In Re Complaint as to the Conduct of Laury

The issue is whether, for commingling and eventually converting to his own use the funds of his clients, the accused should be suspended from the practice of law rather than being disbarred. The accused contends that disbarment is not a proper sanction because of the accused’s alcohol dependency during the period in which the commingling and conversion occurred. We hold that he must be disbarred.

The Oregon State Bar (Bar) filed a formal complaint containing three causes, and the complaint and notice to answer were served on the accused on November 13, 1984. Despite the fact that both the…