Leigh D. Bosse (2011)

A notice of motion for reinstatement to the New Hampshire Bar was published, and

II. Summary of Hearing Panel Report

Bosse applied for reinstatement on June 16,2010.

Conduct involving Dishonesty, Fraud, Deceit or Misrepresentation, and 8.4(a): Misconduct. Mr.

suspended Mr. Bosse for 2 years, for violation of N.H. Rule Prof. Conduct 8.4(c): Engaging

estate transaction. See Tab 17. His real estate license was revoked. On April 4, 2007, the Court

Mr. Bosse was admitted to practice law in 1975. He was convicted of forgery in a real

I. Background

recused and did not participate.

R. Martin and Lawrence A. Vogelman were absent. Committee member Alan J. Cronheim was

A. Daley, Richard H. Darling, and Julie A. Introcaso were present. Committee members James

Chair, Toni M. Gray, Vice Chair, Susan R. Chollet, David N. Cole, Thomas P. Connair, Gerald

captioned matter. Committee members Margaret H. Nelson, Chair, Benette Pizzimenti, Vice

On January 18,2011, the Professional Conduct Committee deliberated the above

LD 2006-0009 In the Matter of Leigh D. Bosse (Reinstatement)

Alan J. Cronheirn Holly B. Fazzino, Admin. Coordinator Thomas P. Connair * non attorney member David N. Cole Lawrence A. Vogelman Susan R. Chollet' James R. Martin Toni M. Gray,' Vice Chair 603-224-5828. Fax 228-9511 Julie A. Introcaso Benette Pizzimenti, Vice Chair Concord, New Hampshire 03301 Richard H. Darling' Margaret H. Nelson, Chair 4 Chenell Drive, Suite 102 Gerald A. Daley'

civil debt in full. The Committee disagrees with the Hearing Panel Recommendation.

to a negative public comment about his fitness to practice law. Mr. Bosse also failed to pay the

conduct in the underlying matter. He failed to acknowledge the moral act of plagiarism which led

The Committee finds that Mr. Bosse failed to acknowledge the criminal nature of his

reinstatement process before mailing it. See Tab 18 at 23.

that he wrote a letter of apology to Ms. Vogel, but was awaiting further direction from the

convicted felon. See Tab 18 at 20, After the Hea.ring Panel Report was issued,]\,;1.1'. Bosse stated

defraud, referencing his forgery conviction. See Tab 18 at 21. He also stated that he is now a

that he regretted that he was unable to convince the judge that he lacked criminal intent to

Attorney Discipline Office, and Mr. Bosse was pro se. During Oral Argument, Mr. Bosse stated

Oral Argument was heard on January 18,2011. Jennifer B. Sargent presented for the

III. Committee's Findings

reinstated, with conditions.

and convincing evidence." The Hearing Panel ultimately recommended that Mr. Bosse be

discussion amongst the Panel, it was unanimously held that plagiarism had been proven by clear

publisher. The Hearing Panel reported:"(a)fter careful consideration of the memoranda, and

hearing was held on September 14, 2010 on the issue of plagiarism in Mr. Bosse's work as

publication, The Messenger, a weekly newspaper in the Hillsboro, N.H. area. An evidentiary

negative comment by a writer alleging that Mr. Bosse had plagiarized her work in his

during the 20-day public comment period several comments were received, including one p. 3 Page 3 of4

reinstatement be denied without prejudice at this time, and that the Court allow Mr. Bosse to

Upon consideration, the Committee recommends that Mr. Bosse's request for

V. Recommendation

convincing evidence, for his reinstatement.

met the burden of proof pursuant to New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 37(l4)(b), by clear and

After deliberation, the Professional Conduct Committee concluded that Mr. Bosse has not

his conduct in the underlying matter; and a failure to pay his civil debt in full.

by clear and convincing evidence; a failure by Mr. Bosse to acknowledge the criminal nature of

Basbanes' Case, 141 N.H. 1, 7 (1996). The record reveals a finding of dishonesty by plagiarism

Grew's Case, 156 N.H. 361, 365 (2007), citing Bosse's Case, 155 N.H. 128 at 131 (2007);

law in this state comes with the concomitant responsibilities of truth, candor and honesty.

of New Hampshire." New Hampshire Supreme Court Rule 42(f). The privilege of practicing

her good moral character before the Committee on Character and Fitness, and the Supreme Court

practice law in the state of New Hampshire shall at all times have the burden of proving his or

It is a basic tenet of New Hampshire practice that"any person who seeks admission to

Court Rule 37(14)(b).

administration of justice, nor subversive to the public interest. See New Hampshire Supreme

practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity and standing of the Bar, detrimental to the

learning in the law to practice law in New Hampshire; and show that the resumption of the

he has the moral qualifications required to practice law in New Hampshire; the competency and

Mr. Bosse has the burden of proof, by clear and convincing evidence, to demonstrate that

IV. Analysis p. 4 Page 4 of4

File Leigh Bosse Jennifer B. Sargent, Disciplinary Counsel Eileen Fox, Clerk, New Hampshire Supreme Court (with Record) Distribution:

March 1--',-, 2011 /

reapply for reinstatement no sooner than one year from the date of the Court's Order.