In Re Sims

“Our purpose in conducting disciplinary proceedings and imposing sanctions is not to punish the attorney....” In re Steele, 630 A.2d 196, 200 (D.C.1993); see also In re Bettis, 855 A.2d 282 (D.C.App.2004). Rather, in administering our disciplinary system, we impose sanctions to protect “the legal profession, the courts, and the public,” In re Lenoir, 604 A.2d 14, 15 (D.C.1992). We also emphasize “the continued and restored fitness of an attorney to practice law.” Bettis, supra.

I part company with my colleagues in this matter and respectfully dissent, in part because in my view Mr. Sims has…