The Iowa Supreme Court has released its first opinions of the 2016-17 term. Both deal with attorney discipline.
Michael Reilly is now again able to practice law in Iowa. Reilly lost his license 10 years ago for depositing client funds into his personal bank account to supplement a gambling addiction.
The ruling notes that Reilly received treatment for his addition from April 2002 through November 2008. A credit report Reilly submitted in his reinstatement application show Reilly having a credit score "in the very-good-to-exceptional range."
The other case dealt with Altoona attorney Deborah Johnson. Johnson is suspended from practicing law for 30 days, due to having an intimate relationship with a client who she was representing pro bono.
The courts notes that Johnson's depression may have contributed to misconduct, which was not as egregious as that of other past cases. But the ruling also states that there is almost always an imbalance of power in a sexual relationship between an lawyer and client.
On Wednesday the high court holds its first day of oral arguments.
