In Re the Disciplinary Proceeding Against Caplinger

This is an appeal from the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Disciplinary Board of the Washington State Bar Association in regard to James J. Caplinger. A 3-member panel held a 2-day hearing and recommended a reprimand for respondent to the board. The board in turn imposed a 1-year suspension from practice. Respondent Caplinger challenges the suspension. Facts giving rise to these proceedings are as follows:

Mary Jones died intestate on May 22, 1968, and 2 years later her daughter, Fredericka Owens requested Caplinger to handle the estate for her. Fredericka Owens had met…