The findings and recommendations of a disciplinary hearing
panel, though persuasive, are not binding on this court. In re Discipline of
Stuhff, 108 Nev. 629, 633, 837 P.2d 853, 855 (1992). The automatic review
of a panel decision recommending a suspension is conducted de novo,
requiring the exercise of independent judgment by this court. Id.; see SCR
105(3)(b).
Based on our review of the record, the suspension
recommendation is insufficient in relation to Sipan's admitted conduct.
Accordingly, we reject the conditional guilty plea agreement and remand
this matter to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board for further
proceedings.
It is so ORDERED.
, C.J.
Hardesty
4:29tial"'
Parraguirre Douglas
tr)
k41,
Saitta
Gibbons
SUPREME COURT
OF
NEVADA
2
(0) 1947 A er.
cc: Chair, Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board
Richard C. Sipan
Bar Counsel, State Bar of Nevada
Kimberly K. Farmer, Executive Director, State Bar of Nevada
Perry Thompson, Admissions Office, United States Supreme Court
SUPREME COURT
OF
NEVADA
3
(0) 1947A e