STATE of Oklahoma ex rel. OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION, Complainant,
v.
Michael C. TAYLOR, Respondent.
No. SCBD-5716.
Supreme Court of Oklahoma.
May 2, 2011.ORDER APPROVING RESIGNATION FROM OKLAHOMA BAR ASSOCIATION PENDING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS
¶ 1 Upon consideration of the Oklahoma Bar Association's application for an order approving the resignation of Michael C. Taylor pending disciplinary proceedings, this Court finds:
1. On April 4, 2011, Taylor submitted his affidavit of resignation from membership in the Oklahoma Bar Association pending disciplinary proceedings.
2. Taylor's affidavit of resignation reflects that: a) it was freely and voluntarily rendered; b) he was not subject to coercion or duress; and c) he was fully aware of the consequences of submitting his resignation.
3. Taylor states the following in his affidavit of resignation:
I am aware that the following disciplinary complaint has been filed against me with the Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma: State of Oklahoma ex rel. Oklahoma Bar Association v. Michael C. Taylor SCBD 5716, OBAD 1850.
4. Taylor is aware that the allegations set forth, if proven, would constitute violations of the Oklahoma Rules Governing Professional Conduct, Okla. Stat. tit. 5, ch. 1, app. 3-A (2001 & 2010), and his oath as an attorney. He waives any and all right to contest the allegations.
5. Taylor's resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is in compliance with all the requirements set forth in Rule 8.1, Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings (RGDP), Okla. Stat. tit. 5, ch.1, app. 1-A (2001 & 2010), and it should be approved.
6. Taylor acknowledges and agrees that he may be reinstated to the practice of law only upon full compliance with the conditions and procedures prescribed by Rule 11 RGDP, and he will make no application for reinstatement prior to the expiration of five years from the effective date of this Order Approving Resignation Pending Disciplinary Proceedings.
7. Taylor acknowledges that, as a result of his conduct, the Client Security Fund may receive claims from his former clients. Taylor agrees that, should the Oklahoma Bar Association approve and pay such Client Security Fund claims, he will reimburse the Fund the principal amounts and the applicable statutory interest prior to the filing of any application for reinstatement.
8. Taylor acknowledges that the Oklahoma Bar Association has incurred costs in the investigation of this matter and may apply to the Court that those costs be reimbursed by him.
9. The official roster address of Taylor as shown by the Oklahoma Bar Association records is Michael C. Taylor, OBA #8877, 7030 S. Yale, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136.
¶ 2 IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that the name of Michael C. Taylor be stricken from the roll of attorneys. Because resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is tantamount to disbarment, Taylor may not make application for reinstatement prior to the expiration of five years from the effective date of this order. Pursuant to Rule 9.1, Taylor shall notify all of his clients having legal business pending with him of his inability to represent them and of the necessity for promptly retaining new counsel. Notification shall be given to these clients within twenty days by certified mail. Repayment to the Client Security Fund for any monies expended because of the malfeasance or nonfeasance of the attorney shall be one of the conditions of reinstatement.
*44 ¶ 3 DONE BY ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT IN CONFERENCE this 2nd day of May, 2011.
ALL JUSTICES CONCUR.