Committee on Professional Ethics and Grievances of the Virgin Islands Bar Association v. Russell B. Johnson

OPINION OF THE COURT

VAN DUSEN, Circuit Judge.

This is an appeal from a judgment and order of the District Court of the Virgin Islands suspending respondent Johnson from the practice of law for twelve months. Only the basic facts leading to the disbarment proceedings need be recited. On March 9, 1968, Ladra Cutchin requested and empowered respondent, her lawyer, to solicit offers for approximately 42 acres of land on St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, which she wanted to sell. Heeding respondent’s advice, his law clerk, Neil Ward, along with several partners other than respondent, made an…