In the Matter of the Discipline of Jere B. Reneer

Justice DURHAM,

opinion of the Court:

INTRODUCTION

1 Attorney Jere Reneer appeals the decision of the Utah Supreme Court's Ethics and Discipline Committee (discipline committee) to privately admonish him for violating rules 1.8(F) and 8.4(a) of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct. We hold that the Office of Professional Conduct (OPC) did not produce substantial evidence that Mr. Reneer violated rule 1.8(f) by failing to obtain the informed consent of his client to receive compensation from a third party. Moreover, rule 8.4(a) may not be used as an independent ground for attorney discipline.…