzimenti,

On November 17,2009, theProfessionalConduct Committee deliberatedtheabove

Quinn, CharlesR.,ffladvs.AttorneyDisciplineOffice # 06-047

GeraldA. Daley* HollyB.Fazzino,Admin. Coordinator AlanJ.Cronheim *non attorneymember Thomas P. Connair David N. Cole Jennifer L. Parent Toni M. Gray,* Vice Chair 603-224-5828 ♦ Fax228-9511 James R. Martin BenettePizzimenti,ViceChair Concord,New Hampshire03301 GretchenRuleHamel MargaretH. Nelson,Chair 4ChenellDrive,Suite102 RichardH. Darling*

October30,1995. He was alsoadmittedto theMassachusettsBar on June 28, Respondent,CharlesR.Quinn,III,was admittedto theNewHampshireBaron

Rule 37(l)(2)(h)and Rule 37A(I)(c). The matter was referred to theAttorneyDisciplineOffice (ADO) pursuant to

follows:

asfoundbyclearandconvincingevidence,consistentwithRule37AIII(b)(3)(A).The factsareas

Upon consideration,theCommitteevotedtoaccepttheHearingPanel'sFindingsofFact,

HearingPanel and Hearing Panel Report.

DisciplinaryCounsel'sMemorandum on Sanction,exhibits,transcriptofhearingbeforethe

Hamel and JamesR.Martinwereabsent.The Recordconsistedof theNoticeofCharges,

RichardH. Darling and Jennifer L. Parent. DavidN. Cole, Thomas P. Connair, Gretchen Rule

ViceChair,ToniM. Gray,ViceChair,SusanR. Chollet,AlanJ.Cronheim,GeraldA. Daley,

captionedmatter.MemberspresentincludedMargaretH. Nelson, Chair, BenettePizzimenti,

On November 17,2009, theProfessionalConduct Committee deliberatedtheabove

Quinn, CharlesR.,ffladvs.AttorneyDisciplineOffice # 06-047

GeraldA.Daley* HollyB.Fazzino,Admin. Coordinator AlanJ.Cronheim * non attorneymember Thomas P. Connair David N. Cole JenniferL. Parent Toni M. Gray,* Vice Chair 603-224-5828 ♦ Fax 228-9511 James R. Martin BenettePizzimenti,Vice Chair Concord,New Hampshire03301 GretchenRuleHamel MargaretH.Nelson,Chair 4 ChenellDrive,Suite102 RichardH.Darling*

reside inHarpswell,Maine. 1The ADO hasrecentlybeenadvisedbyauthoritiesinMaine thatMr. Quinn may now

Fiduciary, so-called, dated January 26, 2005. TheInventoryincludedwhat On behalfofMs. Lavigne,Mr. Quinn preparedand filed theInventoryof

inventory. The Court granted the motion, extending thetimeto January25,2005. Mr. Quinnsubsequentlyfiled amotionto extend the time for filing the

by October31,2004, and anaccountingby August 3,2005. ofappointment. It then ordered Ms. Lavigne to file aninventoryofestate assets administratrixofthe estate. The Court granted themotion and issueda certificate In May 2004, Mr. Quinn filed a motion for the appointmentofMs. Lavigne as

connectionwiththe probateofthis estate. In or about September 2003, Ms. Lavigne retained Mr. Quinn to represent her in

HillsboroughCounty Probate Court inApril2004. Hillsboro,New Hampshire, a Petition for EstateAdministrationwas filed in Following the deathofMs. Lavigne'slate husband, Edward C. Lavigne,of

case that this matter was referred to the Attorney DisciplineOfficein June 2006. It was in connection with Mr.Quinn'srepresentationofMs. Lavigne in a probate KarlaLavigne, formerlyofSomerville,Massachusetts, was Mr.Quinn'sclient.

"unable to forward." Mr. Quinn were "unclaimed" or returned as"undeliverableas addressed"and District Court for the DistrictofMassachusetts.Notices issued by both courts to ImmediateAdministrativeSuspension was also issued by the United States Mr. Quinn wassuspended from the practiceoflaw in Massachusetts.An Order of By Orderofthe Supreme Judicial CourtofMassachusettsdated July15,2008,

53.7(A)(3). comply withminimum legal educationrequirementsunder Supreme Court Rule Supreme Court dated July17,2007,Mr. Quinn was also suspended forfailureto compliancewith Supreme Court Rule 50-A(2). ByOrderofthe NewHampshire failed to respond to an earlierOrderofthe Court and to bringhimselfinto file his 2006 annual trust accounting certificateofcompliance. Mr. Quinn had Quinn was suspended from thepracticeoflaw in New Hampshire forfailureto By OrderoftheNew Hampshire Supreme Court dated April 26, 2007, Mr.

ofbothstatesis14 ClarkRoad,Andover,Massachusetts1. at 68Main Street,Andover, Massachusetts.His otheraddresslistedwiththebars 1994. At alltimesmaterial to this proceeding, Mr. Quinnmaintaineda lawoffice p. 4 Page 3 of11

as follows: questionwhetherhe hadsignedMs. Lavigne'sname to theinventory.He stated 2007. With respect to the allegationofforgery,Mr. Quinn did not answer the Mr. Quinnrespondedto theallegationsof thereferralby letter ofJanuary19,

This matter was referred to the ADO on June 29, 2006.

relatestowhetheror notMrs.Lavignehadsignedtheinventory...." indicateditwas "extremelydissatisfiedwithhis[Mr.Quinn's]positionas it The Courtinquiredof Mr.QuinnregardingMs. Lavigne'sallegationsand

otherway inaccurate. notsigntheinventory."Ms. Lavignedidnotallegethattheinventorywasin any among otherthings,asfollows:"My signatureon theinventoryisforged.I did representation.Ms. Lavignefileda listofcomplaintsaboutMr. Quinn,alleging, Lavigneadvisedthe Courtthat shewas dissatisfiedwith Mr. Quinn's At asubsequenthearingbeforetheCourtregardingthefinalaccounting,Ms.

May 19, 2006. The finalaccountingwas approvedon September 5, 2006. Mr. Quinn. She entereda pro se appearanceandcompletedtheaccountingon additionalinformation.Ms. Lavignethen soughtleaveofthe Court toterminate However,thefilingwas returnedbytheCourtnotingcertainerrorsandrequesting Mr. Quinnpreparedandfiledtheadministratrix'saccounting,asdirected.

The Court granted the motion, extending the deadline to March 23, 2006. 23,2006,Mr. Quinn fileda motiontoextendthe time forfilingtheaccounting. OrderofNovember 2,2005,theCourtdeclaredtheestateindefault.On January A fiduciaryaccountingwas notfiledby theAugust3, 2005,deadlineand,by

takenandsubscribedto in hispresenceby Ms. Lavigne. as anotarypublic(applyinghisMassachusettsnotarystamp),attestingto the oath possessionofthe total estateofthedeceased.Mr. Quinn executed the document purportedto be Ms. Lavigne's oath asfiduciary,attestingto herknowledgeand p. 5 Page 4 of11

approvalby theProbateCourt. thereof,werematerialrequirementsoftheinventorysubmittedforreviewand The oathand signatureofMs. Lavigne,aswellasMr. Quinn'sattestation

by falselyenteringMs. Lavigne'ssignatureon theaforesaidinventory. and filingofan estateinventory.Mr. Quinnalsoviolatedhisdutyinthisregard signatureandoathofMs. Lavigneasfiduciaryinconnectionwiththepreparation Mr. Quinnviolatedsaiddutybyknowinglyenteringa falseattestationto the

referenced proceeding. Mr. Quinn owed a dutyofcandor to the Probate Court inconnectionwith the

Probate Court proceeding, as described above. Mr. QuinnappearedascounselforMs. LavigneinaHillsboroughCounty

andconvincingevidence.The Rulings are asfollows:

The CommitteevotedtoaccepttheRulingsofLaw foundby theHearingPanel,by clear

See PCC Tab 4, atffi[11-12.

any furthercontactwiththeHarpswell,Maine SheriffsDepartment.

willingtopickupthedocumentswhen he returnedfrom Massachusetts.Mr. Quinndidnotmake

RobertsreportedthathehadreachedMr. Quinnby cellphone.Mr. Quinnindicatedhewas

Abode servicewas effectedon June4,2009.Priortoservice,Harpswell,Maine,Deputy

See PCC Tab 2, atffil1-17.

beenunclaimedorreturnedasundeliverable,withno forwardingaddress. Mr. Quinn at bothoftheaforementionedAndover,Massachusetts, addresses has 2007; April 27, 2007; November20,2008;and March 9, 2009. Mail addressedto accesstohisfile.The ADO haswrittenletterstoMr. QuinndatedJanuary24, Mr. Quinnhasnotrespondedtorequestsforadditionalinformation,including

accounttheseverityofthemisconduct." Coffey'sCase, 152 N.H. 503,513 (2005).

inthefuture." Kg, Conner'sCase, 158 N.H. 299,303 (2009)."Thesanctionmusttakeinto

confidenceinthebar,preservetheintegrityofthelegalprofession,and preventsimilarconduct

The purposeoftheCourt'sdisciplinarypower"istoprotectthepublic,maintainpublic

See PCC Tab 2, atfl19-33.

having found the foregoingviolations. Thereis clear andconvincingevidencethatMr. Quinnbreachedsaid duty,

changeofaddressor torespondtoitsvariousrequestsforinformation: Mr. Quinnhasviolatedtheaforesaiddutyby failingtoapprisetheADO ofany

arrangementstohavehismailforwardedtoanotheraddress. correspondencefrom theADO. Nor,apparently,hasMr. Quinnmade any Mr. Quinnhasdeclinedtoacceptorrespondtoany oftheaforesaid

Massachusetts,address. HampshireBarofany changeinhisofficeaddress,or ofhisotherAndover, At no timesinceJanuary2007 hasMr. QuinnapprisedtheADO or the New

Andover, Massachusetts,address. indicatedthat Mr.Quinncontinuedtomaintainanofficeat the 68 Main Street, The letterheadon hisJanuary2007responseto the ADO'sinitialinquiry

to requests for information. dutytothedisciplinaryauthoritytocooperatewithsuchauthorityand torespond Havingbeendulyapprisedof thesubjectdisciplinarymatter,Mr. Quinnowed a

Mr. Quinnwas timelyapprisedof thedisciplinaryreferralin thismatter.

Rule 8.1(b): Cooperation with DisciplinaryAuthority p. 7 Page 6of11

Court inrespondingto questions raised about hisconduct;he was not candid orcooperativewith

Ms. Lavignein connection with execution of thefiduciaryinventory;he was not candid with the

Court, and to the legal profession. Mr. Quinnmisrepresentedthe signature, oath, and presence of

Under the firstprong ofthe analysis, Mr. Quinn violated duties owed to his client, to the

(2005)).

the sanction for the most serious misconduct." Id.{citingRichmond'sCase, 152 N.H. 155,160

misconduct among a numberofviolations; it might well be and generally should be greater than

imposed "shouldat least beconsistentwith thesanctionfor themost seriousinstanceof

In the caseofmultiplechargesofmisconduct, the ABArecommends that thesanction

considers the effectofany aggravating or mitigating factors on the ultimate sanction.")

whetherthey affect the baseline sanction. See id. ("After determiningthe sanction, [the Court]

fourth and final partofthe analysis: the existenceofany aggravating or mitigating factors and

appropriatesanction.")Once thebaselinesanctionisdetermined,theCourt thenlooksto the

applying these factors, the first step is to categorize therespondent'smisconduct and identify the

misconduct and determining a baseline sanction. See Conner's Case, 158 N.H. at 303. ("In

The first three partsofthe analysis create the framework forcharacterizingthe

or mitigating factors." Id. (quoting Douglas'Case, 155 N.H. 613, 621 (2007)); Standards § 3.0.

potential or actual injury caused by the lawyer's misconduct; and (d) the existenceofaggravating

consider inimposing sanctions:"(a)the duty violated; (b) thelawyer'smental state; (c) the

Conner'sCase, 158 N.H. at 303. The Standards set forth a fourpartanalysisforcourtsto

Although theCourt has notadoptedthe Standards, it looks tothem forguidance. p. 8 Page 7 of11 knowingly engages in anyotherconductthatinvolvesdishonesty,fraud, 5.13 Reprimand [public censure] is generallyappropriatewhen a lawyer practice. 5.11and that seriously adversely reflects on thelawyer'sfitness to criminalconduct which does not containtheelements listedin Standard 5.12 Suspension is generally appropriate when a lawyer knowingly engages in

adversely reflects on thelawyer'sfitness to practice. dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation that seriously (b) a lawyerengages in any other intentionalconductinvolving theseoffenses;or attemptor conspiracy or solicitationofanother tocommit any of controlledsubstances; or the intentional killingofanother; or an misappropriation, or theft; or the sale, distribution or importationof justice,false swearing,misrepresentation,fraud,extortion, which includesintentionalinterferencewith theadministrationof (a) a lawyer engages in serious criminal conduct a necessary elementof

5.11 Disbarmentis generally appropriate when: Standards §5.1entitled "Failure toMaintainPersonalIntegrity,"provides asfollows:

Standards areappropriateforconsideration:

connectionwith Mr. Quinn's lack of candorto the Court,the following provisionsofthe

In determining a baseline sanction, the Standards provide material guidance. In

poses a continuingdangerto the public.

regulatoryprocess,Mr. Quinnhasinterferedwiththeadministrationofjustice.He therebyalso

reputationand integrityofthe legalprofession.Throughhis apparent effort to evade the

misconduct.Here,Mr. Quinncausedharm to hisattorney-clientrelationship,aswellas to the

The thirdprongrequiresanalysisof theactualorpotentialinjurycausedby Mr. Quinn's

theveryleast,Mr. Quinnhasactedknowinglyinconnectionwitheachbreachofduty.

The secondprong of thethree-parttestrequiresanalysisof Mr. Quinn'smentalstate. At

violations.

theADO; and he hasapparentlysoughttoevadetheregulatoryprocess.These areserious p. 9 Page 8of11

or potentialinjuryto a client, the public, or the legalsystem. conductthatis aviolationofa duty as aprofessionaland causesinjury 7.2 Suspensionis generally appropriate when a lawyerknowingly engages in potentially serious injury to a client, the public, or the legal system. intentto obtaina benefitfor thelawyeror another,and causes seriousor inconductthat is aviolationofa duty owed as aprofessionalwith the 7.1 Disbarment isgenerallyappropriatewhen a lawyerknowingly engages

Standards §7.0,entitled"ViolationsofDuties Owed as aProfessional,"providesas follow:

following:

Applicable standards for failing to cooperate with the regulatory authority include the adverseeffecton thelegalproceeding. potentialinjuryto a party, or causes little or noadverseor potentially informationupon learningofits falsity, and causes little or no actual or statementsor documents are false or infailingtodisclosematerial in an isolatedinstanceofneglect indeterminingwhethersubmitted 6.14 Admonition [reprimand] is generally appropriate when alawyerengages legalproceeding. proceeding,or causes an adverse orpotentiallyadverseeffecton the withheld,and causesinjury orpotentialinjury to a party to the legal false or intakingremedialactionwhen materialinformationisbeing negligenteitherindeterminingwhetherstatementsor documents are 6.13 Reprimand [public censure] is generallyappropriatewhen a lawyer is causesan adverseor potentiallyadverse effect on the legalproceeding. and causes injury or potential injury to a party to the legalproceeding,or informationisimproperlybeingwithheld,and takesno remedialaction, statementsor documents arebeingsubmittedto thecourtor thatmaterial 6.12 Suspensionis generally appropriate when a lawyer knowsthatfalse significantadverse effect on the legal proceeding. potentially serious injury to a party, or causes a significant or potentially improperlywithholdsmaterialinformation,and causesseriousor deceivethecourt,makes a falsestatement,submits a falsedocument, or 6.11 Disbarmentis generally appropriate when a lawyer, with theintentto Standards § 6.1, entitled "False Statements, Fraud andMisrepresentation,"provides as follows: practicelaw. in any other conduct that reflects adversely on thelawyer'sfitness to 5.14 Admonition [reprimand] is generally appropriate when a lawyer engages fitness topracticelaw. deceit, ormisrepresentationand that adversely reflects on thelawyer's p. 10 Page 9of11

avoidacceptingdeliveryofmailfromdisciplinaryauthorities.

(andfailingto notifyeithertheMassachusettsorNew HampshireBar)orotherwisemanagingto

soughttoavoidapprehensionbyapparentlychanginghisprofessionaland residentialaddresses

Finally,therecan belittledoubtunderthecircumstancesthatMr. Quinnhasknowingly

behalfofMs. Lavigne.

questionsposedbytheCourtand bytheADO relativetotheexecutionoftheinventoryfiledon

Mr. Quinnalsoknowinglysoughttosidestepthetruthin his evasiveresponseto

inventoryinordertosatisfytheCourt'srequirementfortimelyfilingofthatdocument.

client'ssignatureand thenfalselyswearingtoheroathand presenceattheexecutionof the

Thus,it isundisputedthatMr. QuinnundertooktodeceivetheCourtby forginghis

theallegationssetforthin theNoticeofCharges.Sup.Ct.R.37A(III)(b)(3)(A).

Becauseofhis default inansweringthecharges,Mr. Quinn is deemed to have admitted

.SeePCC Tab 4, at p. 13.

the CumberlandCounty DistrictAttorney.

SupremeCourt,LD-93-001(1993)and atahome addressapparentlysuppliedbyMr. Quinnto

with theNewHampshireBar, {seeIn theMatterofDouglasH. Adamson, New Hampshire

Mr. Quinnwas properlyservedwith theNoticeofCharges,both at theaddresseson file

actualorpotentialinjuryto aclient,thepublic,or thelegalsystem. conduct violates a duty owed as a professional, and causes little or no in an isolated instanceofnegligencein determining whether the lawyer's 7.4 Admonition [reprimand]isgenerallyappropriatewhen a lawyerengages or the legalsystem. professionaland causesinjuryorpotentialinjuryto aclient,thepublic, negligentlyengagesinconductthatis a violationofa duty owed as a 7.3 Reprimand[publiccensure]isgenerallyappropriatewhen a lawyer p. 11 Page 10 of11

Mr. Quinn.

canbemaintained,andtheintegrityof thelegalprofessioncanbepreservedby thedisbarmentof

It is theCommittee'sview that thepublicwillbeprotected,publicconfidencein the bar

analysis, make clear that disbarment is the appropriate sanction.

The aggravatingfactorsevidentin this case,combined with thebaselinesanction

9.32.

disciplinaryauthorities. SeeStandards § 9.22.Thereareno mitigatingfactors. SeeStandards §

natureof hisconduct;and his badfaithobstructionofthedisciplinaryprocessbyeluding

evasiveevidenceinhisinitialresponsetothecomplaint;hisrefusaltoacknowledgethewrongful

factors,whichincludeMr. Quinn'sprioradministrativesuspensions;hisofferofmisleadingand

factors. E.g.,Conner'sCase, 158 N.H. at303. Inthiscase,therearesignificantaggravating

The baselinesanctionmustbeconsideredinlightofanyaggravatingand mitigating

disbarment.

With theforegoinginmind,thebaselinesanctioniseithera lengthysuspensionor

pose a danger to the public.

fitnesstopracticeand suggestingthathiscontinuedinvolvementin thepracticeoflawwould

dishonestand evasiveconductrevealsalackofpersonalintegrity,reflectingadverselyonhis

alsoknowinglyand effectivelyinterferedwiththeadministrationofjustice.Mr. Quinn's

Lavigneand totheintegrityand reputationofthelegalprofession.Significantly,Mr. Quinnhas

Mr. Quinn'sconducthascausedharm bothtohisattorney-clientrelationshipwithMs. p. 12 Page 11 of11

File CharlesR. Quinn, III James L. Kruse, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel Distribution: Chair

December \ft, 2009

37(3)(c).

appealthisdecisionto theNewHampshireSupremeCourt. See also SupremeCourtRule

PursuanttoSupremeCourtRule37(A)(III)(d)(2)(D)(4)(A),Mr. Quinn has therightto

prosecutionofthismatter.

Respondent.The Committeevotedtoassessall costsassociatedwith theinvestigationand

DisciplinaryCounsel to file a petition with the N.H.Supreme Court for the Disbarment of the

3.3(a)(l)(3),8.1(b) and 8.4(a) byclearand convincing evidence, theCommittee directs Assistant

Based on the above reasons, having found violationsofN.H. R. Prof. Conduct