PEOPLE v. PETERS, 05PDJ058 (Colo.O.P.D.J. 8-24-2005)

No. 05PDJ058.Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Supreme Court of Colorado.
August 24, 2005.

Attorney Regulation.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a Conditional Admission of Misconduct submitted by the parties, and suspended Respondent William Ellery Peters (Attorney Registration No. 11325) from the practice of law for a period of forty-five days, effective November 15, 2005 (by subsequent amended order). These proceedings arose from Respondent’s misconduct in knowingly representing a client in a matter while simultaneously maintaining an interest in the outcome of that matter. Respondent also entered into a business transaction with his clients without complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct. Respondent’s misconduct caused potential injury to the administration of justice. Thus, Respondent engaged in conduct constituting grounds for the imposition of discipline pursuant to C.R.C.P. 251.5, and violated Colo. RPC 1.7(b) (representing a client where the representation is materially limited due to the lawyer’s own interests); and 1.8(a) (entering into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquiring an ownership interest adverse to a client). The Court ordered Respondent to pay the costs incurred in conjunction with these proceedings.