In Re the Discipline of Claggett

(on reassignment).

[¶ 1] The South Dakota State Bar initiated formal attorney disciplinary proceedings resulting in a recommendation from the Disciplinary Board for a public censure. After a hearing, the Referee (Circuit Judge Jack Von Wald) recommended a private reprimand. Although we adopt his findings, we respectfully reject the Referee’s recommendation and determine the appropriate disciplinary action to be public censure.

FACTS

[¶ 2] David L. Claggett graduated from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1981 and was admitted to the practice of law in this state on January 4, 1982. He…